Human Immunology News Volume 3.01 | Jan 13 2015

Defining CD4 T Cell Memory by the Epigenetic Landscape of CpG DNA Methylation
Using targeted bisulfite sequencing, investigators examined methylation of 2100 genes (56,000 CpGs) mapped by deep sequencing of T cell activation in human naive and memory CD4 T cells. Four hundred sixty-six CpGs displayed differential methylation between naive and memory cells. [J Immunol] Abstract

Effect of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Cytokine Production by Peripheral Blood Naive, Memory and Effector T Cells
Researchers investigated the effect of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells on naturally occurring peripheral blood functional compartments of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells: naive, central memory, effector memory and effector compartments. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

STAT3 Signaling Contributes to the High Effector Activities of Interleukin-15-Derived Dendritic Cells
Analyses of surface molecules by flow cytometry and quantitative RNA profiling revealed differences between dendritic cells (DCs) derived from interleukin-4 (IL-4) versus IL-15 signaling, yet both lineages of DCs exhibited similar levels of surface molecules key to immune activation. [Immunol Cell Biol] Full Article

The Galectin-9/Tim-3 Pathway Is Involved in the Regulation of NK Cell Function at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Early Pregnancy
Researchers demonstrate that the inhibitory molecule T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) is expressed on over 60% of decidual natural killer (NK) cells. [Cell Mol Immunol] Abstract

Increased Proportion of FoxP3⁺ Regulatory T Cells in Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Is Associated with Tumor Recurrence and Reduced Survival in Patients with Glioblastoma
In order to assess whether FoxP3 was an independent driver differentially expressed in primary versus recurrent glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs), scientists stained resected primary and recurrent GBM tumors for CD3, CD4, CD8 and FoxP3 expression using standard immunohistochemistry. [Cancer Immunol Immunother] Abstract

Comparison of Circulating and Intratumoral Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Investigators characterized the phenotype and function of circulating and intratumoral regulatory T cells of renal cell carcinoma patients in order to evaluate their implication in the inhibition of the local antitumor immune response. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell Infiltration of Murine and Human Gliomas Is Associated with Reduction of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Scientists evaluated whether myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) infiltrate human GBM tissues, and whether a commonly used mouse model of GBM reproduces the biology of MDSCs that is observed in patients. [J Neurooncol] Abstract

Engineered Dendritic Cells from Cord Blood and Adult Blood Accelerate Effector T Cell Immune Reconstitution against HCMV
Researchers induced self-differentiation of peripheral blood and cord blood monocytes into dendritic cells processing pp65 (SmyleDCpp65). In vitro, SmyleDCpp65 resisted human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, activated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells and expanded functional pp65-specific memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes. [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Full Article

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Bristol-Myers Squibb and Lilly Enter Clinical Collaboration Agreement to Evaluate Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Combination with Galunisertib in Advanced Solid Tumors
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Eli Lilly and Company announced a clinical trial collaboration to evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s immunotherapy Opdivo in combination with Lilly’s galunisertib. [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] Press Release

Incyte and Agenus Announce Global Alliance to Develop Novel Immuno-Oncology Antibodies
Incyte Corporation and Agenus Inc. announced a global license, development and commercialization agreement focused on novel immuno-therapeutics using Agenus’ proprietary Retrocyte Display™ antibody discovery platform. [Incyte Corporation] Press Release

MedImmune Enters Licensing Agreement with Omnis Pharmaceuticals for Oncolytic Viruses in Immuno-Oncology
AstraZeneca announced that MedImmune has entered into a licensing agreement with Omnis Pharmaceuticals. This agreement will allow MedImmune to combine key agents from its investigational immunotherapy portfolio with Omnis’ lead investigational oncolytic virus program, a genetically engineered strain of vesicular stomatitis virus. [AstraZeneca] Press Release

Argos Therapeutics Provides Update on Clinical Research for Investigational Fully Personalized Immunotherapy for the Treatment of HIV
Argos Therapeutics Inc. provided an update on its clinical research program for AGS-004, the company’s investigational fully personalized immunotherapy for the treatment of HIV. The primary endpoint of the trial was not achieved. [Argos Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

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Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Pathology (Stanford University School of Medicine)

Senior Research Scientist – Immunohistochemistry (iTeos Therapeutics)

Research Scientist – Cancer Immunotherapy (iTeos Therapeutics)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Translational Immuno-Oncology (University Hospital Essen)

Senior Medical Advisor – Inflammation & Immunology (Celgene Corporation)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology (Hospital for Special Surgery)

Product Manager Global Marketing – Autoimmunity (Thermo Fisher Scientific)

Scientist – Recombinant Molecules and Antibodies (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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