Human Immunology News Volume 1.15 | Jun 25 2013

Exploring the MHC-Peptide Matrix of Central Tolerance in the Human Thymus
Ever since it was discovered that central tolerance to self is imposed on developing T cells in the thymus through their interaction with self-peptide major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) on thymic antigen-presenting cells, immunologists have speculated about the nature of these peptides, particularly in humans. To shed light on the so-far unknown human thymic peptide repertoire, researchers analyzed peptides eluted from isolated thymic dendritic cells, dendritic cell-depleted antigen-presenting cells and whole thymus. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Prospective Assessment of Antidonor Cellular Alloreactivity Is a tool for Guidance of Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplantation
Immune monitoring of antidonor alloreactive memory/effector T cells using an IFN-γ Elispot has been shown to distinguish patients at risk for immune-mediated graft dysfunction, suggesting a potential tool for immunosuppression individualization. In this nonrandomized study, the authors prospectively assessed donor and nondonor T-cell alloreactivity in 60 highly alloreactive patients receiving calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression and in non-T-cell alloreactive transplant recipients treated with a calcineurin inhibitor-free regimen. [Kidney Int] Abstract

CD164 and FCRL3 Are Highly Expressed on CD4+CD26-T Cells in Sézary Syndrome Patients
Sézary syndrome (SS) cells express cell surface molecules also found on normal activated CD4 T cells. In an effort to find a more specific surface marker for malignant SS cells, a microarray analysis of gene expression was performed. Results showed significantly increased levels of mRNA for CD164, a sialomucin found on human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells, and FCRL3, a molecule present on a subset of human natural T regulatory cells. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

ZAP70 Expression in Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Rhinitis: Effect of Immunotherapy
Scientists assessed if immunotherapy affects regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and their expression of zeta chain associated protein kinase (Zap70), which is essential for T cell activation and intracellular signal downstream transduction. A three-year prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of grass SIT was conducted. Forty-one patients sensitized to grass pollen with intermittent allergic rhinitis were randomized to receive SIT or placebo and 15 healthy were included as a control. [Clin Exp Allergy] Abstract

Impaired Toll-Like Receptor 8 Signaling in Multiple Sclerosis
Investigators determined if Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is functionally altered in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and patients with relapsing remitting MS were stimulated with specific agonists of Toll-like receptors 3, 7, 8 and 9. [J Neuroinflammation]
Full Article

Defective CD8+CD28- Regulatory T Cell Suppressor Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Restored by TNF Inhibitor Therapy
Researchers characterized the peripheral blood CD8+CD28- regulatory T cells contribution to the immunoregulatory network in health and in rheumatoid arthritis. [Clin Exp Immunol] Full Article

Immune-Based Mechanisms of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy: Implications for the Design of Novel and Rationale-Based Combined Treatments against Cancer
Researchers provide an extensive overview of the multiple immune-based mechanisms exploited by the most commonly employed cytotoxic drugs, with the final aim of identifying prerequisites for optimal combination with immunotherapy strategies for the development of more effective treatments against cancer. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract

Aberrant B Cell Selection and Activation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
In this review, the authors not only highlight the intrinsic B cell defects that facilitate the persistence of autoreactive B cells and their activation, but in addition they focus on B cell extrinsic signals derived from T cells and innate immune cells that lower the activation threshold for B cells. [Int Rev Immunol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the human immunology research field.

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