Immune Regulation News Volume 3.44 | Dec 2 2011

Regulatory T-Cell Responses to Low-Dose Interleukin-2 in HCV-Induced Vasculitis
Investigators reasoned that interleukin-2, a cytokine that promotes regulatory T cell survival and function, could be beneficial for patients with vasculitis that is resistant to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. [N Engl J Med] Abstract

Response to Self Antigen Imprints Regulatory Memory in Tissues
Here researchers show that upon expression of self antigen in a peripheral tissue, thymus-derived regulatory T cells become activated, proliferate and differentiate into more potent suppressors, which mediate resolution of organ-specific autoimmunity in mice. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Combined Genetic Inactivation of ß2-Microglobulin and CD58 Reveals Frequent Escape from Immune Recognition in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Scientists report that diffuse large B cell lymphoma commonly fails to express cell-surface molecules necessary for the recognition of tumor cells by immune-effector cells. [Cancer Cell] Abstract

Identification of Bcl-6-Dependent Follicular Helper NKT Cells that Provide Cognate Help for B Cell Responses
Here researchers show that in vivo, natural killer T (NKT) cells engaged in stable and prolonged cognate interactions with B cells and induced the formation of early germinal centers. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Direct B Cell Responses to Cognate Lipid Antigen in an IL-21-Dependent Manner
Here scientists found that cognate invariant natural killer T cell (iNKT cell) help resulted in a B cell differentiation program characterized by extrafollicular plasmablasts, germinal-center formation, affinity maturation and a robust primary immunoglobulin G antibody response that was uniquely dependent on iNKT cell–derived interleukin 21 (IL-21). [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Priming Microenvironments Dictate Cytokine Requirements for T Helper 17 Cell Lineage Commitment
Here, investigators have discovered that the cytokine requirements for T helper 17 cell polarization depend on the site of priming. [Immunity] Abstract

The NF-κB1 Transcription Factor Prevents the Intrathymic Development of CD8 T Cells with Memory Properties
Here, scientists show that mice lacking NF-κB1 develop a unique population of conventional CD8 single-positive thymocytes with memory T cell-like properties that populate peripheral immune organs. [EMBO J] Abstract

Antitumor Activity from Antigen-Specific CD8 T Cells Generated In Vivo from Genetically Engineered Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Here, researchers present the generation of functional tumor-specific human T cells in vivo from genetically modified human hematopoietic stem cells using a human/mouse chimera model. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Quantitative Differences in CD45 Expression Unmask Functions for CD45 in B-Cell Development, Tolerance, and Survival
Although high expression of CD45 inhibits T-cell receptor signaling, researchers show that CD45 plays a purely positive regulatory role during B-cell receptor signaling. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein-δ Expression by Dendritic Cells Regulates CNS Autoimmune Inflammatory Disease
Researchers’ findings identify CCAAT enhancer binding protein-δ as an important dendritic cell transcription factor in CNS autoimmune inflammatory disease by virtue of its capacity to alter the T helper 17:regulatory T cell balance in an interleukin-10 dependent fashion. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Ablynx Reports Positive Phase I Data for ALX-0061 in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ablynx announced positive Phase I data from the single ascending dose part of the Phase I/II study with ALX-0061, the anti-IL-6R Nanobody, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [Ablynx NV] Press Release

Horizon Pharma Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Acceptance of LODOTRA® New Drug Application for Review for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing and review its New Drug Application for LODOTRA® for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, and set a PDUFA date of July 26, 2012, based on the standard 10 month review. [Horizon Pharma, Inc.]
Press Release

Lloyd J. Old, M.D., Father of Modern Tumor Immunology, Dies at 78 of Prostate Cancer
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announced that CRI founding scientific and medical director Lloyd J. Old, M.D., regarded as the “Father of Modern Tumor Immunology,” died at his home in New York City from prostate cancer. [Cancer Research Institute] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)  

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology & Inflammation (SRI International)

Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Cincinnati)

Assistant Professor – Immunology (University of Saskatchewan)

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