Immune Regulation News Volume 3.33 | Sep 9 2011

The Inflammasome Adaptor ASC Regulates the Function of Adaptive Immune Cells by Controlling Dock2-Mediated Rac Activation and Actin Polymerization
Here researchers demonstrate that ASC has an inflammasome-independent, cell-intrinsic role in cells of the adaptive immune response. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Live Attenuated Malaria Vaccine Designed to Protect Through Hepatic CD8⁺ T Cell Immunity
Animal studies demonstrated that intravenous immunization was critical for inducing a high frequency of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite-specific CD8⁺, interferon-γ–producing T cells in the liver (nonhuman primates, mice) and conferring protection (mice). [Science] Abstract

Human Cytomegalovirus MicroRNA miR-US4-1 Inhibits CD8⁺ T Cell Responses by Targeting the Aminopeptidase ERAP1
The findings identify a previously unknown viral microRNA–based cytotoxic T lymphocyte-evasion mechanism that targets a key step in the major histocompatibility complex class I antigen-processing pathway. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

The Helicase DDX41 Senses Intracellular DNA Mediated by the Adaptor STING in Dendritic Cells
Here investigators report the identification of DDX41, a member of the DEXDc family of helicases, as an intracellular DNA sensor in myeloid dendritic cells. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Recognize Glycolipids from Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Here researchers show that natural killer T cells recognized diacylglycerol-containing glycolipids from Streptococcus pneumoniae and group B Streptococcus. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

A Recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis Induces Potent Bactericidal Immunity Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Analysis of the adaptive immune responses indicated that the highly protective bactericidal immunity elicited by IKEPLUS was dependent on CD4⁺ memory T cells and involved a distinct shift in the pattern of cytokine responses by CD4⁺ cells. [Nat Med] Abstract | Press Release

Increased Sensitivity of Antigen-Experienced T Cells Through the Enrichment of Oligomeric T Cell Receptor Complexes
Through biochemistry and electron microscopy, researchers showed that previously stimulated and memory T cells have more and larger T cell receptor oligomers at the cell surface than their naive counterparts. [Immunity] Abstract

Mapping a Dynamic Innate Immunity Protein Interaction Network Regulating Type I Interferon Production
To systematically investigate innate immune signaling networks regulating production of type I interferon, researchers analyzed protein complexes formed after microbial recognition. [Immunity] Abstract

Protective Antiviral Antibody Responses in a Mouse Model of Influenza Virus Infection Require TACI
Here, researchers have identified a critical role for extrinsic cytokine signals in the survival of respiratory tract antibody-secreting cells in a mouse model of influenza infection. [J Clin Invest] Abstract | Press Release

The Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 Is Essential for Resolution of Murine Inflammatory Arthritis via its C-Terminal Domain
Here, investigators sought to determine the role and mechanism of p21-mediated suppression of experimental inflammatory arthritis. [Arthritis Rheum] Abstract | Press Release

Natural Killer Cells in Free-Living Mus musculus Have a Primed Phenotype
The findings indicate a high degree of pre-activation of natural killer (NK) cells of free-living mice, indicating a strong environmental impact on NK cells, which may be highly relevant for interpretation of studies in the mouse model. [Mol Ecol] Abstract | Press Release

Phase IIa Study of Selective Oral JAK3 Inhibitor VX-509 Showed Significant Improvements in Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced that treatment with the investigational selective oral JAK3 inhibitor VX-509 in a Phase IIa trial resulted in substantial and statistically significant improvements in multiple measurements of rheumatoid arthritis activity. [Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated] Press Release

Toyama Chemical and Eisai Submit Marketing Authorization Application for Anti-Rheumatic Agent T-614
Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. and Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that they have submitted a marketing authorization application for T-614 (iguratimod), an anti-rheumatic agent being jointly developed in Japan by the two companies. [Eisai Co., Ltd.] Press Release

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NEW Phacilitate Vaccine Forum Singapore 2011
September 19-21, 2011
Singapore

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