Immune Regulation News Volume 5.29 | Aug 2 2013

M2 Microglia and Macrophages Drive Oligodendrocyte Differentiation during CNS Remyelination
Investigators found that a switch from an pro-inflammatory- to an anti-inflammatory or immunoregulatory (M2)-dominant response occurred in microglia and peripherally derived macrophages as remyelination started. Oligodendrocyte differentiation was enhanced in vitro with M2 cell conditioned media and impaired in vivo following intra-lesional M2 cell depletion. [Nat Neurosci] Abstract

Activating Fc γ Receptors Contribute to the Antitumor Activities of Immunoregulatory Receptor-Targeting Antibodies
Researchers explored the requirement for activating and inhibitory Fc γ receptor for the antitumor effects of antibodies targeting the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein expressed on activated and regulatory T cells. [J Exp Med] Abstract

CD28-Inducible Transcription Factor DEC1 Is Required for Efficient Autoreactive CD4⁺ T Cell Response
The authors showed that the transcription factor DEC1 is highly induced in a CD28-dependent manner upon T cell activation, is involved in essential CD4⁺ effector T cell functions, and participates in the transcriptional regulation of several T cell activation pathways, including a large group of CD28-regulated genes. [J Exp Med] Abstract

Ex Vivo Programming of Dendritic Cell by Mitochondria-Targeted Nanoparticles to Produce Interferon-Gamma for Cancer Immunotherapy
Investigators examined the immunotherapeutic potential of a mitochondria-targeted nanoparticle (NP) based on a biodegradable polymer and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) photosensitizer (T-ZnPc-NPs). They report that tumor antigens generated from treatment of breast cancer cells with T-ZnPc-NPs upon light stimulation activates dendritic cells to produce high levels of interferon-gamma, an important cytokine considered as a product of T and natural killer cells. [ACS Nano] Abstract

The Heat-Shock Protein-70-Induced Renoprotective Effect Is Partially Mediated by CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Regulatory T Cells in Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
To test whether heat-shock protein exerts renoprotective effects through regulatory T cells (Tregs), ischemia/reperfusion injury was done with or without heat preconditioning in mice. Splenocytes from heat-preconditioned mice had Treg expansion and a reduced proliferative response upon mitogenic stimulus. [Kidney Int] Abstract

β Cell-Specific IL-2 Therapy Increases Islet Foxp3⁺Treg and Suppresses Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice
Efficacy of IL-2 therapy is dependent on achieving sufficient levels of IL-2 to boost tissue-resident Foxp3-expressing Treg (Foxp3⁺Treg), while avoiding the potential toxic effects of systemic IL-2. Adeno-associated virus vector gene delivery was employed to localize IL-2 expression to the islets of NOD mice. [Diabetes] Abstract

Ligand-Dependent Activation of EGFR in Follicular Dendritic Cells Sarcoma Is Sustained by Local Production of Cognate Ligands
Scientists investigated the biological and clinical significance of EGFR signaling pathway in follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDC-S). Expression of EGFR and cognate ligands as well as activation of EGFR signaling components was assessed in clinical samples and in a primary FDC-S short term culture. [Clin Can Res] Abstract

CCL22-Producing CD8α^– Myeloid Dendritic Cells Mediate Regulatory T Cell Recruitment in Response to G-CSF Treatment
Researchers demonstrated that the adoptive transfer of CD11c^highCD8α^– DCs isolated from pegylated G-CSF recipients, but not that of other dendritic cell subtypes, enhanced the pancreatic recruitment of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T regulatory cells, which generated increased amounts of TGF-β. [J Immunol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the immune regulation field.

Genesis Biopharma Announces Completion of Merger with Lion Biotechnologies
Genesis Biopharma, Inc. announced that it has completed a merger with Lion Biotechnologies, Inc.. The merger will create a publicly traded biotechnology company, to be called Lion Biotechnologies, focused on developing T-cell based immunotherapy products for the treatment of cancer. [Business Wire] Press Release

Cancer Immunotherapy Platform Targets Broad Range of Metastatic Cancers
California Stem Cell, Inc. has announced the completion of an internal study demonstrating that the company’s proprietary immunotherapy manufacturing process can be applied to multiple cancer types. Originally developed for late stage metastatic melanoma, the platform tissue culture technology has also been shown to work with tumor tissues from hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, and other solid tumor cancers. [California Stem Cell, Inc.] Press Release

From our sponsor:
View immunology lectures, protocols and other resources on the Human Immunology Portal.

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)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the immune regulation community.

NEW Postdoctoral Scientist – Regulatory Activities of B Cells in Infectious and Autoimmune Diseases (Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin)

Postdoctoral Position – Innate Immune Signaling in the Developing Intestine (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Immune Regulation and Regulatory T Cells in Inflammation (University of Oslo – Centre for Immune Regulation)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Immunology (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

PhD Position – MMP-9 Domain Structure Involvement in Immunomodulation (KU Leuven)

PhD Research Position – Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance and Autoimmunity (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Director of Cell Processing Facility (S L Collins Associates, Inc.)

Junior or Senior Group Leader – Immunology/Infection/Inflammation (Center of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan)

Postdoctoral Position – Mechanistic Studies in Immune Responses (Medical University of Vienna)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.