MedWorm: Allergy & Immunology

AFFiRiS AG: Interim Analysis Of Clinical Phase I Data Triggered Decision To Move Alzheimer's Vaccine Candidate AD02 Into Clinical Phase II Testing

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

AFFiRiS AG will focus its Alzheimer's vaccine program on one product candidate at an unexpectedly early stage of development: the vaccine candidate AD02 is planned to enter into Phase II clinical trial early in 2010. This decision by the company immediately follows the completion of two Phase I trials with the candidates AD01 and AD02. The company based its fast decision on the first interim analysis of the secondary endpoints at the six month time point. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Military Study Shows Prevention Of Novel A/H1N1 Virus Infection Is Vaccine-Type And Age-Dependent

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Immunization with either live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, also known as FluMist®), or trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV), appears to offer a protection (~ 45%) against the novel A/H1N1 virus, the cause of the present influenza pandemic. However, the benefit was largely attributed to the youngest age group. The finding emerges from an evaluation of medical encounters and seasonal influenza immunization of U.S. military service members. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Immunologist At Children's Hospital Receives Daland Prize For Patient-Oriented Research

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A pediatric immunologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received a prestigious annual award from the American Philosophical Society, an organization founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin. Jordan S. Orange, M.D., Ph.D., received the Society's Judson Daland Prize on Nov. 13 for his contributions to research and treatment of inherited immune deficiency diseases. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Inovio Biomedical Universal DNA Vaccine For Chikungunya Virus Demonstrates Protective Antibody Responses In Monkey Model

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex: INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced that the company's SynCon™ Chikungunya virus DNA vaccine induced protective neutralizing antibody responses in a preclinical non-human primate model. Dr. David B. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

FDA Advisory Committee Finds Data Support The Safety And Effectiveness Of Prevnar 13™ Vaccine For The Prevention Of Invasive Pneumococcal Diseas

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted 10 to 1 that the data presented support the safety and effectiveness of its 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate candidate vaccine, Prevnar 13™ (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]), for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and young children. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Egg white specific IgE levels in serum as clinical reactivity predictors in the course of egg allergy follow-up

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Montesinos E, Martorell A, Félix R, Cerdá JC. Egg white specific IgE levels in serum as clinical reactivity predictors in the course of egg allergy follow-up.Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009.© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S It is thought that the natural evolution of egg allergy has a good tolerance prognosis. However, there are few follow-up studies that determine the exact probability of tolerance. The aim of this study was to determine the likelihood that children younger than 2,5 years of age with allergy to egg would eventually have tolerance to it and to analyze if monitoring egg white[ndash]specific IgE level over time could be used as a predictor for determining when patients develop clinical tolerance. We performed a retrospective study of our last 42 patients diagnosed with egg allerg...

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Linkage Biosciences Unveils LinkSeqTM -- A Revolutionary New Tool For Immunogenetic Testing

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0100

Linkage Biosciences, Inc., a privately held molecular diagnostics company, recently unveiled LinkSeq™ -- a new one-step method for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing -- at the annual meeting of the American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) in San Francisco. Much faster than other HLA testing methods currently available, LinkSeq™ is a proprietary sequence-specific priming (SSP) chemistry that can be analyzed utilizing real-time PCR platforms. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Also In Global Health News: Sleeping Sickness; Aid For Philippines; U.S., China In Africa; Polio Eradication In Afghanistan; Ethiopia Famine

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Lancet Infectious Diseases Examines Hold-Ups In Implementation Of Sleeping Sickness Therapy (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Women At Risk From Vitamin A Deficiency

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists at Newcastle University have found. The team, led by Dr Georg Lietz, has shown that almost 50 per cent of women have a genetic variation which reduces their ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

An Overactive Immune Response Linked To Viral Infections Among Elderly

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found that exaggerated responses of the immune system explain why the elderly succumb to viral infections more readily than younger people. Published in the November 19 Cell Host & Microbe, the study bucks the general belief that declining immune responses are to blame for susceptibility to viral infections. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

GAVI Alliance Drives Down Pentavalent Vaccine Costs, Data Shows

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

The "co-ordinated buying policy" of the GAVI Alliance has driven down "[t]he price of a vaccine that helps babies fight off killer diseases," according to data released by the group, Reuters reports. In 2010, the price of pentavalent vaccine, which protects against Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and hepatitis B, will fall "below $3.0 - a drop of almost $0. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Have Egg Allergy? You May Still Be Candidate For Flu Vaccines, Says Allergist

Allergy News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

As flu season got underway this fall, Dr. Catherine Monteleone, an allergist, noticed that her office started to receive an unusually high number of calls from people with egg allergy. They previously had avoided flu vaccines because of their sensitivity to eggs. This year, with all the attention being paid to the novel H1N1 influenza, those patients want to be protected against flu, and they contacted her to find out if they are candidates for inoculation. (Source: Allergy News From Medical News Today)

Researchers Discover Antibody Receptor Identity, Propose Renaming Immune-System Gene

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have uncovered the genetic identity of a cellular receptor for the immune system's first-response antibody, a discovery that sheds new light on infection control and immune disorders. The discovery is such a crucial part of immunology that UAB researchers, in conjunction with Japanese researchers, are asking that the gene linked to this antibody receptor be renamed to better describe its role in early immune responses. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Projects Designed To Advance Understanding Of Molecular Networks

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held life sciences company marketing a molecular barcoding detection system, has announced that it is collaborating with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard to investigate molecular networks involved in immune response and other important biological processes. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Cells That Control Inflammation In Chronic Disease

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A new type of immune cell that can be out of control in certain chronic inflammatory diseases, worsening the symptoms of conditions like psoriasis and asthma, is described for the first time this week in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Immune Cells On The Move

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Biochemistry in Martinsried near Munich, Germany, have now deciphered the mechanism that illustrates how these mobile cells move on diverse surfaces. "Similar to a car, these cells have an engine, a clutch and wheels which provide the necessary friction," explains Michael Sixt, a research group leader at the MPI of Biochemistry. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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NHS Choices assessment of press reports about poor swine flu vaccine uptake

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News NHS Choices has produced an assessment of press reports that pregnant women and other vulnerable people are refusing to have the swine flu vaccine. These news reports are based on two articles in Pulse, one on overall uptake based on a "snapshot" survey of GPs and the other, on uptake in pregnant women. Pulse surveyed 107 GPs, asking them whether they felt they would achieve the Government target in their practice of vaccinating at least half of their patients who are under 65 and in high-risk groups this winter, and the estimated vaccine uptake in their practice. The survey found that only 37% of GPs believed that their practice could achieve the government's target, based on their experience so far. Just over half said they would not hit the tar...

hnRNP-K is a nuclear target of TCR-activated ERK and required for T-cell late activation

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

Sustained extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-signaling plays a critical role in T-cell-mediated IL-2 production. Although many downstream targets are known for ERK, details remain unknown about which molecules play functional roles in IL-2 production. Here, we addressed this question using proteomic analysis of nuclear proteins from TCR-activated T cells and identified hnRNP-K as one of the ERK targets essential for IL-2 production. hnRNP-K was previously shown by others to be a direct substrate of ERK and form complexes with multiple signaling proteins as well as DNA and RNA. Our data showed a clear ERK-dependent increase in one form of hnRNP-K after TCR stimulation. Small interfering RNA-mediated gene knockdown of hnRNP-K expression abrogated IL-2 production by T cells. Moreover...

Induction of TNF-alpha-converting enzyme-ectodomain shedding by pathogenic autoantibodies

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

The release of the soluble form of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha from the plasma membrane occurs through the activation of the secretase tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE). The current study was designed to examine whether the anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies (Abs) are capable to regulate TACE expression in non-neoplastic human salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) cultures. We investigated the effect of anti-Ro/SSA Abs on the localization and abundance of cell-surface TACE and on TACE pro-domain-shedding and activation. In addition, the potential physiological consequences of TNF-alpha blockage by the biological agent Adalimumab on post-translational regulation of TACE are discussed. Anti-Ro/SSA Abs were purified from IgG fractions of patients with primary Sjögren's ...

Regulatory and pro-inflammatory phenotypes of myelin basic protein-autoreactive T cells in multiple sclerosis

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

MBP-specific autoreactive T cells are considered pro-inflammatory T cells and thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we report that MBP83–99-specific T cells generated from MS patients (n = 7) were comprised of pro-inflammatory and regulatory subsets of distinct phenotypes. The pro-inflammatory phenotype was characterized by high production of IFN-, IL-6, IL-21 and IL-17 and low expression of FOXP3, whereas the regulatory subset expressed high levels of FOXP3 and exhibited potent regulatory functions. The regulatory subset of MBP-specific T cells appeared to expand from the CD4+CD25– T-cell pool. Their FOXP3 expression was stable, independent of the activation state and it correlated with suppressive function and inversely with t...

Expression of fully assembled TCR-CD3 complex on double positive thymocytes: synergistic role for the PRS and ER retention motifs in the intra-cytoplasmic tail of CD3{varepsilon}

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

TCR expression on double-positive (DP) thymocytes is a prerequisite for thymic selection that results in the generation of mature CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive T cells. TCR is expressed at very low level on preselection DP thymocytes and is dramatically up-regulated on positively selected thymocytes. However, mechanism governing TCR expression on developing thymocytes is not understood. In the present report, we demonstrate that the intra-cytoplasmic (IC) domain of CD3 plays a critical role in regulating TCR expression on DP thymocytes. We provide genetic and biochemical evidence to show that the CD3 IC domain mutations result in elevated expression of fully assembled TCR on DP thymocytes. We also demonstrate that TCR up-regulation on DP thymocytes in these transgenic mice occurs in a liga...

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The study of allergy by Japanese researchers: a historical perspective

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

This article is aimed at introducing such individual work and how these areas have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms of allergic reactions. (Source: International Immunology)

IL-5- and eosinophil-mediated inflammation: from discovery to therapy

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

IL-5 was originally defined as a T-cell-derived cytokine that triggers activated B cells for terminal differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells, at least in mice. Concurrently, IL-5 was recognized as the major maturation and differentiation factor for eosinophils in mice and humans. Over-expression of IL-5 significantly increases eosinophil numbers and antibody levels in vivo. Conversely, mice lacking a functional gene for IL-5 or the IL-5 receptor alpha chain (IL-5R) display a number of developmental and functional impairments in B-cell and eosinophil lineages. In addition to the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, the tyrosine kinases Lyn and Btk (Bruton agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase) are involved, and Ras GTPase–extracellula...

In this issue

International Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:03 +0100

(Source: International Immunology)

Cell phenotyping in saliva of individuals under psychological stress.

Cellular Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:04 +0100

Authors: Dos-Santos MC, Matos-Gomes N, Makimoto FH, Katsurayama M, Santana LL, Becker MA, Paredes-Garcia E, Bertho AL Total leukocytes, NK cells, B and T lymphocytes present in the saliva of medical students with or without stress were quantified by flow cytometry in 10,000 events. The symptoms of psychological stress were monitored with Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (ISSL). No significant differences were observed in the number of cells phenotyped in students with and those without psychological stress. However, a negative correlation was observed between the number of NK cells and T lymphocytes in students with stress (r=-0.8173; p=0.0058), suggesting that innate immunity is predominant in the adaptation phase. PMID: 19744647 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Sourc...

Lipoic acid attenuates high fat diet-induced chronic oxidative stress and immunosuppression in mice jejunum: a microarray analysis.

Cellular Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:04 +0100

Authors: Cui J, Le G, Yang R, Shi Y A high fat diet (HFD) has long been linked to immune dysfunction, including diminished numbers or reactivity of lymphocytes, increased susceptibility to infection, inhibited lymphocytes function during antigen-specific responses and developed oxidative stress. Whereas the molecular mechanistic events associated with immune deficiency remain to be fully determined. Using the DNA microarray system, we analyzed the gene expression patterns of lymphocyte related signal transduction proteins in jejunum of C57BL/6 mice in order to gain insight on the possible molecular mechanism by which HFD induced oxidative stress effects on signal transduction of lymphocytes. Results of present study showed that HFD induced oxidative stress and immunosuppression in jeju...

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T lineage differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Cellular Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:04 +0100

In this study, we co-cultured iPS cells on OP9 cells expressing the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (DL1), the iPS cells differentiated into T lymphocytes. In addition, in vitro stimulation of iPS cell-derived T lymphocytes resulted in secretion of IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Moreover, adoptive transfer of iPS cell-derived T lymphocytes into Rag-deficient mice reconstituted their T cell pools. These results indicate that iPS cells are able to follow the normal program of T cell differentiation. PMID: 19811778 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Cellular Immunology)

Fast generation of dendritic cells.

Cellular Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:04 +0100

Authors: Kvistborg P, Boegh M, Pedersen AW, Claesson MH, Zocca MB Dendritic cells (DC) are potent antigen presenting cells capable of inducing immune responses. DC are widely used as vaccine adjuvant in experimental clinical settings. DC-based vaccines are normally generated using a standard 8day DC protocol (SDDC). In attempts to shorten the vaccine production we have developed fast DC protocol by comparing two different fast DC protocols with SDDC. DC were evaluated by FACS analysis, and the optimal profile was considered: CD14(low), CD80(high), CD83(high), CD86(high), CCR7(high), HLA class I and II(high). FACS profiles were used as the selection criteria together with yield and morphology. Two fast DC protocols fulfilled these criteria and were selected for functional analysis. Our ...

Qiliqiangxin regulates the balance between tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 and improves cardiac function in rats with myocardial infarction.

Cellular Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:04 +0100

Authors: Xiao H, Song Y, Li Y, Liao YH, Chen J The study investigated the effects of traditional Chinese drug Qiliqiangxin on cardiac function and the expression of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha/IL-10 in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Rats with MI were randomly divided into drug-treated group (MI-Q) and control group (MI-C) compared with sham-operated group (S). Rats in the MI-Q group were treated with crude drug of oral Qiliqiangxin 24h after operation at the dosage of 4g/kg/day for 4weeks, while in MI-C group and S group were treated with normal saline at the same time. Echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters, histopathologic changes and the expression of myocardial cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-10 were assessed 4weeks after the drug therapy. The results...

KHN Column: Is Fear Of Flu Shifting The Goal Posts?

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

In this column for Kaiser Health News, Shannon Brownlee and Jeanne Lenzer write about the swine flu. "If any public health message has alarmed Americans in recent weeks, it is the repeated claim in the media that healthy young people are dying of 2009 H1N1, or swine flu. ... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

GAVI's Impact On Vaccine Market Is Bringing Down Prices

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Following the increasing impact of the GAVI Alliance on the vaccine market, the price of one of the major combination vaccines, the pentavalent, is falling considerably, enabling GAVI's partners to vaccinate millions of more children in the developing world. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Immediate, Aggressive Spending On HIV/AIDS Could End Epidemic

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Money available to treat HIV/AIDS is sufficient to end the epidemic globally, but only if we act immediately to control the spread of the disease. That was the conclusion of a study just published in the open-access journal, BMC Public Health. This approach defies conventional thinking, which recommends gradual spending over 15-20 years. Canadian Researchers found that an aggressive program over five years is the only way to end the epidemic given our current resources. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Vaccine To Treat Nicotine Addiction Steps Closer To Market As Companies Agree Option Deal

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

An experimental vaccine called NicVAX, designed to treat nicotine addiction that works by stopping the drug from reaching the brain, moved a step closer to the market when the vaccine developer Nabi Biopharmaceuticals (Nabi), based in Rockville, Maryland, US agreed an option and licensing deal with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (GSK), based in Brussels, Belgium. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Scientists Guide Immune Cells With Light And Microparticles

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

A team led by Yale University scientists has developed a new approach to studying how immune cells chase down bacteria in our bodies. Their findings are described in the November 15 issue of Nature Methods Advanced Online Publication. When bacteria enter our bodies they secrete molecules, leaving behind chemical trails as they move through our system. It has been known for some time that immune cells follow these trails in order to hunt the bacteria. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Annals Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology To Be Published By Elsevier

Allergy News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Elsevier is pleased to announce that beginning with Volume 104 (2010) it will assume publication of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the official journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). The i>Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, published since 1942, will continue under the leadership of Editor Gailen D. Marshall, MD, PhD and a distinguished editorial board. (Source: Allergy News From Medical News Today)

Petascale Computing Tools Could Provide Deeper Insight Into Genomic Evolution

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Technological advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing have opened up the possibility of determining how living things are related by analyzing the ways in which their genes have been rearranged on chromosomes. However, inferring such evolutionary relationships from rearrangement events is computationally intensive on even the most advanced computing systems available today. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Role of Tissue Factor in the Maternal Immunological Attack of the Embryo in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:47:20 +0100

Abstract Recurrent fetal loss affects 1–5% of women of childbearing age. Immunological mechanisms may account for 40% of recurrent miscarriages, and in particular, the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) appears to be implicated in 7–25% of the cases. Because antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies have thrombogenic properties, fetal loss in patients with APS has been ascribed to thrombosis of placental vessels. However, we have shown that inflammation, specifically activation of complement with generation of the anaphylotoxin C5a, is an essential trigger of fetal injury. Thrombosis and inflammation are linked in many clinical conditions. Tissue factor (TF), the major cellular initiator of the coagulation protease cascade, plays important roles in both thrombosis and inflammatio...

Variable effects of cyclophosphamide in rodent models of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have evaluated the effects of cyclophosphamide on the development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in four EAE rodent models: monophasic EAE in Lewis rats, protracted relapsing (PR)-EAE in DA rats, myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG)-induced EAE in C57Bl/6 mice and proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced EAE in Swiss/Jackson Laboratory (SJL) mice. Cyclophosphamide, administered either prophylactically or therapeutically, suppressed most strongly the clinical symptoms of PR-EAE in DA rats. Treated rats in this group also exhibited the lowest degree of inflammatory infiltration of the spinal cord, as well as the lowest levels of nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma. Cyclophosphamide prophylactically, but not therapeutically, also delayed si...

Calcineurin inhibitors affect B cell antibody responses indirectly by interfering with T cell help

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In general, humoral immune responses depend critically upon T cell help. In transplantation, prevention or treatment of humoral rejection therefore require drugs that ideally inhibit both B cell and T helper cell activity. Here, we studied the effects of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs [tacrolimus, cyclosporin, mycophenolic acid (MPA) and rapamycin] on T cell helper activity and on T cell-dependent B cell responses. T cells were activated polyclonally in the presence of immunosuppressive drugs in order to analyse the effect of these drugs on T cell proliferation, co-stimulatory ligand expression and cytokines. The impact of immunosuppressive drugs on T cell-dependent immunoglobulin production by B cells was addressed in T[ndash]B cell co-cultures. All drugs affected T cell proliferat...

Deficiency in activation-induced cytidine deaminase promotes systemic autoimmunity in lpr mice on a C57BL/6 background

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Activation-induced deaminase (AID) is a prerequisite for immunoglobulin (Ig) class-switch recombination and somatic hypermutation, which is critical for antibody affinity maturation. IgM and IgG autoantibodies are characteristic of the systemic autoimmune disorders such as lupus. However, the relative contributions of hypermutated high-affinity IgG antibodies and germline-encoded IgM antibodies to systemic autoimmunity are not defined fully. The role of AID in autoimmunity is unclear. The current study used AID-deficient mice to investigate the role of AID in the development and pathogenesis of murine lupus. C57BL/6 mice deficient in both Fas and AID were generated. Compared to their AID-competent littermates, AID[minus]/[minus] lymphoproliferative (lpr) mice produced significantly elevate...

10 Technologies That Made News In 2009 And Warrant Watching In 2010

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

A first-of-its kind inhalable measles vaccine for developing countries, where the disease remains a scourge. A "nanogenerator" that could recharge iPods and other electronic devices with a shake. And for Fido and Fluffy, a long-awaited once-a-month pill for both ticks and fleas. It's list season, the time to prepare inventories of what stood out in 2009 and holds promise for the year ahead. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Compound Created That Boosts Anti-Inflammatory Fat Levels

Allergy News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

UC Irvine pharmacology researchers have discovered a way to boost levels of a natural body fat that helps decrease inflammation, pointing to possible new treatments for allergies, illnesses and injuries related to the immune system. For decades, it has been known that this fat, called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), is a potent anti-inflammatory substance that reduces both allergic symptoms and occurrences of rheumatic fever, but researchers understood little about how PEA works. (Source: Allergy News From Medical News Today)

Cytokine Expression in CD3+ Cells in an Infant with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): Case Report

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:38:59 +0100

In this study, we report a case of FPIES to rice in an 8-month-old boy. We performed a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) to rice and we measured the intracellular T cell expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4); IL-10, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) pre-and post-challenge during an acute FPIES reaction and when tolerance to rice had been achieved. For the first time we describe an increase in T cell IL-4 and decrease in IFN-γ expression after a positive challenge with rice (i.e. rice triggered a FPIES attack) and an increase in T cell IL-10 expression after rice challenge 6 months later after a negative challenge (i.e., the child had acquired tolerance to rice) in an 8 month old with documented FPIES to rice. A Th2 activation associated with high IL-4 levels ...

Editorial Board

Journal of Neuroimmunology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:38:46 +0100

(Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology)

Probable Cause Of HIV Vaccine Failure

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

The recent failure of an HIV vaccine was probably caused by the immune system reacting to the virus 'shell' used to transmit the therapy around the body, according to research published 16 November 2009 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The trial, called 'STEP', was halted in September 2007 because preliminary results suggested that people who had been given the vaccine were more likely to be infected with HIV than people who had been given a placebo. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Heart Disease Outcomes Predicted By Marker Of Oxidative Stress

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Judging from the number of juices and teas advertised as containing antioxidants, consumers are aware of the dangers of oxidative stress. But what is the best way to measure it - and fight it? Doctors at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a substance in the blood that may be useful in predicting an individual's risk for heart disease. The substance is cystine, an oxidized form of the amino acid cysteine and an indirect measure of oxidative stress. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Inflammation Critical In Aortic Dissection: UTMB

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

The aorta, the body's largest artery, stretches from the chest to below the kidneys, expanding and contracting with the pressure of blood driven directly into it by the heart. Although its walls are extraordinarily strong, like other blood vessels the aorta can sometimes develop bulges, called aneurysms. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Previous Seasonal Flu Infections May Provide Some Level Of H1N1 Immunity

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology have found that previous influenza infections may provide at least some level of immunity to the H1N1 "swine" flu. "The question we asked was, "Is the swine flu more like the seasonal flu or like a totally new strain of influenza where there would be no immunity?," said Alessandro Sette, Ph.D., an internationally recognized vaccine expert and director of the La Jolla Institute's Center for Infectious Disease. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Evidence Of Food Allergies Growing Among Children

Allergy News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Food allergy is a serious and sometimes life-threatening health issue that is increasing among children of all ages, races and ethnicities. Reports indicate that food allergies, especially peanut allergies, are growing, but there is limited knowledge about diagnosis and treatment on a national basis. "Food Allergy Among Children in the United States," published in the December issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Nov. (Source: Allergy News From Medical News Today)

FDA Approves Additional Vaccine For 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has approved a fifth vaccine for protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccine is manufactured by ID Biomedical Corp. of Quebec, Canada, owned by GlaxoSmithKline PLC. As with the four previous H1N1 influenza vaccines licensed by the FDA on Sept. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Vaccine Against Chlamydia Not Far Away

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

"Now that we know how the body defends itself against the Chlamydia bacteria, we can develop a vaccine that optimises that defence. We have a basic understanding of how the vaccine could work, but some work remains to be done. We believe that it will take a few years before the vaccine becomes a reality," says researcher Ellen Marks, the author of the thesis. The body defends itself against infections with a type of white cell called the T lymphocyte. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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NOVAVAX Completes First Stage Of Enrollment In Pivotal H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Study In The Country Of Mexico

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that enrollment has been completed in the first stage of a two-stage clinical study of its novel 2009 H1N1 virus-like-particle (VLP) pandemic influenza unadjuvanted vaccine in the country of Mexico. An independent data and safety monitoring board has reviewed preliminary safety data from the first half of this cohort and recommended that this first stage continue as planned. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Experts To Answer H1N1 Questions During Live Facebook Chat

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

People who have questions about the H1N1 flu can get answers from infectious disease experts at Rush University Medical Center during a one-hour, live Facebook chat to be held on Friday, November 20 from12 p.m. until 1 p.m. "Rush On-Call" will be the first information chat session hosted on the Rush University Medical Center Facebook page. Dr. James McAuley, director of pediatric infectious diseases, and Dr. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Autoantibody-mediated regulation of B cell responses by functional anti-CD22 autoantibodies in patients with systemic sclerosis

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the presence and functional property of circulating autoantibodies reacting with CD22 in systemic sclerosis. Serum samples from 10 tight skin (TSK/+) mice and 50 SSc patients were assessed for anti-CD22 autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant mouse or human CD22. The association between anti-CD22 antibodies and clinical features was also investigated in SSc patients. Furthermore, the influence of SSc serum including anti-CD22 autoantibodies for CD22 tyrosine phosphorylation was examined by Western blotting using phosphotyrosine-specific antibodies reacting with four major tyrosine motifs of CD22 cytoplasmic domain. Anti-CD22 autoantibodies were positive in 80% of TSK/+ mice and in 22% of SSc patients. Patients positive for anti-CD22...

Children with frequent infections: A proposal for a stepwise assessment and investigation of the immune system

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Cassimos DC, Liatsis M, Stogiannidou A, Kanariou MG. Children with frequent infections: A proposal for a stepwise assessment and investigation of the immune system. 'The immune defense to foreign invaders' Symphony. Which instrument is out of tune?Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009.© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Although many children develop frequent infections, only a few have an underlying immune disorder. Children with dysfunction of the immune system develop frequent infections and/or recurrent, persistent, severe, and rare infections. The aim of this review is to provide to the clinician a valuable tool for recognizing any 'discords' of the 'immune-system symphonic orchestra'. By following a reverse route, it will be possible to brighten up the dark and winding road of immunodeficiencies an...

Neurodegeneration and Increased Production of Nitrotyrosine, Nitric Oxide Synthase, IFN-g and S100b Protein in the Spinal Cord of IL-12p40-Deficient Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:67-78 (DOI:10.1159/000258689) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

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Effects of Acute Cold Stress on Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells: The Role of Corticosterone

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:79-87 (DOI:10.1159/000258690) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Involvement of Nuclear Factor-kB and Nurr-1 in Cytokine-Induced Transcription of Proopiomelanocortin Gene in AtT20 Corticotroph Cells

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:88-96 (DOI:10.1159/000258691) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Reduces Infarct Volume but Not Edema Formation in Acute Stroke

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:97-102 (DOI:10.1159/000258692) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Upregulation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type-1 Receptor Expression in Oral Lichen Planus

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:103-108 (DOI:10.1159/000258693) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Restraint Stress Fails to Render C57BL/6 Mice Susceptible to Theiler's Virus-Induced Demyelination

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:109-119 (DOI:10.1159/000258694) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

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Expression of Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein in the Immune System: Possible Functions and Relevance to Multiple Sclerosis

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:120-125 (DOI:10.1159/000258695) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

The MCP-1 Gene (SCYA2) and Mood Disorders: Preliminary Results of a Case-Control Association Study

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:126-131 (DOI:10.1159/000258696) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Can T-Cell Deficiency Affect Spatial Learning Ability following Toluene Exposure?

Neuroimmunomodulation — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:132-134 (DOI:10.1159/000258697) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Food Allergy Prevalence Rises Dramatically (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:15:08 +0100

The prevalence of reported food allergies and visits to hospitals and doctors offices for treatment related to food allergies have risen dramatically among children in the U.S. in the past decade, but the underlying causes for these increases remain unclear, a new study found. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

Research Highlights

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:01 +0100

Nature Immunology 10, 1236 (2009). doi:10.1038/ni1209-1236 (Source: Nature Immunology)

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B cell memory: how to start and when to end

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:01 +0100

Authors: Nadege Pelletier & Michael G McHeyzer-Williams Antigen-driven selection in germinal centers lays the foundation of effective B cell memory. Two reports in this issue reveal novel mechanisms that control effective formation of germinal centers and their long-term persistence in vivo. (Source: Nature Immunology)

T cells need Nod too?

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:01 +0100

Authors: Shahram Salek-Ardakani & Michael Croft Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (Nod2) is required for sensing of intracellular bacteria and subsequent inflammatory responses. Unexpectedly, new evidence suggests that Nod2 influences T helper cell signaling, proliferation and differentiation and effector responses against Toxoplasma gondii. (Source: Nature Immunology)

MicroRNA-managing the TH-17 inflammatory response

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:01 +0100

Authors: Aaron J Martin, Liang Zhou & Stephen D Miller The differentiation of interleukin 17–producing helper T cells is controlled by a complex network of cytokines, signaling pathways and transcription factors. Regulation by microRNA particles can now be added to this list. (Source: Nature Immunology)

Data management: it starts at the bench

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:01 +0100

Authors: Damien Chaussabel, Hideki Ueno, Jacques Banchereau & Charles Quinn Data management has been neglected but should be made an integral activity in all research laboratories. Chaussabel and colleagues discuss how to implement this at the bench. (Source: Nature Immunology)

Science: a common language

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:38:01 +0100

Nature Immunology 10, 1223 (2009). doi:10.1038/ni1209-1223 Science and technology can be used to build relations between countries. Thus, scientific diplomacy is becoming increasingly important. (Source: Nature Immunology)

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0022-1767; +53873 new citations

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:10:58 +0100

53873 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results: 0022-1767 These pubmed results were generated on 2009/11/16PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine, includes over 15 million citations for biomedical articles back to the 1950's. These citations are from MEDLINE and additional life science journals. PubMed includes links to many sites providing full text articles and other related resources. (Source: Journal of Immunology)

Swine Flu Vaccine Safety By Dr John Devlin, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department Of Health And Children, Ireland

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

A recent publication questioned the public health concern about swine flu and raised issues on vaccine safety and must be corrected. Pandemic 2009 (H1N1) or swine flu is a public health emergency with good reason. Since the WHO declared a pandemic in June 2009, swine flu is reported now in more than 199 countries approaching half a million confirmed cases and over 6,000 deaths. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Thoughtful Words Help Couples Stay Fighting Fit

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system. "Previous research has shown that couples who are hostile to each other show health impairments and are at greater risk of disease," said Jennifer Graham, assistant professor of biobehavioral health, Penn State. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Child Food Allergies on the Rise in U.S.

MedicineNet Allergies General — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Child Food Allergies on the Rise in U.S.Category: Health NewsCreated: 11/16/2009 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/16/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

Dendritic cell subsets in primary and secondary T cell responses at body surfaces

Nature Immunology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: William R Heath & Francis R Carbone (Source: Nature Immunology)

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The Public Health Agency Of Canada Updates Recommendations On H1N1 Vaccine For Children

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The Public Health Agency of Canada today updated its recommendations on H1N1 flu vaccine dosing for children between 3 years and 9 years of age. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

What does the report of the USMHRP Phase III study in Thailand mean for HIV and for vaccine developers?

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:58:07 +0100

Authors: Graham BS PMID: 19906099 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Retraction statement.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:58:05 +0100

Authors: PMID: 19906100 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

New Award To Study The Effects Of Radiation And Aging On The Human Immune System Announced By NIAID

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded nearly $9.7 million over five years to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), Japan, to study the effects of atomic bomb radiation and aging on the human immune system. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Higher HLA class I expression in renal cell carcinoma than in autologous normal tissue

Tissue Antigens — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A total of 93 frozen primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) samples and 31 frozen samples of corresponding normal renal tissue were analyzed for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and HLA-DR expression. Unexpectedly, HLA class I expression was much higher on RCC cells than on normal renal tubular cells. Immunohistochemistry analysis of frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue samples, applying an extended panel of specific anti-HLA monoclonal antibodies, showed elevated HLA class I antigen expression in 95.6% of the tumors vs only 12.9% of normal renal tissues. These findings were confirmed by molecular analysis of HLA heavy chain and [beta]2-microglobulin ([beta]2m) transcription levels using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on microdissected tissue samples (isolated tumor...

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TMA Flu Fighters Dispel Flu Vaccine Myths

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Myths about the flu shot are circulating like flu bugs. The Texas Medical Association's (TMA's) Flu Fighter physicians want to set the record straight about the safety of seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. Vaccines Are Recommended, and Safe The Flu Fighters recommend everyone get the seasonal flu vaccine. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

FDA Expands Approved Use Of H1N1 Vaccines To Include Infants And Children

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of CSL Limited's 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to include children ages 6 months and older. This vaccine was previously approved only for use in adults, ages 18 years and older. "Because children are among those most vulnerable to the 2009 H1N1 virus, having a broader range of children's vaccines available is an important step in responding to the H1N1 outbreak," said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Macrophage- and Dendritic-Cell-Derived Interleukin-15 Receptor Alpha Supports Homeostasis of Distinct CD8+ T Cell Subsets

Immunity — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:05 +0100

Erwan Mortier, Rommel Advincula, Leesun Kim, Stephen Chmura, Julio Barrera, Boris Reizis, Barbara A. Malynn, Averil Ma. Interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) is a pleiotropically expressed molecule that chaperones and trans-presents IL-15 to NK and T cells. To investigate whether IL-15Rα presented by diffe.... (Source: Immunity)

Coactivation of Syk Kinase and MyD88 Adaptor Protein Pathways by Bacteria Promotes Regulatory Properties of Neutrophils

Immunity — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:05 +0100

Xiaoming Zhang, Laleh Majlessi, Edith Deriaud, Claude Leclerc, Richard Lo-Man. Neutrophils are one of the first lines of defense against microbial pathogens and are rapidly recruited at the infection site upon inflammatory conditions. We show here that after bacterial stimul.... (Source: Immunity)

Selective Expression of the Chemokine Receptor XCR1 on Cross-presenting Dendritic Cells Determines Cooperation with CD8+ T Cells

Immunity — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:05 +0100

Brigitte G. Dorner, Martin B. Dorner, Xuefei Zhou, Corinna Opitz, Ahmed Mora, Steffen Güttler, Andreas Hutloff, Hans W. Mages, Katja Ranke, Michael Schaefer, Robert S. Jack, Volker Henn, Richard A. Kroczek. The expression of the chemokine receptor XCR1 and the function of its ligand XCL1 (otherwise referred to as ATAC, lymphotactin, or SCM-1) remained elusive to date. In the present report we demonst.... (Source: Immunity)

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Use of intravenous immunoglobulin and adjunctive therapies in the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies A working group report of and study by the Primary Immunodeficiency Committee of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Clinical Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yong PL, Boyle J, Ballow M, Boyle M, Berger M, Bleesing J, Bonilla FA, Chinen J, Cunninghamm-Rundles C, Fuleihan R, Nelson L, Wasserman RL, Williams KC, Orange JS There are an expanding number of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs), each associated with unique diagnostic and therapeutic complexities. Limited data, however, exist supporting specific therapeutic interventions. Thus, a survey of PIDD management was administered to allergists/immunologists in the United States to identify current perspectives and practices. Among 405 respondents, the majority of key management practices identified were consistent with existing data and guidelines, including the provision of immunoglobulin therapy, immunoglobulin dosing and selective avoidance of live viral vaccines. Practice...

Spatial (Tbata) expression in mature medullary thymic epithelial cells.

European Journal of Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Saade M, Irla M, Yammine M, Boulanger N, Victorero G, Vincentelli R, Penninger JM, Holländer GA, Chauvet S, Nguyen C The Spatial gene (Stromal Protein Associated with Thymii and Lymph-node) is expressed in highly polarized cell types such as testis germ cells, brain neurons and thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Its expression was documented in testis and brain but poorly characterized in thymus. Here, we characterize for the first time Spatial-expressing TECs throughout ontogeny and adult mouse thymus. Spatial is expressed in thymic fated domain by embryonic day E10.5 and persists in subcapsular, cortical, medullary epithelial cells and in MTS24+progenitor thymic epithelial cells (TEPC). Using mouse strains in which thymocyte development is blocked at various stages, we sho...

AID-mediated somatic hypermutation for generation of viral envelope protein diversity in patient-specific therapeutic HIV vaccines based on induction of neutralizing antibodies.

Immunology Letters — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Suslov KV The somatic hypermutation (SHM) hypothesis for R5-X4 HIV-1 switching has recently received experimental support. AID-mediated SHM in B cell lines can be used to generate patient's HIV-1 envelope protein diversity in vitro for subsequent vaccination of HIV-1-infected patient at the beginning of asymptomatic period with a resulting mixture of mutant envelope proteins. Suggested approach, which represents a vaccination against R5-X4 HIV-1 switching, might open possibilities for creation of patient-specific therapeutic HIV vaccines based on induction of neutralizing antibodies. PMID: 19917313 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Immunology Letters)

Caenopore-5: The tHREE-DIMENSIONAL structure of an antimicrobial protein from Caenorhabditis elegans.

Developmental and Comparative Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mysliwy J, Dingley AJ, Stanisak M, Jung S, Lorenzen I, Roeder T, Leippe M, Grötzinger J The caenopore-5 protein encoded by the spp-5 gene is one of 33 caenopores identified in Caenorhabditis elegans and is a pore-forming peptide which plays an important role in the elimination of Escherichia coli ingested by the worm. Thus, caenopore-5 appears to contribute to the nutrition of the worm while simultaneously protecting the organism against pathogens. Here, three-dimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy was used to solve the solution structure of caenopore-5. The NMR data revealed that two conformers of caenopore-5 exist in solution which differ by the isomerisation of the peptide bond of Pro-81. The overall structure of the two caenopore-5 conformers consists of five amph...

Infection and death from influenza A H1N1 virus in Mexico: a retrospective analysis

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Area: News A paper reporting on information gathered by the influenza surveillance system in Mexico on the timing and spread of H1N1, and exploring protective and risk factors for infection, severe disease, and death has been published early online in the Lancet. Researchers analysed information gathered by the influenza surveillance system from April 28 to July 31, 2009, for patients with influenza-like illness who attended clinics that were part of the Mexican Institute for Social Security network (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social; IMSS). IMSS is a public institution that provides health-care services to a population of nearly 40 million people in Mexico, which has reported the largest number of cases and deaths of H1N1 within the country. &nb...

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Anti-transglutaminase antibodies in non-coeliac children suffering from infectious diseases

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Anti-transglutaminase antibodies are the diagnostic markers of coeliac disease. A role is suggested for infectious agents in the production of anti-transglutaminase antibodies. The aim was to measure positive anti-transglutaminase antibody levels in children with infectious diseases and to compare immunological and biological characteristics of the anti-transglutaminase antibodies derived from these children with that from coeliac patients. Two hundred and twenty-two children suffering from infectious diseases were enrolled prospectively along with seven biopsy-proven coeliacs. Serum samples were tested for anti-transglutaminase antibodies and anti-endomysium antibodies; positive samples were tested for coeliac-related human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2/8 and anti-viral antibodies. Purified...

State of the art and new horizons in the diagnosis and management of egg allergy

Allergy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Egg allergy is one of the most frequent food allergies in children below the age of three. Common symptoms of egg allergy involve frequently the skin as well as the gut and in more severe cases result in anaphylaxis. Non-IgE-mediated symptoms such as in eosinophilic diseases of the gut or egg-induced enterocolitis might also be observed. Sensitization to egg white proteins can be found in young children in absence of clinical symptoms. The diagnosis of egg allergy is based on the history, IgE tests as well as standardized food challenges. Ovomucoid is the major allergen of egg, and recent advances in technology have improved the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with egg allergy by using single allergens or allergens with modified allergenic properties. Today, the management of egg aller...

Pregnancy Does not Deter the Development of a Potent Maternal Protective CD8+ T-Cell Acquired Immune Response Against Listeria Monocytogenes Despite Preferential Placental Colonization

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Maternal hosts generate a normal Listeria-specific adaptive immunity in particular CD8+ T-cell memory response suggesting that systemic listeriosis during pregnancy may be an immunopathology associated with placental infection. (Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology)

Detection of pulmonary complications in common variable immunodeficiency

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Touw CML, van de Ven AA, de Jong PA, Terheggen-Lagro S, Beek E, Sanders EAM, van Montfrans JM. Detection of pulmonary complications in common variable immunodeficiency.Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009.© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Pulmonary complications are frequently observed in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). We reviewed the literature related to radiologic imaging techniques and pulmonary function tests (PFT) for diagnosing pulmonary complications in CVID. Scientific publications related to CVID (or primary hypogammaglobulinemia), pulmonary complications, PFT, chest X-ray (CXR), and high-resolution computed tomography scan (HRCT) were detected in PubMed, Embase and in reference lists of selected articles. Twenty-six articles including 1047 patients (587 patients with CVID) were re...

Wheeze in children: the impact of parental education on atopic and non-atopic symptoms

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

de Meer G, Reijneveld SA, Brunekreef B. Wheeze in children: the impact of parental education on atopic and non-atopic symptoms.Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009.© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S There is conflicting evidence for the relationship between parental socioeconomic position and their children's asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between parental education and respiratory symptoms in their children, distinguishing atopic and non-atopic symptoms. A cross-sectional survey among 3262 elementary school children (age 8[ndash]13) was performed; data on parental education were obtained for 3213 children. Parents completed a questionnaire on their child's allergic and respiratory symptoms, and potential explanatory variables including family history, indoor environment...

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Lung function at 10 yrs is not improved by early corticosteroid treatment in asthmatic children

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Lødrup Carlsen KC, Devulapalli CS, Mowinckel P, Håland G, Munthe-Kaas MC, Carlsen K-H. Lung function at 10 yrs is not improved by early corticosteroid treatment in asthmatic children.Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009.© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Early intervention with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment for lung function development in childhood is debated. In view of lung function at birth, we aimed to assess if early use of ICS influenced lung function at 10 yrs of age. A 10-yr follow-up study of 614/802 children (mean age 10.9 ± 0.9 yrs) with lung function measurements at birth in the Environment and Childhood Asthma study in Oslo included information on ICS treatment (124 with history of asthma) obtained at 2 and 10 yrs by parental interviews. Main outcomes at 10 yrs were the best v...

Author Index Vol. 150, 2009

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2009;150:398-400 (DOI:10.1159/000259903) (Source: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology)

Subject Index Vol. 150, 2009

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2009;150:401-402 (DOI:10.1159/000259904) (Source: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology)

Contents Vol. 150, 2009

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2009;150:I-IV (DOI:10.1159/000259905) (Source: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology)

CSL Biotherapies Obtains FDA Licensure For Use Of Its Thimerosal-Free Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine In Children

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CSL Biotherapies, a subsidiary of CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), one of the world's leading manufacturers of influenza vaccine, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's application for accelerated approval of its seasonal flu vaccine, Afluria® (Influenza Virus Vaccine) for use in the pediatric population aged 6 months and older. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Reproductive Immunology: Current Status and Future Directions (Part I)

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:11 +0100

Abstract Extensive research work over the past couple of decades has indicated a series of intricate relations between immune and reproductive systems. A range of reproductive immunology topics including the roles of adoptive and innate immunity in infertility and pregnancy, the immune system’s role in induction of labor and preterm delivery, and immuno-modulatory effects of the female sex hormones will be discussed in this and the next issue of the Journal. The implications of this research on the development of novel therapeutic approaches are also addressed. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12016-009-8181-7Authors Elena Peeva, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine Bronx NY USA Journal Clinical Reviews in Al...

Food Safety

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:09 +0100

Abstract Food can never be entirely safe. Food safety is threatened by numerous pathogens that cause a variety of foodborne diseases, algal toxins that cause mostly acute disease, and fungal toxins that may be acutely toxic but may also have chronic sequelae, such as teratogenic, immunotoxic, nephrotoxic, and estrogenic effects. Perhaps more worrisome, the industrial activities of the last century and more have resulted in massive increases in our exposure to toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, which now are present in the entire food chain and exhibit various toxicities. Industrial processes also released chemicals that, although banned a long time ago, persist in the environment and contaminate our food. These include organochlorine compounds, such ...

Prolactin and Autoimmunity

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:05 +0100

Abstract The relationship between prolactin and the immune system has been demonstrated in the last two decades, opening new windows in the field of the immunoendocrinology. Prolactin has an important role in the innate and adaptive immune response. Increased prolactin levels have been described in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, and systemic sclerosis among others. Hyperprolactinemia is associated with active disease and organ involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, prolactin is an integral member of the immunoneuroendocrinology network and seems to have a role in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Few controlled studies of dopamine agonist treatment in humans with autoimmune disease have...

ACAAI: Patients with HFA Inhalers Breathing Easier (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:37:23 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Patient concerns over new HFA-propelled inhalers seem to have tapered off, but questions remain about physicians' knowledge of proper use of the new devices and their procedures for teaching patients how to use them. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Fewer Patients Dying from Allergy Shots (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:22:11 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Fatal reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) may be on the decline, researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

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ACAAI: Most Can Take Vaccines Even after Reactions

MedPage Today Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:12:41 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- One of the prime movers behind new vaccine guidelines discusses the misconceptions that surround vaccination reactions in this exclusive InFocus™ report. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Fido Stays Despite Kids' Asthma (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:06:05 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Parents of asthmatic children don't typically comply with recommendations to get rid of their pets, even though the kids may be allergic, researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Combo Beats Budesonide Alone in Asthma (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:54:31 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Regardless of the asthma patient's age, treatment with a combination of budesonide and formoterol produced a greater improvement in lung function than budesonide pressurized metered-dose inhalers alone, researchers reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Tots with Asthma Benefit from Montelukast (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:27:17 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Treating asthmatic children as young as 6 months with the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (Singulair) appears effective, according to pooled analyses of two similar randomized clinical trials. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

Professor emeritus Jacob B. Natvig, one of the founders of Scandinavian Journal of immunology, turns 75

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:37:31 +0100

(Source: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology)

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Pandemic 2009 Influenza Update: US FDA Approves GSK's Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for its unadjuvanted influenza A (H1N1) pandemic vaccine. The approval of the sBLA, which was filed as a strain change supplement to GSK's FluLaval seasonal flu vaccine, allows the company to manufacture a flu vaccine for use in adults to prevent influenza caused by the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A strain. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Sanofi Pasteur Announces Final Results Of U.S. Clinical Trials Of Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine In Adults And Children

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced the final analyses of data from clinical trials of the U.S. licensed Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine in adults and children. The data confirm the immunogenicity and safety profile of the vaccine, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events reported during the 42 days of follow-up in the two trials. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

The Diagnostic Clinic Introduces A Vaccination Alternative To The Flu Jab

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The Diagnostic Clinic in London's New Cavendish Street, the UK's premier centre for Integrated Medicine, offers a vaccination alternative for private and corporate patients not wishing to have the Flu or Swine Flu jab. Many people have concerns regarding vaccinations. Whether this is as simple as needle phobia or concerns over the safety of vaccinations, an alternative can be considered. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Agreement For Donation Of Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Signed

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline(GSK) is to donate 50 million doses of pandemic H1N1 vaccine to the World Health Organization (WHO) under an agreement signed at WHO headquarters in Geneva by the WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, and the Chief Executive Officer of GlaxoSmithKline, Mr Andrew Witty. "We welcome this very generous donation by GlaxoSmithKline, which will go to protect the health of the world's poorest people. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Analysis Of Mexican Swine Flu Cases: Higher Risk Of Infection For Young People But Higher Mortality Rate In The Elderly

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

An article published Online First and in a future edition of The Lancet reports that a study of Mexican swine flu cases shows that infants and people aged 39 years and under are the most likely to get infected. However, elderly people have the highest swine flu mortality rates. The data covers the period up to July 31, 2009. The article is the work of Dr Victor Borja-Aburto, Mexican Institute for Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico, and colleagues. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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Survey Shows Risks of Borrowed Medicine

MedicineNet Allergies General — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Survey Shows Risks of Borrowed MedicineCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/12/2009 10:13:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/12/2009 10:13:40 AM (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

Wedding Ring Rash

MedicineNet Allergies General — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Wedding Ring RashCategory: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 11/12/2009 2:51:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/12/2009 2:51:13 PM (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

Involvement of T cell Ig Mucin-3 (Tim-3) in the negative regulation of inflammatory bowel disease.

Clinical Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Li X, Chen G, Li Y, Wang R, Wang L, Lin Z, Gao X, Feng J, Ma Y, Shen B, Li Y, Han G Augmented intestinal T cells, especially CD4(+)T cells, are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We used a murine 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model to investigate whether Tim-3, a negative regulator of CD4(+)T cells, is involved in the suppression of IBD. We found that blocking the Tim-3 signal pathway exacerbated TNBS-induced colitis, as shown by increased weight loss and aggravated tissue injury. Blockade of the Tim-3 pathway resulted in an increase in Tim-3(+)CD4T cells, a biased T effector cell response, and a decrease in Treg cells. It also resulted in an altered profile of co-stimulatory molecules expressed on lymphocytes, whic...

Advanced glycation end products enhance monocyte activation during human mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Clinical Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ohashi K, Takahashi HK, Mori S, Liu K, Wake H, Sadamori H, Matsuda H, Yagi T, Yoshino T, Nishibori M, Tanaka N Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a frequent complication among transplant recipients. Ligation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with their receptor (RAGE) on monocytes/macrophages plays roles in the diabetes complications. The enhancement of adhesion molecule expression on monocytes/macrophages activates T-cells, leading to reduced allograft survival. We investigated the effect of four distinct AGE subtypes (AGE-2/AGE-3/AGE-4/AGE-5) on the expressions of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40 on monocytes, the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and the proliferation of T-cells during hum...

Laboratory diagnosis of specific antibody deficiency to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide antigens by multiplexed bead assay.

Clinical Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Borgers H, Moens L, Picard C, Jeurissen A, Raes M, Sauer K, Proesmans M, De Boeck K, Casanova JL, Meyts I, Bossuyt X We evaluated a multiplexed bead-based assay (xMAP(R) Pneumococcal Immunity assay from Luminex) for the simultaneous determination of antibodies against 14 capsular polysaccharides. Post-vaccination (Pneumovax(R)) antibody concentrations were measured in 35 healthy children, 40 healthy adults, 99 consecutive patients with increased susceptibility to respiratory infection, and 24 patients with a deficient anti-polysaccharide antibody response. The serotype-specific lower 5th percentile (cutoff) value for the post-immunization antibody concentration was determined in healthy individuals. Eleven of 99 patients (11%) failed to mount a response that was >5th percen...

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Misleading De Novo Detection of Serum Anti-HLA-A3 Antibodies In Kidney Recipients Having Received ATG Prior To Transplantation.

Human Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report here the de novo detection by CDC and flow cytometry (Luminex) of anti-HLA-A3 Ab in the serum of kidney recipients treated with ATG Fresenius. The Ab, of rabbit origin, was detected in every assessable patient (n=16), with the exception of the HLA-A3 recipients and/or recipients receiving an HLA-A3 graft, before becoming undetectable at latest day 102 after transplantation. It is of major importance that transplantation monitoring laboratories bear in mind the possibility of therapeutic Ab detection when interpreting anti-HLA Ab results. PMID: 19914324 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Human Immunology)

Geoepidemiology and autoimmune manifestations of lymphoproliferative disorders.

Autoimmunity Reviews — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sands J, Tuscano JM The pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative disorders represents an underlying dysfunction in lymphocyte development and homeostasis. This typically manifests with the accumulation of lymphocytes in the bone marrow, peripheral blood or lymph nodes and spleen. It has been hypothesized that the mechanism for elimination of dysfunctional and autoreactive lymphocytes is defective and contributes to the pathogenesis of these disorders. Based on this hypothesis, it would not be surprising to find an increased incidence of autoimmune manifestations that are associated with these disorders. Autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are often the result of a dysfunctional immune response, which is related to an underlying malignant process. While all the PNS that are as...

Induction of T cells suppression by dendritic cells transfected with VSIG4 recombinant adenovirus.

Immunology Letters — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xu S, Sun Z, Wu X, Liu J, He J, Song D, Shan G, Liu H, Yang Z VSIG4 has been recently described as a B7 family-related protein. The immunotherapeutic potential of dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with VSIG4 recombinant adenovirus has not been characterized. In the present study, DCs were transfected with human VSIG4 (hVSIG4) recombinant adenovirus, a novel costimulatory molecule known to be a potent inhibitor of T cell activation. Transfected DCs were cocultured with allogeneic T cells and proliferation, cytokine production and T cell activation marker expression were assessed. The results showed that T cell proliferation potential, cytokine production and activation marker expression were suppressed after coculture with hVSIG4 recombinant adenovirus transfected DCs. These fi...

Suppression of Con A-induced hepatitis induction in ICOS-deficient mice.

Immunology Letters — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Watanabe S, Ohnuki K, Hara Y, Ishida Y, Ikarashi Y, Ogawa S, Kishimoto H, Tanabe K, Abe R Although there is growing evidence that NKT cells play an important role in various immune responses through the invariant T cell receptor, other cell surface molecules responsible for their function are not fully understood. Here we study the role of ICOS, the third member of the CD28 family of costimulatory receptors, in in vivo and in vitro NKT cell responses. To establish its in vivo role in systems dependent on NKT cells, we examined the development of Con A-induced hepatitis in ICOS knockout (ICOS(-/-)) mice. We demonstrated that hepatic injury in ICOS(-/-) mice was greatly suppressed as evidenced by the reduced elevation of serum transaminases, reduced apoptosis of hepatocytes and ...

Effects of two basidiomycete species on interleukin 1 and interleukin 2 production by macrophage and T cell lines.

Immunobiology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kawanishi T, Ikeda-Dantsuji Y, Nagayama A Two basidiomycete species, Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM) and Cordyceps sinensis (CS) were examined for induction of cytokines in murine macrophage cell line R309 (R309) and T cell line LBRM-33 1A5 (1A5). When lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated R309 were exposed to the extracts of basidiomycetes, R309 induced significant levels of interleukin 1 (IL-1). Interleukin 2 (IL-2) induction was recognized in 1A5 cultures in the presence of IL-1 and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). However, no enhancement of IL-2 production by these basidiomycetes was discerned in 1A5 cultures with IL-1 and PHA, i.e., direct action of basidiomycetes was not found on IL-2 production of 1A5. PHA-stimulated 1A5 exposed to basidiomycetes induced IL-2 without IL-1 when co-c...

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Variation in the ovine C-type lectin dectin-1 gene (CLEC7A).

Developmental and Comparative Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, variation in exons 4-6 of the ovine dectin-1 gene (CLEC7A) was investigated. These exons encode the putative domain for beta-glucan recognition. Three, three and four unique PCR-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) patterns were detected in exons 4, 5 and 6, respectively. DNA sequencing also revealed three, three and four different nucleotide sequences for the respective exons. All of these sequences were unique, but shared high sequence homology with the CLEC7A cDNA sequences from sheep, cattle and pigs. Either one, or a combination of two sequences was found for each exon in each sheep. This suggests that these sequences represent allelic variants of the ovine CLEC7A gene, although only defined within the exons investigated. The sequence data confirmed four...

Suppressive Effect of Diazepam on IFN-gamma Production by Human T Cells.

International Immunopharmacology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wei M, Li L, Meng R, Fan Y, Liu Y, Tao L, Liu X, Wu C Many studies showed that benzodiazepines could modulate immune responses through interaction with peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) in immune cells but most of the studies were focused on monocytes and macrophages. In the present study, we revealed that diazepama mixed-type benzodiazepine, inhibited IFN-gamma production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by anti-CD3 in dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that diazepam could inhibit the frequency of IFN-gamma-producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. The inhibitory effect of diazepam on IFN-gamma production is similar to that of R(0)5-4864, a selective PBRs ligand. However, D8555, a selective ligand for PBRs in microglia i...

Zl-n-91, a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, suppresses inflammatory response in a COPD-like rat model.

International Immunopharmacology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chen YJ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a disease state characterized by poorly reversible airflow limitation induced by cigarette smoking and/or other noxious particle and gases. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitors are known to elevated cAMP concentrations in inflammatory cells, leading to inhibition of inflammatory response, relaxation of smooth muscle in the airway, and modulation of sensory nerves in the lung as well. To investigate whether Zl-n-91, a new selective PDE4 inhibitor, could decrease inflammation and improve lung function in a COPD-like rat model, male Sprague-Dawley rats are used to challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cigarette smoking (CS) exposure to induce COPD-like animal model. Administration of Zl-n-91 at different dos...

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of rhinitis and mini-rhinitis quality of life questionnaires.

Allergologia et Immunopathologia — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Health is the complete state of well-being and AR has major impact on quality of life (QoL), therefore it seems essential to include QoL measures in clinical evaluation along with traditional parameters. This study has demonstrated that RQLQ and mini-RQLQ are valid measures for use in Turkish patients with AR. PMID: 19913986 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Allergologia et Immunopathologia)

A review on the vascular features of the hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this review is to characterize the nature and spectrum of vascular abnormalities in HIES patients. Vascular abnormalities in HIES patients were reviewed with Medline and Google Scholar-based searches. In brief, the searches combined terms related to HIES with the terms related to vasculature. Furthermore, reference lists from the original studies and review papers identified were screened. There were vascular abnormalities in 25 patients with HIES. These abnormalities were identified as aneurysms (coronary, aortic, carotid and cerebral), pseudoaneurysms, congenital patent ductus venosus, superior vena cava syndrome, vasculitides, vascular ectasia, thrombosis and others. They may be congenital or acquired, in the veins and arteries, affecting both sexes. These abnormalities...

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A20 is an early responding negative regulator of Toll-like receptor 5 signalling in intestinal epithelial cells during inflammation

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Several negative regulatory mechanisms control Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory responses and restore immune system balance, including the zinc-finger protein A20, a negative regulator of TLR signalling that inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-[kappa]B) activity. In the present study, we investigated TLR-5-mediated A20 expression and its role in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) during inflammation. HCT-15 and HT-29 cells were stimulated with flagellin, then the expressions of A20, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK-M) and Tollip were evaluated using RNase protection assay. Furthermore, experimental colitis was induced in tlr4-deficient CH3/HeJ mice by administration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS), then flagellin was injected anally, and the colonic expression ...

Differential effects of glucocorticoids in the establishment and maintenance of endotoxin tolerance

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this report we demonstrate, using a mouse model, that while the maintenance of tolerance is dependent upon GC, the establishment of tolerance by LPS could be inhibited by dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic GC. Conversely, we demonstrated that mifepristone (RU486), a known GC receptor antagonist, was capable of inducing a transient and reversible disruption of endotoxin tolerance, also permitting partial restoration of the humoral immune response in LPS tolerant/immunosuppressed mice. These results are encouraging for the management of immunosuppression in sepsis and/or non-infectious shock, and deserve further investigation in the future. (Source: Clinical and Experimental Immunology)

Is the prevalence of asthma declining? Systematic review of epidemiological studies

Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Asthma prevalence has increased very considerably in recent decades such that it is now one of the commonest chronic disorders in the world. Recent evidence from epidemiological studies, however, suggests that the prevalence of asthma may now be declining in many parts of the world, which, if true is important for health service planning and also because this offers the possibility of generating and testing new aetiological hypotheses. Our objective was to determine whether the prevalence of asthma is declining worldwide. We undertook a systematic search of EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar, for high quality reports of cohort studies, repeat cross-sectional studies and analyses of routine healthcare datasets to examine international trends in asthma prevalence in children ...

Predictors of Inflammatory Breast Diseases During Lactation – Results of a Cohort Study

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Higher maternal age, postpartum increase in stress perception and low number of leucocytes are associated with a higher incidence of inflammatory breast diseases. Further studies must examine the causality of this effect. (Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology)

Imbalance of T-cell Transcription Factors Contributes to the Th1 Type Immunity Predominant in Pre-eclampsia

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Decreased expression of FOXP3 mRNA and increased expression of T-bet mRNA may contribute to Th1 type immunity predominant in pre-eclampsia. (Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology)

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Comparative Analysis of Peripheral Natural Killer Cells in the Two Phases of the Ovarian Cycle

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The study did not reveal menstrual cycle-depended changes in PB NK cells. Thus, a suggestion to measure these cells in a specific phase of the cycle in order to predict the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy in women with fertility problems is objected. (Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology)

Gene expression profiles for the human pancreas and purified islets in Type 1 diabetes: new findings at clinical onset and in long-standing diabetes

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by the selective destruction of the insulin-producing [beta] cells of the pancreas by an autoimmune response. Due to ethical and practical difficulties, the features of the destructive process are known from a small number of observations, and transcriptomic data are remarkably missing. Here we report whole genome transcript analysis validated by quantitative reverse transcription[ndash]polymerase chain reaction (qRT[ndash]PCR) and correlated with immunohistological observations for four T1D pancreases (collected 5 days, 9 months, 8 and 10 years after diagnosis) and for purified islets from two of them. Collectively, the expression profile of immune response and inflammatory genes confirmed the current views on the immunopathogenesis of diabetes and showed s...

The allergy-protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide

Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We found evidence that the allergy-protecting effects of A. lwoffii F78 are because of the activation of a TH1-polarizing program in human dendritic cells, and that the LPS of A. lwoffii F78 is responsible for these beneficial effects. (Source: Allergy)

Application of multiplexed immunoglobulin E determination on a chip in component-resolved diagnostics in allergy

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

ACAAI: Ultrashort Ragweed Therapy Boosts IgG Levels (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:59:43 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- An ultrashort course of subcutaneous immunotherapy increased ragweed-specific IgG levels in patients with seasonal ragweed rhinoconjunctivitis, researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

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NK Cells, Autoantibodies, and Immunologic Infertility: A Complex Interplay

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:12:05 +0100

Abstract Infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are heterogeneous conditions that have been frequently explained with an immunological pathomechanism. A deeper insight into apparently unexplained infertility and RSA shows increasing evidences supporting both alloimmune and autoimmune mechanisms, in which natural killer (NK) cells and autoantibodies seem to play a relevant role. Successful pregnancy is considered as Th1–Th2 cooperation phenomenon, with a predominantly Th2-type lymphocytes response, together with the emerging role of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, and IL-18 and of other unidentified soluble factors dependent on NK cells. Uterine NK cells comprise the largest population at implantation site, and their activity, characteristics, and abundance sugg...

ACAAI: Drug Combo Effective in Allergic Eye Symptoms (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:47:32 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- A combination of two standard drugs delivered together was safe and effective in treating the itchy and watery eyes associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis, a researcher said. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Asthma May Vary with Weight (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:27:19 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- In obese patients, asthma appears to have important differences from the condition in normal and overweight people, a researcher said. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Older Asthma Patients Have Less Control (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:12:57 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Asthma patients 65 and older are more likely to have uncontrolled disease than younger adults, a researcher said here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

ACAAI: Novel Combo Therapy Safe in Moderate Persistent Asthma (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:41:31 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- A combination asthma treatment under development appears to cause few adverse side effects when compared with monotherapy with corticosteroids or long-acting beta2-agonists, researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

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Laboratory-Acquired Vaccinia Virus Infection -- Virginia, 2008

Medscape Allergy Headlines — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0100

This case report supports current US recommendations for smallpox vaccination at least every 10 years for laboratory workers at high risk of vaccinia virus infection. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Allergy Headlines)

ACAAI: Soon, Heat to Treat Asthma (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:31 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- A method of using radio frequency-induced heat to ease asthma symptoms when drugs don't work could be commercially available by spring, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

Education Program Improves Asthma Outcomes in Children

Medscape Allergy Headlines — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:50:39 +0100

A one-to-one asthma education program for pediatric patients and their families can prevent severe exacerbations, reduce medical costs and improve school and work attendance, investigators reported at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology underway in Miami Beach, Florida. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Allergy Headlines)

ACAAI: Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels Indicate Treatment Efficacy in Children (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:12:38 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Children younger than 7 can successfully use devices that measure exhaled nitric oxide and monitor how well some treatments are controlling their asthma, a researcher reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)