Human Immunology News Volume 3.02 | Jan 20 2015

Bee Venom Processes Human Skin Lipids for Presentation by CD1a
Using bee and wasp venom responses as a model system, scientists investigated whether venoms contain CD1-presented antigens. They show that venoms activate human T cells via CD1a proteins. [J Exp Med] Abstract

Fractalkine-CX3CR1-Dependent Recruitment and Retention of Human CD1c⁺ Myeloid Dendritic Cells by In Vitro-Activated Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Researchers identified CD1c⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) as the predominant source of profibrotic transforming growth factor-β and highest expressors of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 within the renal DC compartment. [Kidney Int] Abstract

Selective IL-2 Responsiveness of Regulatory T Cells through Multiple Intrinsic Mechanisms Support the Use of Low-Dose IL-2 Therapy in Type-1 Diabetes
Investigators show that IL-2-dependent STAT5 activation in regulatory T cells from healthy individuals and patients with type-1 diabetes occurred at approximately ten-fold lower concentration of IL-2 than required by T memory cells or by in vitro activated T cells. [Diabetes] Abstract

The BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Dabrafenib and Trametinib: Effects on Immune Function and in Combination with Immunomodulatory Antibodies Targeting PD1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4
Immune effects of dabrafenib and trametinib were evaluated in human CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells from healthy volunteers, a panel of human tumor cell lines, and in vivo using a CT26 mouse model. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Individuals Naturally Exposed to Lutzomyia intermedia Sand Flies Develop an IL-10-Dominant Immune Response and Are at Increased Risk of Developing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Scientists conducted a prospective cohort analysis to characterize the human immune response to L. intermedia saliva in 264 individuals, from an area for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis. [J Infect Dis] Abstract

Elevation of c-MYC Disrupts HLA Class II-Mediated Immune Recognition of Human B Cell Tumors
Investigators report that increased c-MYC expression has a negative effect on the ability of B cell lymphomas to functionally present Ags/peptides to CD4⁺ T cells. [J Immunol] Abstract

Low-Dose Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Inhibits Human B-Cell Differentiation into Antibody-Secreting Cells
Researchers studied the effect of low-dose anti-thymocyte globulin on B cell activation and differentiation to antibody-secreting cells, as this may have an effect on B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris. [Acta Derm Venereol] Abstract

CD103 Marks a Subset of Human CD34⁺-Derived Langerin⁺ Dendritic Cells which Induce T Regulatory Cells via Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-1
Researchers show that during in vitro differentiation along myeloid dendritic cell lineage CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells acquire Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 expression, which acts in a tolerogenic manner by inducing a population of fully functional CD4⁺CD25⁺ FOXP3⁺ T regulatory cells. [Exp Hematol] Abstract

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Kite Pharma Announces Presentations Highlighting Cancer Immunotherapy T Cell Manufacturing Process
Kite Pharma, Inc. announced presentations on the company’s rapid, six-day manufacturing process for the production of Kite’s lead product candidate, KTE-C19. [Press release from Kite Pharma, Inc. discussing research presented at Scale-Up and Manufacturing of Cell-Based Therapies IV, San Diego] Press Release

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Novartis Cosentyx™ Is the First IL-17 Inhibitor to Receive EU Approval for First-Line Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis Patients
Novartis announced that the European Commission has approved Cosentyx™ (secukinumab) as a first-line systemic treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy. [Novartis AG] Press Release

New Approach, New Hope: State Investment Will Fast-Track Innovative Roswell Park Research in Ovarian Cancer
Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute have received a prestigious grant of nearly $12 million from the New York State Stem Cell Science Program to develop new therapies for advanced ovarian cancer. Using an approach known as adoptive T-cell therapy, the Roswell Park team will take stem cells from patients’ blood, re-engineer them and infuse the reprogrammed cells back into those patients. [Roswell Park Cancer Institute] Press Release

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