Human Immunology News Volume 1.37 | Nov 26 2013

Reciprocal Activation of CD4⁺T Cells and Synovial Fibroblasts by SDF-1 Promotes RANKL Expression and Osteoclastogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
The authors found coexpression of receptor activator of nuclear factor ĸB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1) in lining and sublining area of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. SDF-1 stimulated RANKL expression in RA synovial fibroblasts and CD4⁺ T cells, and TNF- inhibition reduced this stimulation. [Arthritis Rheum] Abstract

CD24^hiCD27⁺ B Cells from Allergic Asthma Patients Have Impaired Regulatory Activity in Response to LPS
The frequency and function of IL-10 producing B cell subsets in allergic asthma was investigated. Isolated peripheral blood B cells from 13 allergic asthma patients and matched controls were analyzed for the expression of different regulatory B cell markers. [Clin Exp Allergy] Abstract

Immune Response Profiling in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Discovery of a Novel Interaction of Treatment Response with Viral Immunity
Researchers aimed to identify immune response signatures that correlate with clinical treatment outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A cohort of 71 consecutive patients with early RA starting treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was recruited. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

Two Wheat Decapeptides Prevent Gliadin-Dependent Maturation of Human Dendritic Cells
Scientists monitored the effect of peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin (PT-gliadin) on the maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) and the impact of pDAV and pRPQ decapeptides in the modulation of PT-gliadin-induced phenotypic and functional DC maturation. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Expression of Human T Cell Immunoglobulin Domain and Mucin-3 (TIM-3) on Kidney Tissue from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients
Investigators aimed to evaluate the expression of TIM-3 in renal tissue from patients with SLE and patients without SLE, and to determine the difference of TIM-3 expression between them. [Cin Exp Med]
Abstract

Impaired and Imbalanced Cellular Immunological Status Assessed in Advanced Cancer Patients and Restoration of the T Cell Immune Status by Adoptive T-Cell Immunotherapy
The authors performed a detailed evaluation of the immunological status of 47 patients with advanced solid cancer, who had received no immunosuppressive treatment, and compared the results with 32 healthy subjects. [Int Immunopharmacol] Abstract

Histamine Downregulates the Th1-Associated Chemokine Interferon-γ-Induced Protein in Monocytes and Myeloid Dendritic Cells
Monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells were isolated from human PBMC. Histamine receptor expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Cells were stimulated with histamine and histamine receptor ligands, and restimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, and supernatants were analyzed by protein array and ELISA. [Int Arch Allergy Immunol] Full Article

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Allergen Research Corporation Announces $17 Million Series A Financing
Allergen Research Corporation announced the successful completion of financing to support its upcoming Phase IIb clinical trial to evaluate peanut allergy oral immunotherapy with characterized peanut allergen, as well as related development projects. [Allergen Research Corporation] Press Release

Agalimmune Ltd Founded to Develop Immunotherapeutics for Cancer
Agalimmune Ltd has been created to develop innovative immunotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer, with a focus on solid tumors. The new company has been founded by an investment group comprising Loxbridge Research LLP and Animatrix Capital LLP. The funding will be used to continue the translation of Agalimmune’s leading immunotherapeutic technology, Alphaject^TM , licensed from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, to the clinic. [Business Wire] Press Release

Increased Investment in Southampton’s Cutting Edge Cancer Research
Southampton will remain at the forefront of ground breaking cancer research through new funding from Cancer Research UK. The charity will invest up to £4million over three years to help get new treatments and diagnostics to cancer patients sooner. [University of Southampton] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Wound Healing/Fibrosis Research (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Immunology Research (The Babraham Institute)

Faculty Positions – Cancer Biology and Immunology (Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Tumor Immunology (National University of Singapore)

PhD Studentship – Systems Biology and Lymphocyte Activation (University of Oxford)

Post-Doctoral Fellows – Human Immunology (Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Characterizing the Immunosuppressive Impact of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on T Cells (FDA: Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research)

Postdoctoral Research Position – Immunology (Singapore Immunology Network [SIgN])

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunotherapy (Washington University School of Medicine)

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

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

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

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