Caspase-8 and RIP Kinases Regulate Bacteria-Induced Innate Immune Responses and Cell Death Results identify a receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1)-caspase-8/RIP3-dependent caspase-1 activation pathway after Yersinia pestis challenge. Mice defective in caspase-8 and RIP3 were also highly susceptible to infection and displayed reduced proinflammatory cytokines and myeloid cell death. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract Timed Action of IL-27 Protects from Immunopathology while Preserving Defense in Influenza Consistent with the delayed expression of endogenous Il-27p28 during influenza, systemic treatment with recombinant interleukin (IL)-27 starting at the peak of virus load resulted in a major amelioration of lung pathology, strongly reduced leukocyte infiltration and improved survival without affecting viral clearance. In contrast, early application of IL-27 impaired virus clearance and worsened disease. [PLoS Pathog] Full Article | Press Release Distinct and Complementary Roles for Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific Tr1 and Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Humans and Mice Investigators identified an epitope derived from the cell wall glucanase Crf-1 of A. fumigatus (Crf-1/p41)-specific latent-associated peptide+ type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells in healthy humans and mice after vaccination with Crf-1/p41+zymosan. These cells produced high amounts of interleukin-10 and suppressed the expansion of antigen-specific T cells in vitro and in vivo. [Immunol Cell Biol] Full Article Monocytes from Chronic HBV Patients React In Vitro to HBsAg and TLR by Producing Cytokines Irrespective of Stage of Disease Scientists demonstrated that monocytes can recognize and respond to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg), resulting in vigorous pro-inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. However, phenotype and function of the monocyte compartment in chronic HBV patients are not influenced by differences in levels of serum viral components, suggesting that regulatory mechanisms are active to avoid excessive in vivo monocyte activation.[PLoS One] Full Article Contribution of Increased ISG15, ISGylation and Deregulated Type I IFN Signaling in Usp18 Mutant Mice during the Course of Bacterial Infections Researchers demonstrated that regulation of type I interferon (IFN) signaling is the predominant mechanism affecting the susceptibility of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (Usp18Ity9) mice to Salmonella infection and that hyperactivation of signaling leads to increased interleukin-10, deregulation of autophagic markers and increased proinflammatory cytokine production. [Genes Immun] Abstract HIV A Randomized Controlled Trial of Palifermin (Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor) for the Treatment of Inadequate CD4+ T-Lymphocyte Recovery in Patients with HIV-1 Infection on Antiretroviral Therapy Palifermin in the doses studied was not effective in improving thymic function and did not raise CD4 lymphocyte counts in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 cell counts despite virologically effective antiretroviral therapy. [J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr] Abstract Interleukin-27 Is Differentially Associated with HIV Viral Load and CD4+ T Cell Counts in Therapy-Naïve HIV-Mono-Infected and HIV/HCV-Co-Infected Chinese Researchers found plasma interleukin (IL)-27 level was significantly upregulated in HIV-mono-infected and HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-co-infected Chinese people. HIV viral load was negatively correlated with IL-27 titer in HIV-mono-infected subjects whereas the relationship was opposite in HIV/HCV-co-infected subjects. The relationships between HIV viral loads, IL-27 titers and CD4+ T cell counts in the HIV mono-infection and HIV/HCV co-infection groups were dramatically different. [PLoS One] Full Article Clinical, Immunological and Treatment-Related Factors Associated with Normalized CD4+/CD8+ T-Cell Ratio: Effect of Naïve and Memory T-Cell Subsets Scientists suggest an important role for naïve CD8+ T-cell populations in normalization of the immune response to HIV-infection. [PLoS One] Full Article Plasma LL-37 Correlates with Vitamin D and Is Reduced in HIV-1 Infected Individuals Not Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy Researchers compared plasma cathelicidin (LL-37) levels in healthy controls (HIV-) and HIV+ individuals on or off antiretroviral therapies (ART+ and ART-, respectively) and evaluated the relationship between vitamin D and LL-37 levels. [J Med Microbiol] Abstract |