Immune Regulation News Volume 3.41 | Nov 4 2011

Inducible Apoptosis as a Safety Switch for Adoptive Cell Therapy
Researchers devised an inducible T-cell safety switch that is based on the fusion of human caspase 9 to a modified human FK-binding protein, allowing conditional dimerization. They tested the activity of the safety switch by introducing the gene into donor T cells given to enhance immune reconstitution in recipients of haploidentical stem-cell transplants. [N Engl J Med] Abstract | Press Release

Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Recognize Lipid Self Antigen Induced by Microbial Danger Signals
Researchers found that an abundant endogenous lipid, ß-D-glucopyranosylceramide, was a potent invariant natural killer T cell self antigen in mouse and human and that its activity depended on the composition of the N-acyl chain. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

A Platelet-Mediated System for Shuttling Blood-Borne Bacteria to CD8α⁺ Dendritic Cells Depends on Glycoprotein GPIb and Complement C3
Platelet association targeted a small but immunologically important portion of Listeria monocytogenes to splenic CD8α⁺ dendritic cells, diverting bacteria from swift clearance by other, less immunogenic phagocytes. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

The IκB Kinase Complex Regulates the Stability of Cytokine-Encoding mRNA Induced by TLR–IL-1R by Controlling Degradation of Regnase-1
Here investigators show that the inhibitor of transcription factor NF-κB (IκB) kinase complex controlled the stability of mRNA for interleukin 6 (IL-6) by phosphorylating regnase-1 in response to stimulation via the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) or toll-like receptor (TLR). [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Mast Cells Condition Dendritic Cells to Mediate Allograft Tolerance
Under tolerant conditions, researchers show that mast cells mediated a marked increase in tumor necrosis factor-dependent accumulation of graft-derived dendritic cells in the dLN compared to nontolerant conditions. [Immunity] Abstract

Natural Killer (NK)–Dendritic Cell Interactions Generate MHC Class II-Dressed NK Cells that Regulate CD4⁺ T Cells
In this study, researchers show that NK–dendritic cell interactions result in the emergence of MHCII-positive NK cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Crucial Role for TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2 (TRAF2) in Regulating NFκB2 Signaling that Contributes to Autoimmunity
Here, investigators report that, despite their lack of TNFα signaling, TRAF2^−/−TNFα^−/− mice develop an inflammatory disorder characterized by autoantibody accumulation and organ infiltration by T cells with the phenotypes of activated, effector, and memory cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

T Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Protein-3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 Interaction Regulates Influenza A Virus-Specific Humoral and CD8 T-Cell Responses
Researchers show that compared with wild type (WT), galectin-9 knockout mice mounted a more robust acute phase virus-specific CD8 T-cell response as well as higher and more rapid virus-specific serum IgM, IgG, and IgA responses and also cleared virus more rapidly than did WT mice. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Eosinophils Regulate Dendritic Cells and Th2 Pulmonary Immune Responses following Allergen Provocation
Researchers demonstrate in the mouse that eosinophils are required for the allergen-dependent Th2 pulmonary immune responses mediated by dendritic cells and T lymphocytes. [J Immunol] Abstract

IL-1β and TGF-β Act Antagonistically in Induction and Differentially in Propagation of Human Proinflammatory Precursor CD4⁺ T Cells
To evaluate their impact on the fate of human naive CD4⁺ T cells from cord and adult blood, early T cell differentiation was monitored after T cell activation in the presence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. [J Immunol] Abstract

Human Th1 and Th17 Cells Exhibit Epigenetic Stability at Signature Cytokine and Transcription Factor Loci
Scientists isolated in vivo-differentiated human Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as intermediate Th1/17 cells, and identified distinct epigenetic signatures at cytokine (IFNG and IL17A) and transcription factor (TBX21, RORC, and RORA) loci. [J Immunol] Abstract

ImmuPharma’s Lupuzor™ Granted Approval to Start Phase III and Fast Track Designation by the FDA
ImmuPharma PLC was pleased to provide an update on the development status of its Lupus drug candidate Lupuzor™. [ImmuPharma PLC] Press Release

ImmunoGen, Inc. Earns Milestone from Amgen with IND Achievement: Active IND for New TAP Compound Triggers $1 Million Payment to ImmunoGen
ImmunoGen, Inc. announced that an Investigational New Drug (IND) application Amgen submitted for a novel anticancer compound that utilizes ImmunoGen’s Targeted Antibody Payload (TAP) technology is now active. This event triggers a $1 million milestone payment to ImmunoGen. [ImmunoGen, Inc.] Press Release

Nuron Biotech Initiates Phase III Study of Proprietary Recombinant Human Interferon Beta-1b (NU100) in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Nuron Biotech Inc. announced the initiation of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal phase III study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NU100 in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. [Nuron Biotech Inc.] Press Release

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Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Principal Scientist, Immune Disease (Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited)

Postdoctoral Position in Immunology (Singapore Immunology Network)

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