Article
Immunology
Khang Luu, Herbert Schwarz, Andreas Lundqvist
Summary: The discovery of B7-H7 as an immune checkpoint highlights its potential as a target for immunotherapy, with conflicting data regarding its function suggesting it can have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. B7-H7 is preferentially expressed on exhausted Th1 and Tc1 cells, and blockade of B7-H7 enhances T cell proliferation and activation, making it a potential biomarker for selecting active effector T cells in adoptive cell transfer therapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jesse A. Rudd-Schmidt, Romain F. Laine, Tahereh Noori, Amelia J. Brennan, Ilia Voskoboinik
Summary: When killing target cells, cytotoxic lymphocytes release perforin and granzymes through granule exocytosis pathway. However, detecting mouse perforin has been problematic. This study presents a novel recombinant technology using specific nanobodies to detect mouse perforin secretion.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. Bi, J. Zhang, L. Zhang, K. Huang, J. Li, L. Cao
Summary: A recent study found that yeast cell wall product (YP) can enhance the immune responses in chickens immunized with NDV vaccine. The study investigated the cell-mediated immune responses elicited by NDV and YP in commercial broilers. The results showed that YP increased the concentration of certain immune factors in the blood and promoted lymphocyte proliferation. The study also found upregulated gene expression in the spleen and jejunum.
Article
Biology
Dorottya Nagy, Clare M. C. Gillis, Katie Davies, Abigail L. Fowden, Paul Rees, John W. Wills, Katherine Hughes
Summary: The research focuses on the growth of sheep TDLUs as a model for breast development, revealing differences in epithelial nuclear Ki67 positivity between younger and older lambs. The study also highlights a dynamic immune microenvironment in the sheep mammary gland, indicating its value as a model system for understanding postnatal breast development.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ramasamy Vasantharekha, Hannah P. Priyanka, Rahul S. Nair, Lalgi Hima, Uday P. Pratap, Avathvadi V. Srinivasan, Srinivasan ThyagaRajan
Summary: The neuroendocrine-immune network deficit in the periphery is associated with the onset and progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study investigates the correlation between cell-mediated immune responses, stress hormones, amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and intracellular signaling molecules in the pathology of MCI and AD. The results suggest that changes in specific intracellular signaling pathways may influence alterations in cell-mediated immunity to promote disease progression in MCI and AD patients.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eimear M. Foley, Sian Lowri Griffiths, Alexander Murray, Jack Rogers, Fabiana Corsi-Zuelli, Hannah Hickinbotham, Ella Warwick, Martin Wilson, Muzaffer Kaser, Graham K. Murray, Bill Deakin, Deepak Jadon, John Suckling, Nicholas M. Barnes, Rachel Upthegrove, Golam M. Khandaker
Summary: The objective of this study is to test the role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of first episode psychosis and examine its potential mechanisms of effect. The study will recruit 60 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders as well as 30 patients without evidence of inflammation and 30 healthy controls for a comparison study. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-review journals and scientific presentations.
Article
Oncology
Aglaia Domouchtsidou, Ferdinand Beckmann, Beate Marenbach, Stefan P. Mueller, Jan Best, Ken Herrmann, Peter A. Horn, Vahe Barsegian, Monika Lindemann
Summary: In patients with liver malignancies, selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) impaired the cellular immune function. This study investigated whether lymphocyte function was correlated with survival in 25 SIRT patients followed up for ten years. The findings suggest that lymphocyte function could be a new predictor of treatment outcome after SIRT.
Article
Oncology
Esmeralda Garcia-Torralba, Esther Navarro Manzano, Gines Luengo-Gil, Pilar De la Morena Barrio, Asuncion Chaves Benito, Miguel Perez-Ramos, Beatriz Alvarez-Abril, Alejandra Ivars Rubio, Elisa Garcia-Garre, Francisco Ayala de la Pena, Elena Garcia-Martinez
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the predictive capacity of several markers associated with immune response and cell proliferation combined with clinical parameters in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The results showed that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), AURKA, and MYBL2 have prognostic value for overall survival. These biomarkers may provide valuable information for the management of early breast cancer patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Justin R. Perrault, Milton Levin, Cody R. Mott, Caitlin M. Bovery, Michael J. Bresette, Ryan M. Chabot, Christopher R. Gregory, Jeffrey R. Guertin, Sarah E. Hirsch, Branson W. Ritchie, Steven T. Weege, Ryan C. Welsh, Blair E. Witherington, Annie Page-Karjian
Summary: This study found that herpesviruses causing FP and LETD in sea turtles can significantly affect the immune system function, particularly leading to a significant decrease in natural killer cell activity.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Janeen L. Salak-Johnson, Cassidy Reddout, Lily Hernandez, Anne Visconti
Summary: This study provides insights into the effects of feeding probiotics to pregnant sows on the immune status and stress responsiveness of their offspring. The results show that the neonate's immune system and stress responsiveness can be modulated by feeding sows probiotics during gestation. Some immune parameters are also affected during the suckling period. Moreover, the progeny's immune status and cortisol profiles are differently affected by weaning stress, and these effects can last up to 14 days post-weaning.
Article
Oncology
German Gonzalez, Kornel Lakatos, Jawad Hoballah, Roberta Fritz-Klaus, Lojain Al-Johani, Jeff Brooker, Sinyoung Jeong, Conor L. Evans, Petra Krauledat, Daniel W. Cramer, Robert A. Hoffman, W. Peter Hansen, Manish S. Patankar
Summary: A new technique for detecting ovarian cancer patients shows potential by assessing the binding of CA125 to immune cells, providing a novel diagnostic platform for detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer.
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Eva Mezey
Summary: This article discusses the progress and clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs have the ability to differentiate into various cell types and play a role in regulating the immune system. Currently, bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord are commonly used as sources of MSCs. However, the clinical applications still face challenges and further research is needed.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Jianhui Xu, Jingwen Du, Yuxia Zhong, Honghao Zhang, Lijuan Zhou, Qianqian Yao
Summary: This study found that CD72 expression is increased in B cells of ITP patients, and the addition of CD72 antibody significantly decreases B cell proliferation. The function of CD72 in B cell proliferation in ITP may be related to the secretion of IL-1 and MIF.
Article
Pediatrics
Perran Boran, Selin Yildirim, Elif Karakoc-Aydiner, Ismail Ogulur, Ahmet Ozen, Goncagul Haklar, Ahmet Koc, Tunc Akkoc, Isil Barlan
Summary: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a commonly underestimated issue in developing countries. The study found that infants with vitamin B12 deficiency had lower levels of regulatory T cells compared to the control group. While the percentage of Tregs increased after treatment, the change was not significant. Additionally, proinflammatory cytokines were reduced after vitamin supplementation, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects. Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings in relation to emerging allergies, autoimmune disorders, and inflammation.
MINERVA PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Mikhail Salnikov, Martin A. A. Prusinkiewicz, Sherman Lin, Farhad Ghasemi, Matthew J. J. Cecchini, Joe S. S. Mymryk
Summary: EBVaGCs exhibit a T cell-inflamed phenotype with increased T and NK cell infiltration, immune checkpoint marker expression, and T cell effector molecules compared to EBVnGCs. Six EBV-encoded miRNAs are strongly negatively correlated with the expression of immune checkpoint receptors and markers of anti-tumor immunity. These differences may explain the divergent pathological and clinical outcomes between EBVaGCs and EBVnGCs.
Article
Oncology
Amanda M. Clark, Nancy L. Allbritton, Alan Wells
Summary: The liver is the most commonly involved organ in metastases from various solid tumors, and studying tumor cell behavior in the liver microenvironment has provided unexpected insights into the biology of metastasis. Microphysiological systems linking different organs can help examine the influence of one organ on the function of other tissues, including how the liver environment affects tumor behavior.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Samuel S. Hinman, Yuli Wang, Raehyun Kim, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: This protocol describes the fabrication of 3D collagen scaffolds used to culture human colonic crypts derived from primary intestinal epithelial cells. The methods include microfabrication and soft lithography protocols necessary to shape hydrogels to match in vivo crypt dimensions. The platform supports the formation of chemical gradients across the crypts, including growth and differentiation factors, inflammatory compounds, bile and food metabolites and bacterial products.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Samuel S. Hinman, Jennifer Huling, Yuli Wang, Hao Wang, Ross C. Bretherton, Cole A. deForest, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: The study utilized magnetic agarose hydrogels to mimic the propulsion of solid fecal contents over colonic epithelium, without adversely affecting cell monolayer surface coverage, viability, or transepithelial electrical resistance, but impacting protein secretion and cell morphology.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cody A. LaBelle, Angelo Massaro, Belen Cortes-Llanos, Christopher E. Sims, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: Single-cell analysis and sorting have revolutionized biomedical research and clinical medicine, allowing for a deeper exploration of cell physiology and behavior. These technologies provide powerful tools for genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer immunotherapies by enabling more precise cell selection criteria and the creation of cell lines with unique properties.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luke A. Gallion, Yuli Wang, Angelo Massaro, Ming Yao, Brae Petersen, Quanzheng Zhang, Weigang Huang, Adam J. Carr, Qisheng Zhang, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: Capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection (CE-F) is a powerful method for measuring enzyme activation in single cells. However, the reporter substrates used in cellular enzymatic assays for CE-F may affect enzyme kinetics. To address this issue, a fix and click method was developed to attach a fluorophore to an enzyme activation reporter prior to analysis by CE-F, allowing for the investigation of sphingolipid signaling in single cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cecilia Villegas-Novoa, Yuli Wang, Christopher E. Sims, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: This paper describes an optimized analytical assay pipeline for screening compounds to modulate L-cell signaling. The pipeline utilizes a human intestinal tissue construct enriched in L-cells and standard antibody-based GLP-1 assays to quantify GLP-1 secretion. Additionally, by adding specific compounds and altering the culture conditions, the number of L-cells is increased to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of conventional enzyme-linked immunoassays.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuli Wang, Christopher E. Sims, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: This study developed a 2D crypt model based on intestinal stem cells for effective screening of drug compounds on the intestinal epithelium. The model accurately mimics the physiological characteristics of intestinal tissue and allows for quantitative assessment of various cellular parameters using immunofluorescence-based assay. It can be used for compound screening.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cody A. LaBelle, Raymond J. Zhang, Sally A. Hunsucker, Paul M. Armistead, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapies have achieved success in treating hematological malignancies, but their efficacy can vary significantly. This study presents an automated microraft array platform that tracks and measures the killing behavior and motility of CAR-T cells, and allows for the collection of single cells for further characterization. The results demonstrate the heterogeneity in killing behavior among CAR-T cells in a cell population.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Samuel S. Hinman, Angelo Massaro, Yuli Wang, Christopher E. Sims, Raehyun Kim, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: This study describes a method to create an in vitro model of human colon physiology with a collagen hydrogel scaffold, allowing co-culture of primary gastrointestinal epithelium and immune cells. The model demonstrates that it possesses a functional primary colonic epithelial layer with a recruitable immune cell compartment in response to pro-inflammatory cues.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuli Wang, Ming Yao, Christopher E. Sims, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: A picoliter thin-layer chromatography (pTLC) platform has been developed for analyzing extremely miniature specimens, such as the contents of a single cell. The platform can effectively separate fluorescent compounds and has adjustable pore size, making it highly versatile for various applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Matthew DiSalvo, Belen Cortes-Llanos, Cody LaBelle, David Murdoch, Nancy Allbritton
Summary: This work introduces a tool-free technique for batch construction of composite microstructures. The method allows control over the volumes and positions of deposited materials within the microstructures. It has the potential to enable the fabrication of complex composite microelements for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuli Wang, Christopher E. Sims, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: A planar, self-renewing human intestinal monolayer platform was developed to screen the effects of compounds on the intestinal epithelium. Using an immunofluorescence-based assay, the model can assess cell characteristics and identify compounds that significantly impact cell proliferation and differentiation.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Belen Cortes-Llanos, Yuli Wang, Christopher E. Sims, Nancy L. Allbritton
Summary: Microraft arrays are a versatile platform designed for the analysis and isolation of biological entities, offering a wide range of applications such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-throughput screening, and development of CRISPR gene-edited cell lines. The technology is elegant in its simplicity and allows for flexible selection criteria not possible with conventional sorting methods, garnering significant interest in the biological and pharmaceutical sciences.