Immune Regulation News Volume 5.34 | Sep 6 2013

The TACI Receptor Regulates T-Cell-Independent Marginal Zone B Cell Responses through Innate Activation-Induced Cell Death
Scientists showed that marginal zone (MZ) B cells undergo activation-induced cell death in response to TLR4 activation in vivo. The transmembrane activator, calcium modulator, and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor and Toll-like receptor 4 cooperate to upregulate expression of both FasL and Fas on MZ B cells and also to repress inhibitors of Fas-induced apoptosis signaling. [Immunity] Abstract | Press Release

CD4⁺ T Cells Are Trigger and Target of the Glucocorticoid Response that Prevents Lethal Immunopathology in Toxoplasma Infection
Researchers showed that glucocorticoids are induced during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection and directly control the T cell response to the parasite. [J Exp Med] Abstract

Quantal and Graded Stimulation of B Lymphocytes as Alternative Strategies for Regulating Adaptive Immune Responses
Investigators applied quantitative methods to study B-cell responses in vitro. Their results reveal that B cells stimulated through two Toll-like receptors require minimal external direction to undergo the basic pattern typical of immunity. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Macrophages Mediate Gemcitabine Resistance of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma by Upregulating Cytidine Deaminase
The authors showed for the first time that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can induce chemoresistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by reducing gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. Macrophages co-cultured with cancer cells or TAM-conditioned medium significantly reduced apoptosis and activation of the caspase-3 pathway during gemcitabine treatment. [Oncogene] Abstract

Distinct Molecular Signature of Human Skin Langerhans Cells Denotes Critical Differences in Cutaneous Dendritic Cell Immune Regulation
Genome-wide comparison of the transcriptional profiles of human skin migratory CD1a+ Langerhans cells (LCs) and CD11c+ dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) demonstrated significant differences between these ‘dendritic cell’ types, including preferential expression of 625 genes in LCs and 914 genes in DDC. Analysis of the temporal regulation of molecular networks activated after stimulation with TNF-α confirmed the unique molecular signature of LCs. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Lectin-Like Receptor Ly49s3 on Dendritic Cells Contributes to the Differentiation of Regulatory T Cells in the Rat Thymus
The Hirosaki hairless rat (HHR), derived from the Sprague-Dawley rat, was shown to have decreased peripheral lymphocyte number, small thymus, and leukocyte infiltration in its dermis. In the HHR thymus, the medulla was underdeveloped and regulatory T cells number was decreased. [J Immunol] Abstract

CD47 Plays a Critical Role in T-Cell Recruitment by Regulation of LFA-1 and VLA-4 Integrin Adhesive Functions
Researchers tested the hypothesis that CD47 regulates adhesive functions of T-cell α4β1 (VLA-4) and αLβ2 (LFA-1) in in vivo and in vitro models of inflammation. [Mol Biol Cell] Abstract

Cellular Stress Response and Innate Immune Signaling: Integrating Pathways in Host Defense and Inflammation
The review describes the regulation of innate immune cell activation by cell stress pathways, present detailed descriptions of the types of stress response proteins and their crosstalk with immune signaling intermediates that are essential in host defense, and illustrate the relevance of these interactions in diseases characteristic of aberrant immune responses, such as chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. [J Leukoc Biol] Abstract

Review Series on Immune Responses in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Oligodendrocyte-Microglia Cross-Talk in the CNS
The authors review evidence that oligodendrocytes have strong immune functions, express a wide variety of innate immune receptors, and produce and respond to chemokines and cytokines that modulate immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS). [Immunology] Abstract | Full Article

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Four UCLA Stem Cell Researchers Receive CIRM Early Translational Grants
Four researchers from University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA’s) Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have received Early Translational Research Awards totaling approximately $13 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state’s stem cell agency. [University of California, Los Angeles] Press Release

Immune Design Appoints Richard T. Kenney, M.D., Chief Medical Officer
Immune Design announced the appointment of Richard T. Kenney, M.D., FACP, as its Chief Medical Officer. A distinguished leader in vaccine development, Dr. Kenney brings extensive experience in the research, clinical, and regulatory fields from the biopharmaceutical industry, public health, and governmental environments. [GlobeNewswire, Inc.] Press Release

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PhD/Postdoctoral Positions – Quantitative T-Cell Immunology (University of Leeds)

Postdoctoral Position – Identification of Novel Components of the Nlrp10 Pathway and their Effects on Dendritic Cell Mediated Immune Function

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Scientist – Immune System Signaling (University of Pennsylvania)

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

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

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

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