Human Immunology News Volume 1.21 | Aug 6 2013

The Autoimmune Disease-Associated SNP rs917997 of IL18RAP Controls IFNγ Production by PBMC
Scientists analyzed responsiveness to IL-18 in type 1 diabetes, and the effect of rs917997 genotype on IL18RAP gene expression post-activation. Upon IL-12 and IL-18 treatment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from subjects carrying susceptibility alleles at rs917997 produced higher levels of IFNγ than those with protective genotypes. [J Autoimmun] Abstract

IL-4-, TGF-β-, and IL-1-Dependent Expansion of Parasite Antigen-Specific Th9 Cells Is Associated with Clinical Pathology in Human Lymphatic Filariasis
Researchers identified a population of IL-9 and IL-10 coexpressing cells (lacking IL-4 expression) in normal individuals. These cells respond to antigenic and mitogenic stimulation, but are distinct from IL-9⁺ Th2 cells. [J Immunol] Abstract

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Activation Triggers IL-4 Production and Necrotic Death of Double-Negative T Cells in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Scientists prospectively evaluated mitochondrial dysfunction and mechanistic target of rapamycin activation in PBLs relative to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index during 274 visits of 59 patients and 54 matched healthy subjects. [J Immunol] Abstract

Innate Immune Recognition of Molds and Homology to the Inner Ear Protein, Cochlin, in Patients with Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
Investigators examined whether an environmental exposure to mold in autoimmune inner ear disease patients is sufficient to generate a pro-inflammatory response that may, in part, explain periods of acute exacerbation of disease. They hypothesized that molds may stimulate an aberrant immune response in these patients as both several Aspergillus species and penecillium share homology with the LCCL domain of the inner ear protein, cochlin. [J Clin Immunol] Abstract

Upregulation of the Inhibitory Receptor ILT4 in Monocytes from Septic Patients
Immunoglobulinlike transcript 4 (ILT4) expression, endotoxin-induced IL-12 and IL-10 production and CD86 expression were investigated in circulating monocytes from sixteen patients with severe sepsis and sixteen age and sex matched controls. [Hum Immunol] Abstract

Increased IL-23 and IL-17 Expression by Peripheral Blood Cells of Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Researchers investigated the expression of IL-23 and IL-17 in the peripheral blood of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and its clinical significance. [Cytokine] Abstract

Efficient Depletion of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells Using Serial Rounds of Immunomagnetic Depletion
Investigators depleted leukemic B cells using a modified protocol comprising serial rounds of depletion using immunomagnetic beads at reduced bead to cell ratios. This resulted in more effective B cell depletion with the use of fewer immunomagnetic beads, and without affecting viability or yield of non-B cells. [J Immunol Methods] Abstract

Role of Interleukin-13 in Fibrosis, Particularly Systemic Sclerosis
This review examines the role of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in driving fibrosis with a particular emphasis on systemic sclerosis as a prototypical fibrotic disease. It will highlight recent research into the role of IL-13 and how this cytokine may be targeted in systemic sclerosis. [Biofactors] Abstract

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

ImmunoCellular Therapeutics Announces Initiation of Phase I Trial of Cancer Vaccine ICT-121 in Recurrent Glioblastoma
ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd. announced initiation of a Phase I clinical trial of cancer vaccine ICT-121 as a potential treatment for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. ICT-121 is a dendritic cell vaccine targeting CD133, an important cancer stem cell marker that is commonly overexpressed on a broad range of solid tumors. [ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd.] Press Release

Fred Hutch Team Awarded $4.4 Million from the National Cancer Institute for Pioneering Immunogenic Cancer Research
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have received $4.4 million over four years from the National Cancer Institute to pioneer an ambitious new way to harness the power of the adaptive immune system to control cancer. [Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center] Press Release

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Research Fellow – Epigenetics in Pregnancy and Fetal Development Researcher (Wayne State University)

Postdoctoral Position – Molecular Immunology (Baylor Institute for Immunology Research)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Role of the IL-23/IL-17 Axis in Inflammatory Arthritis (UC Davis Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Allergy Immunology Medicine (Columbia University)

Postdoctoral and Senior Research Scientist Positions – Immunology ERC Advanced Grant Project (Technische Universitat Munchen)

Assistant Professor – Human Immunology (The Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida)

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

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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