Human Immunology News Volume 1.16 | Jul 2 2013

Functional Consequences of Platelet Binding to T Lymphocytes in Inflammation
Scientists observed that a minor subpopulation of lymphocytes expressed CD36 on the cell surface. They investigated the source of CD36 and also the proliferation and cytokine production of these CD36⁺ CD4⁺ lymphocytes. Flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy showed that CD36⁺ platelets were responsible for CD36 detection on lymphocytes. [J Leukoc Biol] Abstract

Maturation of CD4⁺ Regulatory T Lymphocytes and of Cytokine Secretions in Infants Born Prematurely
Investigators aimed to characterize the maturation of CD4⁺ regulatory T lymphocytes and of cytokine productions in preterm infants during their first 16 months of life. [J Clin Immunol] Abstract

Identifying Key Regulatory Genes in the Whole Blood of Septic Patients to Monitor Underlying Immune Dysfunctions
This proof-of-concept study assesses the potential of gene expression profiling of whole blood as a tool to monitor immune dysfunction in critically ill septic patients. Whole blood samples were collected daily for up to five days from patients admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis. [Shock] Abstract

Inhibition of Interleukin-13 Gene Expression by Triptolide in Activated T Lymphocytes
Researchers investigated the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of triptolide on interleukin-13 (IL-13) gene expression in activated T lymphocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and Hut-78 cells were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 with or without co-incubation with triptolide. The alteration of IL-13 mRNA expression and protein level were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. [Respirology] Abstract

Prevalence of Th17 and Treg Cells in Gastric Cancer Patients and Its Correlation with Clinical Parameters
The authors investigated the distribution of Th17 cells in relation to regulatory T (Treg) cells in gastric cancer patients, and evaluated how the imbalance in Th17/Treg cells in gastric cancer correlates with clinical and pathological parameters. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Rhaphidophora korthalsii Modulates Peripheral Blood Natural Killer Cell Proliferation, Cytokine Secretion and Cytotoxicity
This study investigated the potential immunostimulatory effect of Rhaphidophora korthalsii on human PBMC enriched natural killer (NK) cell. PBMC was exposed to various concentrations of R. korthalsii extract and the T and NK cell population in the control and extract treated PBMC were identified by immunophenotyping. [BMC Complement Altern Med] Abstract | Full Article

Modulation of TSC-mTOR Signaling on Immune Cells in Immunity and Autoimmunity
The authors discuss the function of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1/2-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to direct the innate and adaptive immune cell development and function. Furthermore, they focus on the role of TSC1/2-mTOR signaling pathway in immune cell mediated diseases, especially autoimmunity. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

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EMD Serono Establishes Immuno-Oncology Research and Early Development Platform to Advance Innovation in Cancer Therapies
EMD Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced its commitment to the field of cancer immunotherapy by creating a fully dedicated immuno-oncology innovation platform integrating research, early development and biomarker strategies. In addition to the company’s existing oncology platform, this new immuno-oncology platform will focus on developing therapies that leverage the immune system’s natural ability to fight tumors, and work in combination with existing and future therapies. [EMD Serono, Inc.] Press Release

Michael S. Hershfield, M.D. Awarded the Boyle Scientific Achievement Award at Immune Deficiency Foundation 2013 National Conference
The Immune Deficiency Foundation announced that Michael S. Hershfield, M.D. has been awarded the Boyle Scientific Achievement Award for 2013. He has authored or co-authored nearly 100 research articles and case reports related to primary immunodeficiency diseases. [PR Newswire Association LLC]
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NEW Assistant Professor – Human Immunology (The Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida)

NEW PhD Research Position – Immune Tolerance and Autoimmunity (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Pathophysiology of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases in Character (Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II)

Research Scientist/Senior Research Officer – Monoclonal Antibodies (Bioprocessing Technology Institute/A*STAR)

Director of Cell Processing Facility (S L Collins Associates, Inc.)

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