CD4 T Cells with Effector Memory Phenotype and Function Develop in the Sterile Environment of the Fetus Scientists have identified and characterized a population of fetally developed CD4 T cells with an effector memory phenotype, which are present in cord blood. This population is polyclonal and has phenotypic features similar to those of conventional adult memory T cells, such as CD45RO expression. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract Combinatorial Flexibility of Cytokine Function during Human T Helper Cell Differentiation Researchers showed that a single cytokine, interferon-alpha, can generate multiple transcriptional signatures, including distinct functional modules of variable flexibility, when acting in four cytokine environments driving distinct T helper cell differentiation programs (Th0, Th1, Th2 and Th17). [Nat Commun] Abstract Breast Cancer Metastasis: Demonstration That FOXP3 Regulates CXCR4 Expression and the Response to CXCL12 During activation, human T cells show reciprocal regulation of FOXP3 and CXCR4. Researchers examined the role FOXP3 plays in metastatic breast cancer, with a particular focus on its potential to regulate CXCR4. [J Pathol] Abstract Podocytes Regulate Neutrophil Recruitment by Glomerular Endothelial Cells via IL-6-Mediated Crosstalk Researchers hypothesized that podocytes influence the ability of glomerular endothelial cells to recruit neutrophils during inflammation. [J Immunol] Abstract Immunosuppression through Constitutively Activated NF-κB Signaling in Human Ovarian Cancer and Its Reversal by an NF-κB Inhibitor NF-κB is involved in the immunosuppression induced by human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and its inhibitor may restore antitumor immune responses, indicating that NF-κB is an attractive target for EOC treatment. [Br J Cancer] Abstract Effects of Low-Dose Recombinant Interleukin 2 to Promote T-Regulatory Cells in Alopecia Areata An impaired inhibitory function of circulating CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells was reported to play a key role in alopecia areata (AA). Investigators report the first use to their knowledge of low-dose interleukin 2 for treating severe AA by promoting the recruitment of Treg cells. [JAMA Dermatol] Abstract Phosphorylation of Rab5a by Protein Kinase Cε Is Crucial for T-Cell Migration Researchers present a novel mechanism by which a protein kinase Cε-Rab5a-Rac1 axis regulates cytoskeleton remodeling and T-cell migration, both of which are central for the adaptive immune response. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article An Efficient siRNA-Mediated Gene Silencing in Primary Human Monocytes, Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Researchers describe a protocol optimized for the lipid-based delivery of siRNA to perform gene silencing in primary human blood monocytes, which is applicable to dendritic cells, and differs from the classical route of siRNA delivery into macrophages. [Immunol Cell Biol] Abstract Synergistic Effects of IL-4 and TNFalpha on the Induction of B7-H1 in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells Inhibiting Allogeneic T Cell Proliferation Cytokine pretreated tumor cells were co-cultured with allogeneic CD8+ T cells from healthy donors and T cell proliferation as well as cytokine secretion was determined. [J Transl Med] Abstract | Full Article Effect of Everolimus on the Immunomodulation of the Human Neutrophil Inflammatory Response and Activation Scientists investigated the impact of different immunosuppressive drugs on the inflammatory response of neutrophils isolated from the blood of healthy volunteers. [Cell Mol Immunol] Abstract |