Transcriptome Analysis of GvHD Reveals Aurora Kinase A as a Targetable Pathway for Disease Prevention Researchers measured the gene expression profile of nonhuman primate T cells during acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). They were able to identify transcriptomic signatures specific for alloreactive T cells and determine the impact of both mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) and calcineurin inhibition on GvHD. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release Inhibition of the Kinase ITK in a Mouse Model of Asthma Reduces Cell Death and Fails to Inhibit the Inflammatory Response Investigators found that a small-molecule selective inhibitor of interleukin-2 (IL-2)–inducible T cell kinase (ITK) blocked T cell receptor-mediated signaling in cultured T helper 2 (TH2) cells, including the tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C–γ1 and the secretion of IL-2 and TH2-type cytokines. [Sci Signal] Abstract Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Preserve Kidney Function and Extend Lifespan in NZB/W F1 Mouse Model of Lupus Nephritis Researchers showed that human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hESC-MSCs) prevent the progression of fatal lupus nephritis in NZB/W F1 (BWF1) mice. In vitro, co-culture of hESC-MSCs with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BWF1 lymphocytes decreased lymphocyte secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6, and enhanced the percentage of putative regulatory T cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article | Press Release Specific Immunotherapy in Combination with Clostridium butyricum Inhibits Allergic Inflammation in the Mouse Intestine An increase in the frequency of the interleukin (IL)-10-producing ovalbumin (OVA)-specific B cell (OVAsBC) was observed in mice in parallel to the inhibitory effect on the intestinal allergic inflammation. The in vitro treatment of the OVAsBCs with OVA increased the histone deacetylase-1 phosphorylation, modulated the transcription of the Bcl6 gene, and triggered the OVAsBCs to differentiate to the IgE-producing plasma cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article Nonobese Diabetic Mice Deficient in Chromogranin A Are Protected from Autoimmune Diabetes Using tetramer analysis, scientists demonstrated that chromogranin A (ChgA)-reactive T cells are present in NOD.ChgA−/− mice but remain naive. In contrast, in NOD.ChgA+/+ mice, a majority of the ChgA-reactive T cells are Ag experienced. [J Immunol] Abstract CD137 Agonist Therapy Can Reprogram Regulatory T Cells into Cytotoxic CD4+ T Cells with Antitumor Activity The authors used the highly immunogenic Friend virus–induced FBL-3 tumor as a model to study the mechanisms of immunological tumor control by CD4+ T cells in the course of CD137 agonist immunotherapy in the absence of a CD8 T cell response. [J Immunol] Abstract Pore-Formation by Adenylate Cyclase Toxoid Activates Dendritic Cells to Prime CD8+ and CD4+ T Cells Scientists showed that the pore-forming activity confers on the adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin-AC− toxoid a capacity to trigger Toll-like receptor and inflammasome signaling-independent maturation of CD11b-expressing dendritic cells. [Immunol Cell Biol] Abstract The Role of Regulatory CD4 T Cells in Maintaining Tolerance in a Mouse Model of Autoimmune Hepatitis Scientists investigated the impact of regulatory CD4 T cells (Treg) in a model of autoimmune hepatitis. Treg isolated from inflamed livers of TF-OVA mice were tested for their functionality in vitro. [PLoS One] Full Article Don’t forget to subscribe to Human Immunology News and Immunology of Infectious Disease News! |