Immune Regulation News Volume 4.24 | Jun 29 2012

GM-CSF Controls Nonlymphoid Tissue Dendritic Cell Homeostasis but Is Dispensable for the Differentiation of Inflammatory Dendritic Cells
Researchers showed that GM-CSF (Csf-2) is important in vaccine-induced CD8⁺ T cell immunity through the regulation of nonlymphoid tissue dendritic cell (DC) homeostasis rather than control of inflammatory DCs in vivo. [Immunity] Abstract

Priming of Natural Killer Cells by Nonmucosal Mononuclear Phagocytes Requires Instructive Signals from Commensal Microbiota
The authors showed that, in response to microbial stimulation, mononuclear phagocytes residing in nonmucosal lymphoid organs of germ-free mice failed to induce expression of a set of inflammatory response genes, including those encoding the various type I interferons. [Immunity] Abstract

Janus-Like Opposing Roles of CD47 in Autoimmune Brain Inflammation in Humans and Mice
Researchers demonstrated that CD47^−/− mice are refractory to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), primarily as the result of failure of immune cell activation after immunization with myelin antigen. In contrast, blocking with a monoclonal antibody against CD47 in mice at the peak of paralysis worsens EAE severity and enhances immune activation in the peripheral immune system. [J Exp Med] Abstract

T Cell Suicide Gene Therapy Prompts Thymic Renewal in Adults after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Data showed that the infusion of genetically modified donor T cells after transplantation can drive the recovery of thymic activity in adults, leading to immune reconstitution. [Blood] Abstract

Conditional Ablation of CD205⁺ Conventional Dendritic Cells Impacts the Regulation of T-Cell Immunity and Homeostasis In Vivo
The authors generated knock-in mice with the selective conditional ablation of CD205⁺ conventional dendritic cells (cDCs). CD205⁺ cDCs contributed to antigen-specific priming of CD4⁺ T cells under steady-state conditions, whereas they were dispensable for antigen-specific CD4⁺ T-cell responses under inflammatory conditions. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Regulatory B Cells from Hilar Lymph Nodes of Tolerant Mice in a Murine Model of Allergic Airway Disease Are CD5⁺, Express TGF-β, and Co-Localize with CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T Cells
In a biphasic, ovalbumin-induced murine asthma model where allergic airway disease is followed by resolution and the development of local inhalational tolerance (LIT), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-expressing CD5⁺ B cells were selectively expanded locally in hilar lymph nodes (HLN) of LIT mice. LIT HLN CD5⁺ B cells, but not LIT HLN CD5^– B cells, induced expression of Foxp3 in CD4⁺CD25^– T cells in vitro. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract

Stress-Induced Redistribution of Immune Cells-From Barracks to Boulevards to Battlefields: A Tale of Three Hormones
Researchers found that acute stress induced an early increase/mobilization of neutrophils, lymphocytes, helper T cells, cytolytic T cells, and B cells into the blood, followed by a decrease/trafficking of all cell types out of the blood, except neutrophil numbers, which continued to increase. [Psychoneuroendocrinology] Abstract | Press Release

Programming of Regulatory T Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells and Prevention of Autoimmunity
Researchers showed how to generate functional regulatory T (Treg) cells from induced pluripotent stem cells and to determine the potential role of such cells for Treg cell-based immunotherapy against autoimmunity in a therapeutic setting. [J Immunol] Abstract

AbGenomics International Inc. Has Raised $11 Million for Advancing Its Therapeutic Antibodies for Autoimmune Diseases and Cancers
AbGenomics will use the proceeds to continue advancing its therapeutic antibodies for autoimmune diseases and cancers. [AbGenoics International, Inc.] Press Release

Compugen Announces Validation Results for a Second Potential Immune Checkpoint Target for Cancer Immunotherapy
Compugen Ltd. announced results demonstrating the therapeutic potential of CGEN-15022, a Compugen-discovered B7/CD28-like membrane protein, as an immune checkpoint target for treatment of multiple cancers. [Compugen Ltd.] Press Release

Anthera Updates Phase III Plans following Results from the Phase IIb PEARL-SC Dose Ranging Study of Blisibimod
Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced results from the Phase IIb PEARL-SC clinical study in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The purpose of the PEARL-SC study was to identify an effective and safe dose for future phase III clinical studies and explore key inclusion criteria and clinical endpoints in an effort to maximize differentiation of blisibimod from currently available therapies. [Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

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NEW HudsonAlpha – Nature Conference on Immunogenomics
October 1-3, 2012
Huntsville, United States

NEW 12^th International Symposium on Dendritic Cells
October 7-11, 2012
Daegu, Korea

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