Immune Regulation News Volume 6.05 | Feb14 2014

Stage-Specific Control of Early B Cell Development by the Transcription Factor Ikaros
The transcription factor Ikaros is an essential regulator of lymphopoiesis. Here researchers studied its B cell-specific function by conditional inactivation of the gene encoding Ikaros (Ikzf1) in pro-B cells. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Transcriptome-Based Network Analysis Reveals a Spectrum Model of Human Macrophage Activation
The authors stimulated human macrophages with diverse activation signals, acquiring a data set of 299 macrophage transcriptomes. Analysis of this data set revealed a spectrum of macrophage activation states extending the current M1 versus M2-polarization model. [Immunity]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Autoimmune Disorders Associated with Gain of Function of the Intracellular Sensor MDA5
Investigators provide direct evidence that dysregulation of MDA5 caused autoimmune disorders. They established a mutant mouse line bearing MDA5 mutation by ENU mutagenesis, which spontaneously developed lupus-like autoimmune symptoms without viral infection. [Immunity] Abstract

Crosstalk between the cGAS DNA Sensor and Beclin-1 Autophagy Protein Shapes Innate Antimicrobial Immune Responses
Scientists report that the direct interaction between cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS) and the Beclin-1 autophagy protein not only suppresses cyclic GMP-AMP synthesis to halt interferon production upon double-stranded DNA stimulation or herpes simplex virus-1 infection, but also enhances autophagy-mediated degradation of cytosolic pathogen DNA to prevent excessive cGAS activation and persistent immune stimulation. [Cell Host Microbe] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

IRF4 and BATF Are Critical for CD8⁺ T-Cell Function following Infection with LCMV
The authors showed that the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and its cooperating binding partner B-cell-activating transcription factor (BATF) are necessary for sustained CD8⁺ T-cell effector function. [Cell Death Differ] Full Article

An Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Acts on Dendritic Cells and T Cells to Suppress the Th17 Response in Allergic Rhinitis Patients
Researchers analyzed the effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor on Th17 differentiation by investigating the action of 2-(1′H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester on dendritic cells and CD4⁺ T cells from patients with allergic rhinitis. [Lab Invest] Abstract

Tissue-Expressed B7-H1 Critically Controls Intestinal Inflammation
B7-H1 (PD-L1) on immune cells plays an important role in T cell coinhibition by binding its receptor PD-1. Here, researchers showed that both human and mouse intestinal epithelium express B7-H1 and that B7-H1-deficient mice are highly susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate- or trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced gut injury. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

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Dendritic Cells and Cancer Immunotherapy
An understanding of the functional specializations of dendritic cell (DC) subsets, strategies for the delivery of tumor Ag to DC and for enhancing immune responses, point to promising new avenues for the design of more effective DC-based cancer vaccines. [Curr Opin Immunol] Abstract

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Aurigene Discovery Technologies Limited and Pierre Fabre Announce a Licensing Agreement for a New Cancer Therapeutic in Immuno-Oncology: AUNP12, an Immune Checkpoint Modulator Targeting the PD-1 Pathway
Pierre Fabre and Aurigene announced that the two companies have entered into a collaborative license, development and commercialization agreement granting Pierre Fabre global Worldwide rights (excluding India) to a new immune checkpoint modulator, AUNP-12. [Aurigene Discovery Technologies] Press Release

Galectin Therapeutics CEO Serves on Cancer Immunotherapy Panel at BIO CEO & Investor Conference
Galectin Therapeutics Inc. announced that Peter G. Traber, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Medical Officer of Galectin Therapeutics, served on a panel titled “Keeping an I on Oncology: The ASCO Immunotherapy Preview” at the 16th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference. The panel reviewed the general field of immunotherapy, the recent successes and potential future directions. [Galectin Therapeutics Inc.]
Press Release

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