Human Immunology News Volume 2.34 | Sep 9 2014

Stat3 Promotes IL-10 Expression in Lupus T Cells through trans-Activation and Chromatin Remodeling
Scientists aimed to determine molecular events governing T cell-derived IL-10 expression in health and disease. They linked reduced DNA methylation of the IL10 gene with increased recruitment of Stat family transcription factors. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Prognostic Significance of FOXP3⁺ Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Breast Cancer Depends on Estrogen Receptor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Expression Status and Concurrent Cytotoxic T-Cell Infiltration
FOXP3⁺ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from a well-defined cohort of 3,992 breast cancer patients linked to detailed demographic, biomarker, treatment and outcome data. [Breast Cancer Res] Abstract | Full Article

Endothelial Microparticles Interact with and Support the Proliferation of T Cells
Given the recently described role for human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBEC) in modulating immune responses, researchers investigated how HBEC-derived microparticles (MP) could interact with and support the proliferation of T cells. Like their mother cells, endothelial MP expressed molecules important for Ag presentation and T cell costimulation, that is, β2-microglobulin, MHC II, CD40, and ICOSL. [J Immunol] Abstract

TLR9 Transcriptional Regulation in Response to Double-Stranded DNA Viruses
Researchers examined the relationship between activation and the transcriptional regulation of TLR9. They demonstrate that infection of primary human epithelial cells, B cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells with dsDNA viruses induces a regulatory temporary negative-feedback loop that blocks TLR9 transcription and function. [J Immunol] Abstract

Cigarette Smoke Induced DAMP Release from Necrotic Neutrophils Triggers Pro-Inflammatory Mediator Release
In human peripheral blood neutrophils, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis/necrosis markers, caspase activity and DAMP release were studied after cigarette smoke exposure. [Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol] Abstract

Flavonoid Apigenin Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response through Multiple Mechanisms in Macrophages
Researchers examined the effect of apigenin on LPS-induced inflammatory response and further elucidated the potential underlying mechanisms in human THP-1-induced macrophages and mouse J774A.1 macrophages. [PLoS One] Full Article

Severely Depressed Interleukin-17 Production by Human Neonatal Mononuclear Cells
Scientists examined neonatal production of IL-17 in mixed mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood for comparison with adult peripheral blood mononuclear cell controls. IL-17 production was profoundly diminished in mixed mononuclear cells isolated from cord blood when compared with mixed mononuclear cells from adult blood. [Pediatr Res] Abstract

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EMD Serono Appoints Drew Young to Senior Vice President, Neurology and Immunology
EMD Serono, Inc. announced that Drew Young has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Neurology and Immunology. [EMD Serono, Inc.] Press Release

Ascend Biopharmaceuticals Clinical Trial Program Update
Ascend Biopharmaceuticals plans to begin a Phase II clinical trial on ASN-002, an injectable immunotherapy for basal cell carcinoma, by 2015. Ascend has also announced plans to begin a Phase Ib study on a therapeutic cancer vaccine for breast cancer, ASN-004, in the second half of 2015. [Ascend Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.]
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Ludwig Cancer Research and Cancer Research Institute Collaborate on Evaluation of VentiRx’s Investigational Immunotherapy
The nonprofits Ludwig Cancer Research and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announced an agreement with VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. to conduct a clinical trial with motolimod (VTX-2337) combined with other immunotherapy agents available to Ludwig and CRI through other industry partnerships. [Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd.] Press Release

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