Human Immunology News Volume 1.26 | Sep 10 2013

The JAK Inhibitor, Tofacitinib, Reduces the T Cell Stimulatory Capacity of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells.
The function of Janus kinases (JAKs) in dendritic cells (DCs) was investigated with tofacitinib. The effects of tofacitinib on the maturation of human monocyte-derived DCs induced by lipopolysaccharide stimulation were investigated. [Ann Rheum Dis] Abstract

MicroRNA-146a Regulates Survival and Maturation of Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
The authors investigated the role of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) in toll-like-receptor (TLR) pathway regulation in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells. They showed that miR-146a expression was induced upon TLR7/9 signaling. [Blood] Abstract

Aging Enhances Release of Exosomal Cytokine mRNAs by Aβ_1-42-Stimulated Macrophages
Amyloid-β_1-42 peptide effects on human models of central nervous system-patrolling macrophages and CD4 memory T-cells were investigated to examine immune responses to Aβ in Alzheimer’s disease. [FASEB J] Abstract

Microglia in Normal Appearing White Matter of Multiple Sclerosis Are Alerted but Immunosuppressed
Little is known about the functional phenotype of microglia in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) of multiple sclerosis (MS), although it may hold valuable clues about mechanisms for lesion development. Scientists studied microglia from NAWM obtained post-mortem from controls and MS patients for their phenotype ex vivo and their immune responsiveness in vitro, using a microglia isolation method that omits culture and adherence. [Glia] Abstract

Urban Particulate Matter Suppresses Priming of Th1 Cells by GM-CSF-Activated Human Dendritic Cells
Human blood CD1c+ dendritic cells (DCs) were purified and activated with urban particulate matter in the presence or absence of GM-CSF+/- LPS and DC maturation was assessed by flow cytometry. DC stimulatory capacity and priming of CFSE-labeled naïve CD4 T-cells was investigated using the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. [Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol] Abstract

Systemic Increase in Human Maternal Circulating CD14+CD16- MCP-1+ Monocytes as a Marker of Labor
Researchers studied the influence of pregnancy and labor on the proportion and level of activation of monocyte subpopulations in human pregnancy. [Am J Obstet Gynecol] Abstract

IL7RA Haplotype-Associated Alterations in Cellular Immune Function and Gene Expression Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis
Investigators showed and confirmed that protective haplotype carriers have three times lower soluble interleukin-7 receptor alpha (sIL-7RA) serum levels than the other three haplotypes. High sIL-7RA concentrations significantly decrease IL-7-mediated STAT5 phosphorylation in CD4⁺ T cells. [Genes Immun] Abstract

Th17 Memory Cells: Live Long and Proliferate
This mini-review will focus on the recent evidence for long-lived, robust Th17 memory cell populations in mouse models and humans, and their functional roles in mediating host protection and chronic disease states. [J Leukoc Biol] Abstract

A Critical Role for Interleukin-1β in the Progression of Autoimmune Diseases
The authors discuss the contribution of IL-1β to the course of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic diseases, uveitis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, autoimmune inner ear disease, multiple sclerosis, myocarditis, hepatitis and kidney diseases. The critical involvement of IL-1β in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases provides targets for developing therapeutic treatment. [Int Immunopharmacol] Abstract

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

The Investigational MAGE-A3 Antigen-Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutic Does Not Meet First Co-Primary Endpoint in Phase III Melanoma Clinical Trial
GlaxoSmithKline plc announced that an independent analysis of the DERMA study, a Phase III randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial of the MAGE-A3 cancer immunotherapeutic, showed that the study did not meet its first co-primary endpoint as it did not significantly extend disease-free survival when compared to placebo in the MAGE-A3 positive population. [GlaxoSmithKline plc] Press Release

Apitope Announces Positive Results from Clinical Trial of ATX-MS-1467 in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Apitope announced completion with positive results of its second Phase I clinical trial of ATX-MS-1467. Examination of the MRI results demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of contrast-enhancing brain lesions in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis treated by intradermal injection of ATX-MS-1467. [Apitope International NV] Press Release

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NEW Fellowship Researcher – Rare Diseases of the Immune System (Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunity & Inflammation Program (Vaccine & Gene Institute of Florida)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Melanoma Biology (Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Elucidation of the Role of Specific Ubiquitin-Binding Proteins in Regulating NFKB Signaling in Innate Immune Cells (AstraZeneca)

Postdoctoral Position – Innate Immune Signaling in the Developing Intestine (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Tenure-Track Position – Cell Biologist (McGill University)

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

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

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