The Interleukin-33-p38 Kinase Axis Confers Memory T Helper 2 Cell Pathogenicity in the Airway Investigators found that interleukin-33 (IL-33)-ST2 signals selectively licensed memory T helper 2 (Th2) cells to induce allergic airway inflammation via production of IL-5 and that the p38 MAP kinase pathway was a central downstream target of IL-33-ST2 in memory Th2 cells. [Immunity] Abstract | Graphical Abstract The Chromatin-Modifying Enzyme Ezh2 Is Critical for the Maintenance of Regulatory T Cell Identity after Activation Scientists showed that CD28 co-stimulation, an extracellular cue intrinsically required for regulatory T (Treg) cell maintenance, induced the chromatin-modifying enzyme, Ezh2. Treg-specific ablation of Ezh2 resulted in spontaneous autoimmunity with reduced Foxp3+ cells in non-lymphoid tissues and impaired resolution of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. [Immunity] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Rational Development and Characterization of Humanized Anti-EGFR Variant III Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for Glioblastoma Investigators generated a panel of humanized single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and tested their specificity and function as soluble proteins and in the form of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transduced T cells. Lead candidate scFv was tested in vitro for its ability to direct CAR-transduced T cells to specifically lyse, proliferate, and secrete cytokines in response to antigen-bearing targets. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release Normalization of CD4+ T Cell Metabolism Reverses Lupus CD4+ T cells rely on glycolysis for inflammatory effector functions, but recent studies have shown that mitochondrial metabolism supports their chronic activation. Researchers show that both glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism are elevated in CD4+ T cells from lupus-prone B6.Sle1.Sle2.Sle3 mice as compared to non-autoimmune controls. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract Dendritic Cells Induce Th2-Mediated Airway Inflammatory Responses to House Dust Mite via DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Investigators demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), as well as the specific deletion of DNA-PK in dendritic cells, attenuates the induction of allergic sensitization and Th2 immunity via a mechanism that involves the impaired presentation of mite antigens. [Nat Commun] Abstract Defined ​TLR3-Specific Adjuvant that Induces NK and CTL Activation without Significant Cytokine Production In Vivo Scientists created an RNA ligand for ​Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) with no ability to activate the ​RIG-I/​MDA5 pathway. The activation of ​TLR3/​TICAM-1 pathway by phosphorothioate ODN-guided dsRNA effectively induced natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T cells in tumor-loaded mice, establishing antitumor immunity. [Nat Commun] Abstract Self-Restrained B Cells Arise following Membrane IgE Expression Scientists demonstrate a self-controlled membrane immunoglobulin E (mIgE)+ B cell stage. Primary or transfected mIgE+ cells relocate the B cell receptors into spontaneously internalized lipid rafts, lose mobility to chemokines, and change morphology. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release Estrogen Regulates T Helper 17 Phenotype and Localization in Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis Researchers investigated the effects of estrogen on interleukin-17-producing T helper (Th17) cells in experimental arthritis. They report that 17β-estradiol treatment results in an increase of Th17 cells in lymph nodes during the early phase of arthritis development, but a decrease of Th17 in joints during established arthritis. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article Subscribe to our sister publications: Human Immunology News and Immunology of Infectious Disease News! |