Human Immunology News Volume 1.28 | Sep 24 2013

Activated Platelets Enhance IL-10 Secretion and Reduce TNF-α Secretion by Monocytes
Investigators examined the influence of activated platelets on cytokine production by normal human mononuclear cells, induced by tetanus toxoid, human thyroglobulin, Escherichia coli LPS, or intact Porphyromonas gingivalis. [J Immunol] Abstract

Inflammatory Responses Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Are Amplified in Primary Human Monocytes but Suppressed in Macrophages by Complement Protein C5a
Complement protein C5a, acting via C5aR, is shown to differentially modulate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in primary human monocytes versus macrophages. Whereas C5a enhanced secretion of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF from primary human monocytes, C5a inhibited these responses while increasing IL-10 secretion in donor-matched human monocyte-derived macrophages differentiated by GM-CSF or M-CSF. [J Immunol] Abstract

IL-22/IL-22R1 Axis and S100A8/A9 Alarmins in Human Osteoarthritic and Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Researchers investigated whether the microenvironment of inflamed joints could modulate the expression of IL-22 and IL-22R1 on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). They also examined the effect of IL-22 on FLS activation as well as on their IL-17-related responses. [Rheumatology] Abstract

Multiple Infusions of CD20-Targeted T Cells and Low-Dose IL-2 after SCT for High-Risk Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Pilot Study
A pilot phase I clinical trial involving 15 infusions of anti-CD3 × anti-CD20 bispecific Ab-armed anti-CD3-activated T cells (aATC) and low-dose IL-2 was conducted in three non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients after autologous SCT. The feasibility of T-cell expansion, safety of aATC infusions, cytotoxic immune responses and trafficking of aATC were evaluated. [Bone Marrow Transplant] Abstract

Association of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 Gene Polymorphisms with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Polymorphism of cytokine genes including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were studied in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients as well as in normal healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from both T2DM patients and controls followed by quantification and genotyping by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism using suitable primers. [Mol Biol Rep] Abstract

Targeting of Memory T Cells with Alefacept in New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes (T1DAL Study): 12 Month Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Trial
Investigators postulated that alefacept would arrest autoimmunity and preserve residual β cells in patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The T1DAL study is a phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with type 1 diabetes, aged 12-35 years who, within 100 days of diagnosis, were enrolled at 14 US sites. [Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol] Abstract | Press Release

Location and Cellular Stages of Natural Killer Cell Development
Gaining a better understanding of the processes that govern natural killer (NK) cell development should allow researchers to harness better NK cell functions in multiple clinical settings, as well as to gain further insight into how these cells undergo malignant transformation. In this review, the authors summarize recent advances in understanding sites and cellular stages of NK cell development in humans and mice. [Trends Immunol] Abstract

Immune Mechanisms in Type 1 Diabetes
Novel findings regarding β cell involvement in its own destruction, the importance of the microbiota for instruction of the immune system, and recent data from studies in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients are discussed. In addition, the authors summarize therapeutic approaches to T1D, and how these relate to the immune mechanisms involved in disease development. [Trends Immunol] Abstract

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

UCSF Researcher First Winner of Prize for Innovative Work on Multiple Sclerosis
University of California San Francisco (UCSF) neuroscientist Jonah R. Chan, PhD, has been named the winner of the inaugural Barancik Prize for Innovation in multiple sclerosis (MS) Research for developing a technique that will allow scientists to conduct better experiments and more rapidly evaluate potential drug therapies for MS. [University of California San Francisco] Press Release

Missing Immune Response May Prove a Vital Link for New Leukemia Treatments
Patients suffering from leukemia could have their immune system engineered to fight the disease, after scientists at the University of Birmingham discovered that they lacked an immune response to a certain class of proteins which could be restored through stem cell transplants. [University of Birmingham] Press Release

STEMSOFT Announces Release of New Cord Banking Software Solution
STEMSOFT™ Software Inc. (STEMSOFT) announced the release of a new cord banking software solution, STEMSOFT CORD. This new system is like no other cord banking software on the market and offers an intuitive, easy to follow user interface paired with the functionality demanded by this unique workflow. [STEMSOFT Software, Inc.] Press Release

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Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the human immunology community.

NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Bioinformatics in Human Immunology Research (Singapore Immunology Network [A*STAR])

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)

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

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

Research Technologist – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate/Scientist – Antibodies Group (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Quality Control Analyst – Media (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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