Predicting Immunogenic Tumor Mutations by Combining Mass Spectrometry and Exome Sequencing Scientists developed an approach that combines whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing analysis with mass spectrometry to identify neo-epitopes in two widely used murine tumor models. Vaccination of mice confirmed the approach, with each predicted immunogenic peptide yielding therapeutically active T-cell responses. [Nature] Abstract STAT5 Programs a Distinct Subset of GM-CSF-Producing T Helper Cells that Is Essential for Autoimmune Neuroinflammation Investigators show that loss of encephalitogenic activity of STAT5-deficient autoreactive CD4+ T cells was independent of IFN-γ or interleukin 17 production, but was due to the impaired expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a crucial mediator of T-cell pathogenicity. [Cell Res] Full Article | Press Release The Immunoglobulin Tail Tyrosine Motif Upgrades Memory-Type BCRs by Incorporating a ​Grb2-​Btk Signaling Module Researchers identified the immunoglobulin tail tyrosine motif in the cytoplasmic segments of membrane-bound IgGs as the principle signal amplification device of memory-type B-cell antigen receptors (BCRs) in higher vertebrates and decipher its signaling microanatomy. [Nat Commun] Full Article Acquisition of an Immunosuppressive Protumorigenic Macrophage Phenotype Depending on c-Jun Phosphorylation Macrophages in livers of mice with chronic hepatitis gradually switch their phenotype along the course of disease. Macrophage phenotype and density are dictated by c-Jun phosphorylation, in vitro and in vivo. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract Docosahexaenoic Acid Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis by Generating Treg and IL-10/TGF-β-Modified Macrophage via TGF-β Dependent Mechanism Investigators show that administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) up-regulates the generation of TGF-β-dependent CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). DHA induced T cell hypo-responsiveness and down-regulated cytokines associated with T helper (Th)-1, Th2, and Th17 cells. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract Platelets Promote Allergic Asthma through the Expression of CD154 Researchers demonstrate that during antigen sensitization, platelets can be activated by ovalbumin aerosol via the upregulation of CD154 expression. Platelet transfer promoted allergic asthma progression by inducing more severe leukocyte infiltration and lung inflammation, elevated IgE production and strengthened T helper 2 responses in asthma-induced mice. [Cell Mol Immunol] Abstract Type I IFN Gene Delivery Suppresses Regulatory T Cells within Tumors Investigators found that intratumoral interferon (IFN)-α gene transfer significantly decreased the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) per CD4+ T cells in tumors. The concentration of a Treg-inhibitory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-6, was correlated with the IFN-α expression level in tumors, and intratumoral CD11c+ cells produced IL-6 in response to IFN-α stimulation. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract Deletion of IFT20 in Early Stage T Lymphocyte Differentiation Inhibits the Development of Collagen-Induced Arthritis Scientists deleted the IFT20 gene in early and later stages of T-cell development by crossing IFT20flox/flox mice with Lck-Cre and CD4-Cre transgenic mice, and investigated the role of IFT20 in T-cell maturation and in the development of T cell-mediated collagen-induced arthritis. [Bone Res] Full Article Subscribe to our sister publications: Human Immunology News and Immunology of Infectious Disease News! |