Immune Regulation News Volume 7.46 | Dec 4 2015

Inhibition of the Kinase ITK in a Mouse Model of Asthma Reduces Cell Death and Fails to Inhibit the Inflammatory Response
Investigators found that a small-molecule selective inhibitor of interleukin-2 (IL-2)–inducible T cell kinase (ITK) blocked T cell receptor-mediated signaling in cultured T helper 2 (T_H2) cells, including the tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C–γ1 and the secretion of IL-2 and T_H2-type cytokines. [Sci Signal] Abstract

Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Preserve Kidney Function and Extend Lifespan in NZB/W F1 Mouse Model of Lupus Nephritis
Researchers showed that human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hESC-MSCs) prevent the progression of fatal lupus nephritis in NZB/W F1 (BWF1) mice. In vitro, co-culture of hESC-MSCs with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BWF1 lymphocytes decreased lymphocyte secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6, and enhanced the percentage of putative regulatory T cells. [Sci Rep]
Full Article | Press Release

Specific Immunotherapy in Combination with Clostridium butyricum Inhibits Allergic Inflammation in the Mouse Intestine
An increase in the frequency of the interleukin (IL)-10-producing ovalbumin (OVA)-specific B cell (OVAsBC) was observed in mice in parallel to the inhibitory effect on the intestinal allergic inflammation. The in vitro treatment of the OVAsBCs with OVA increased the histone deacetylase-1 phosphorylation, modulated the transcription of the Bcl6 gene, and triggered the OVAsBCs to differentiate to the IgE-producing plasma cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Nonobese Diabetic Mice Deficient in Chromogranin A Are Protected from Autoimmune Diabetes
Using tetramer analysis, scientists demonstrated that chromogranin A (ChgA)-reactive T cells are present in NOD.ChgA^−/− mice but remain naive. In contrast, in NOD.ChgA^+/+ mice, a majority of the ChgA-reactive T cells are Ag experienced. [J Immunol] Abstract

CD137 Agonist Therapy Can Reprogram Regulatory T Cells into Cytotoxic CD4⁺ T Cells with Antitumor Activity
The authors used the highly immunogenic Friend virus–induced FBL-3 tumor as a model to study the mechanisms of immunological tumor control by CD4⁺ T cells in the course of CD137 agonist immunotherapy in the absence of a CD8 T cell response. [J Immunol] Abstract

Pore-Formation by Adenylate Cyclase Toxoid Activates Dendritic Cells to Prime CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T Cells
Scientists showed that the pore-forming activity confers on the adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin-AC⁻ toxoid a capacity to trigger Toll-like receptor and inflammasome signaling-independent maturation of CD11b-expressing dendritic cells. [Immunol Cell Biol] Abstract

The Role of Regulatory CD4 T Cells in Maintaining Tolerance in a Mouse Model of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Scientists investigated the impact of regulatory CD4 T cells (Treg) in a model of autoimmune hepatitis. Treg isolated from inflamed livers of TF-OVA mice were tested for their functionality in vitro. [PLoS One] Full Article

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Notch and Its Ligands in Alloimmunity and Rejection
The authors provide an overview of the mechanisms of Notch signaling, focusing on new insights into its diverse functions in T-cell activation, differentiation and memory subset formation, and the consequences thereof in transplantation. [Curr Opin Organ Transplant] Abstract

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TxCell Signs Strategic Agreement with MaSTherCell for European Manufacturing of Its Cell Therapy Products
TxCell SA announced it has signed a five-year agreement with MaSTherCell. TxCell already appointed MaSTherCell for the manufacturing of TxCell’s lead product Ovasave^® for the ongoing CATS29 study. CATS29 is a Phase IIb trial of Ovasave conducted in refractory Crohn’s diseases patients. [TxCell SA] Press Release

Andrew and Mary Weinberg Foundation Supports Cancer Immunotherapy Research at UH Cancer Center
The Andrew and Mary Weinberg Foundation has donated $150,000 to establish the Andrew and Mary Weinberg Cancer Immunotherapy Fund at the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Cancer Center. [University of Hawaiʻi] Press Release

Immunovaccine’s DPX-Survivac Induces an Immune Response in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Immunovaccine Inc. announced that the initial results from a Phase II study demonstrated that DPX-Survivac can induce a strong immune response in diffuse large B cell lymphoma tumors. [Immunovaccine Inc.] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Immunotherapy (Bayer HealthCare AG)

NEW Researchers – Immunotherapy (ISPIC Consortium Members)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Immunology (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)

Senior Scientist – Immunology and Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Associate Professor – Immuno-Engineering (University of Chicago)

Research Technician – Preclinical and Translational Research (Qu Biologics Inc.)

Scientist – Preclinical Immunology (Kanyos Bio)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Regulatory Functions of Immune-Checkpoint Proteins (Medical College of Wisconsin)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Metastatic Breast Cancer (Purdue University Center for Cancer Research)

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