Human Immunology News Volume 2.06 | Feb 18 2014

Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis Showed Increased Plasticity toward Th17 but Retained Suppressive Function in Peripheral Blood
Scientists investigated IL-17-producing regulatory T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and characterized their regulatory capacity and clinical significance. [Ann Rheum Dis] Abstract

Hypoxia and STAT3 Signaling Interactions Regulate Pro-Inflammatory Pathways in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers examined the effect of hypoxia on Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)-induced pro-inflammatory pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. [Ann Rheum Dis] Abstract

Differential Effects of Fingolimod on B-Cell Populations in Multiple Sclerosis
Scientists analyzed blood samples from nine fingolimod-treated and 19 control patients with multiple sclerosis by flow cytometry, to determine the frequencies and activation states of naive B cells, memory B cells, and plasmablasts. The frequencies of each B-cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were greatly reduced two weeks after starting fingolimod treatment. [Mult Scler] Abstract

TIRC7 and HLA-DR Axis Contributes to Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
TIRC7 was expressed in brain-infiltrating lymphocytes and strongly correlated with disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). TIRC7 expression was reduced in T cells and induced in B cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from MS patients. [Mult Scler] Abstract

ImmTAC-Redirected Tumor Cell Killing Induces and Potentiates Antigen Cross-Presentation by Dendritic Cells
Using an ImmTAC (immune-mobilizing monoclonal T cell receptor against cancer) specific for a HLA-A*02-restricted peptide derived from the melanoma antigen gp100, scientists observed that ImmTAC-driven melanoma-cell death leads to cross-presentation of melanoma antigens by dendritic cells. [Cancer Immunol Immunother] Abstract

Bufalin, a Bioactive Component of the Chinese Medicine Chansu, Inhibits Inflammation and Invasion of Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Researchers investigated the effects of bufalin on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a)-induced invasion of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Their results revealed that TNF-a significantly increased p65 translocation into nucleus and enhanced nuclear factor-kappa B DNA-binding activity, which were dose-dependently inhibited by bufalin. [Inflammation] Abstract

Increased TTS Expression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scientists studied the imbalance expressions of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TTS) with rheumatoid arthritis patients. The expressions of IDO and TTS were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. [Clin Exp Med] Abstract

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Connexon Creative is evaluating reader interest in a new social media platform. Fill out this quick survey for your chance to win 1 of 4 $25 gift cards! Take survey here

A Review of the Current Literature and a Guide to the Early Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disorders Associated with Neuromyelitis Optica
The authors present a comprehensive review of the current literature on autoimmune disorders co-existing with neuromyelitis optica and identified 22 autoimmune conditions. [Autoimmunity] Abstract

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

Aurigene Discovery Technologies Limited and Pierre Fabre Announce a Licensing Agreement for a New Cancer Therapeutic in Immuno-Oncology: AUNP12, an Immune Checkpoint Modulator Targeting the PD-1 Pathway
Pierre Fabre and Aurigene announced that the two companies have entered into a collaborative license, development and commercialization agreement granting Pierre Fabre global Worldwide rights (excluding India) to a new immune checkpoint modulator, AUNP-12. [Aurigene Discovery Technologies Limited] Press Release

DiaVacs Announces a Strategic Collaboration with Profil Institute to Conduct Phase IB/IIA Randomized Clinical Trial of New Cell-Based Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes
DiaVacs, Inc. and Profil® Institute for Clinical Research, Inc. announced a strategic collaboration to conduct DiaVacs’ Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial. [Profil® Institute for Clinical Research, Inc.] Press Release

From our sponsor:
View immunology lectures, protocols and other resources on the Human Immunology Portal.

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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

NEW Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

NEW Research Technologist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

NEW Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Assistant – Adaptive Immune Proliferation (Cambridge Institute for Medical Research)

Postdoctoral Position – Epigenetic Regulation of Interleukin-12 Family Members (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

PhD Student Position – Molecular Immunology (Institute for Research in Biomedicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Epigenetic Regulation of Interleukin-12 Family Members (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

Postdoctoral Position – Allergy and Immunology (University of Southern California)

Associate Professor – B Cell Immunologist (Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine)

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

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.