Immune Regulation News Volume 6.39 | Oct 17 2014

Autophagy Gene Atg16l1 Prevents Lethal T Cell Alloreactivity Mediated by Dendritic Cells
Scientists found that Atg16L1 deficiency leads to an exacerbated graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in a mouse model of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Atg16L1-deficient allo-HSCT recipients with GvHD displayed increased T cell proliferation due to increased dendritic cell numbers and costimulatory molecule expression. [Immunity] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

A Self-Adjuvanting Vaccine Induces Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes that Suppress Allergy
The authors present a vaccine consisting of an allergen-derived peptide conjugated to a prodrug of the natural killer-like T cell agonist ​α-galactosylceramide, which is highly effective in reducing inflammation in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. [Nat Chem Biol] Abstract | Press Release

Inflammation-Driven Carcinogenesis Is Mediated through ​STING
Investigators demonstrate that mutagenic DMBA, cisplatin and ​etoposide induce nuclear DNA leakage into the cytosol that intrinsically activates ​stimulator of interferon genes (​STING)-dependent cytokine production. Inflammatory cytokine levels are subsequently augmented in a ​STING-dependent extrinsic manner by infiltrating phagocytes purging dying cells. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Spleen Supports a Pool of Innate-Like B Cells in White Adipose Tissue that Protects against Obesity-Associated Insulin Resistance
Researchers examined innate-like B cells in visceral white adipose tissue and the relationship of these cells with their counterparts in the peritoneal cavity and spleen during diet-induced obesity in mice.
[Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Suppression of Antigen-Specific Adaptive Immunity by IL-37 via Induction of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
The authors reveal that dendritic cells expressing IL-37 are tolerogenic, thereby impairing activation of effector T-cell responses and inducing regulatory T cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Loss of STAT3 in Murine NK Cells Enhances NK Cell-Dependent Tumor Surveillance
Researchers investigated the function of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 in natural killer (NK) cells with Stat3^Δ/ΔNcr1-iCreTg mice, whose NK cells lack STAT3. In various in vivo models of hematological diseases, loss of STAT3 in NK cells enhances tumor surveillance. [Blood]
Abstract | Press Release

Combined Inhibition of TNFα and IL-17 as Therapeutic Opportunity for Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Development and Characterization of a Novel Bispecific Antibody
Single/combined neutralizing antibodies against TNFα and IL-17 were used to interrogate in vitro cytokine responses and in vivo development of arthritis, bone and cartilage destruction in TNFα-transgenic mice. Bi-specific anti-TNFα/IL-17 antibodies were designed and tested for their potential to block cytokine responses in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes. [Arthritis Rheumatol] Abstract

An MHC II-Dependent Activation Loop between Adipose Tissue Macrophages and CD4⁺ T Cells Controls Obesity-Induced Inflammation
Investigators examined whether interactions between adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) and CD4⁺ T cells contribute to adipose tissue metainflammation. Intravital microscopy identified dynamic antigen-dependent interactions between ATMs and T cells in visceral fat. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Macrophage Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 Dampens Inflammation and Neutrophil Influx in Arthritis
Researchers used a proteomic protease substrate discovery approach, terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates, to analyze the role of the macrophage-specific matrix metalloproteinase-12 in inflammation.
[Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Direct Incorporation of the NKT-Cell Activator α-Galactosylceramide into a Recombinant Listeria monocytogenes Improves Breast Cancer Vaccine Efficacy
Researchers analyzed whether the natural killer T cell-activating glycolipid α-galactosylceramide could overcome immune suppression and improve vaccination against metastatic breast cancer. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

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NK Cell Receptor Imbalance and NK Cell Dysfunction in HBV Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The authors focus on the role of natural killer (NK) cell receptors in anti-tumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. They discuss specifically how tumor cells evade attack from NK cells and how emerging understanding of NK receptors may aid the development of novel treatments for HCC. [Cell Mol Immunol] Abstract

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Batu Biologics Awarded Exclusive License from University of California San Diego for Drug that Stimulates Immune System to Kill Cancer
Batu Biologics announced the signing of a license agreement with the Regents of the University of California, granting exclusive rights to novel peptide drugs developed at UC San Diego that have been proven to stimulate cancer-killing immune responses. [Batu Biologics, Inc. (Business Wire)] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Harvard Medical School)

PhD Position – Immunoregulation (Jena University Hospital)

PhD Student – Calcium and Redox Signaling in Immune and Skin Cells (University of Saarland)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Development of Autoimmunity and Cancer (Mount Sinai Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Immune Response to Cancer (INSERM)

Postdoctoral Position – Immunology (Western New England University)

Faculty Positions – Cancer Immunotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment (NYU Langone Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Transplantation Aspects of Hepatocytes Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (INSERM UMR 1064)

PhD Studentship – Cancer Immunology (Cardiff University)

Scientist – Recombinant Molecules and Antibodies (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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