Immune Regulation News Volume 4.14 | Apr 20 2012

Critical Role of STAT5 Transcription Factor Tetramerization for Cytokine Responses and Normal Immune Function
Researchers demonstrated that tetramerization of STAT5 is critical for cytokine responses and normal immune function, establishing a critical role for STAT5 tetramerization in vivo. [Immunity] Abstract

Strong Immunogenicity and Cross-Reactivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESX-5 Type VII Secretion-Encoded PE/PPE Proteins Predicts Vaccine Potential
Researchers report the strong T cell immunogenicity of the ESX-5-encoded PE/PPE proteins (named after their N-terminal Pro-Glu (PE) or Pro-Pro-Glu (PPE) motifs), which share a large panel of cross-reactive CD4⁺ epitopes with substantial numbers of their ESX-5-nonassociated PE/PPE homologs. [Cell Host Microb] Abstract

Mitigating Age-Related Immune Dysfunction Heightens the Efficacy of Tumor Immunotherapy in Aged Mice
Researchers developed a melanoma-specific cancer immunotherapy that shows efficacy in aged but not young hosts by mitigating age-specific tumor-associated immune dysfunction. [Cancer Res]
Abstract | Press Release

LIGHT Delivery to Tumors by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mobilizes an Effective Antitumor Immune Response
Researchers demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells can effectively home to and deliver immune stimulating molecules to tumor tissues, thereby reversing the immune-suppressive environment, promoting anti-tumor immunity, and inhibiting tumor growth. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Antagonist-Mediated Down-Regulation of Toll-Like Receptors Increases the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This study evaluated whether abnormal host innate immune response in lupus patients may enhance human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence. Protein levels of Toll-like receptors 3, 7, 8 and 9 in cervical epithelial cells of lupus patients and controls with or without HPV infection were assessed using flow cytometry. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract

Spherical Lactic Acid Bacteria Activate Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Immunomodulatory Function via Toll-Like Receptor₉-Dependent Crosstalk with Myeloid Dendritic Cells
Data showed that certain non-pathogenic spherical lactic acid bacteria in wide dietary use have potent and diverse immunomodulatory effects on plasmacytoid dendritic cells. [PLoS One] Abstract

CD4⁺CD25⁺ Regulatory T Cells from MRL/lpr Mice Were Functionally More Active In Vitro but Did Not Prevent Spontaneous as well as Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy In Vivo
Researchers investigated the suppressive function of regulatory T cells from MRL/lpr mice in vitro and in vivo by using an alternative quantitative assay. [Rheumatology] Abstract

Glia Maturation Factor Gamma Regulates the Migration and Adherence of Human T Lymphocytes
Researchers demonstrated that glia maturation factor gamma (GMFG) is a component of human T cell pseudopodia required for migration. The reduction in migration and increased adherence properties associated with inhibition of GMFG expression suggest that GMFG activity influences the regulation of integrin mediated adhesion. [BMC Immunol] Abstract

Chitooligosaccharide Elicits Acute Inflammatory Cytokine Response through AP-1 Pathway in Human Intestinal Epithelial-Like Cells
Researchers evaluated the effect of chitooligosaccharide (COS) on expression of a specific panel of cytokine genes involved in inflammation and delineated the signal transduction pathway underlying the COS mediated inflammatory response. [Mol Immunol] Abstract

Resistance to ABT-737 in Activated T lymphocytes: Molecular Mechanisms and Reversibility by Inhibition of the Calcineurin-NFAT Pathway
By following a T-cell receptor transgenic population of alloantigen-specific T cells, researchers found that sensitivity to ABT-737 radically changed during the course of allo-specific immune responses. [Cell Death Dis] Abstract

NewLink Genetics Receives Notice of Allowance from the Japan Patent Office for New Patent Broadly Covering Its HyperAcute(R) Cancer Immunotherapy Products
NewLink Genetics Corporation announced that the Japan Patent Office has issued a notice of allowance for a patent entitled “Antitumor Vaccination Using Allogeneic Tumor Cells Expressing Alpha (1,3)-Galactosyltransferase”, which contains broad pharmaceutical composition claims covering NewLink’s HyperAcute products for the treatment of cancer. [NewLink Genetics Corporation] Press Release

UTHealth Uses $1.9 Million Grant to Study Therapy for Autoimmunity
A researcher at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is studying a novel cell therapy that could help avoid autoimmune problems after stem cell transplantation, as well as potentially treat other autoimmune diseases. [The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston] Press Release

TiGenix Rheumatoid Arthritis Phase IIa Study Successfully Passes Last Safety Hurdle
TiGenix announced today that upon review of the safety data of the first three patients of the third cohort of the company’s Phase IIa clinical trial in rheumatoid arthritis, it has received the go-ahead from the independent Safety Monitoring Board to recruit and dose the remaining patients of this cohort. [TiGenix NV] 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)

Scientist – Endothelial Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)  

Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Immunology (Karmanos Cancer Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Central Nervous System and Immunological Disorders (UCB)


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