View Editor's Choices for previous months:
2010: January | April | June
2009: December | June | May | April | March | February | January
2008: December | September | April
2007: November | October | September

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Editor's Choice - June 2010

How tumour necrosis factor blockers interfere with tuberculosis immunity

Anti-TNF therapy is now a familiar aspect of treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, especially rheumatoid arthritis. The use of some of these drugs has been linked to reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection. In addition to blocking TNF-mediated immune responses, some anti-TNF drugs have been found to interfere with innate immune responses as well as cell-mediated responses. This review from Harris & Keane summarises some of the reported effects of TNF blockers on immune cell responses in the context of the observed clinical data on TB reactivation in patients on anti-TNF therapy.

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Human skin and oral mucosal dendritic cells as 'good guys' and 'bad guys' in allergic immune responses

By sensing their environment for microbial signals or allergens and also bridging innate and adaptive immunity, subtypes of DCs play a critical role in the maintenance of the immunological homeostasis in the periphery. DCs located directly at the interface to the environment may fulfil opposing tasks, as they are key players in both the control and the generation of allergic inflammation. There is ongoing debate whether DCs attenuate or aggravate allergic inflammation and as a consequence, accumulated knowledge gained in this field recently has provided an excellent basis for innovative therapeutic opportunities targeting the multi-faceted properties of DCs at distinct anatomical sites. This topic is explored here by Allam et al..

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Editor's Choice - April 2010

Modulation of immune responses through direct activation of Toll-like receptors to T cells

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), are involved critically in the generation and regulation of innate immunity as well as initiation of subsequent adaptive immune responses. However, recent research results showed that different subsets of T cells express certain types of TLRs during development and activation stages. Importantly, TLRs participate in the direct regulation of adaptive immune response, possibly as co-stimulatory molecules. In this review Liu, Zhang & Zhao summarize recent studies about the novel regulation of TLRs on the homeostasis and immunity of different T cell. The important effects of TLRs in T cell-intrinsic components also prompt the possibility of exploring novel vaccine adjuvants for modifying desired immune responses in an efficient way.

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Gut hormones: emerging role in immune activation and inflammation

This review from Khan & Ghia addresses the research on the interface between immune and endocrine systems in gastrointestinal (GI) pathophysiology. Gut inflammation is characterized by mucosal recruitment of activated cells from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In addition to immune cells, inflammation in the gut is associated with an alteration in enteric endocrine cells and various biologically active compounds produced by these cells. Although the change in enteric endocrine cells or their products is considered to be important in regulating gut physiology (motility and secretion), it is not clear whether the change plays any role in immune activation and in the regulation of gut inflammation. Due to the strategic location of enteric endocrine cells in gut mucosa, these gut hormones may play an important role in immune activation and promotion of inflammation in the gut.

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Editor's Choice - January 2010

Th17 cells

For those who aren’t already aware of it, we direct you to the Th17 review series showcased in the February issue of CEI that features a superb authorship addressing a range of questions relating to this fast-developing field, including Robert Lechler, Giovanni Lombardi, Steve Anderton, Graham Lord and Leonie Taams (who also put in sterling work coordinating and guest-editing the reviews).

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The other side of immunoglobulin G: suppressor of inflammation

An intriguing aspect of IgG antibodies is that they can have two completely opposite effects. During infection, or as part of autoimmune disease pathology, they induce proinflammatory responses and recruit innate immune effector cells. On the other hand, intravenous infusion of high doses of pooled IgG molecules during IVIG therapy represents an efficient anti-inflammatory treatment for many autoimmune diseases. Whereas our understanding of the former mechanism is quite advanced, we are only at the very beginning to comprehend how the latter comes about. Here Nimmerjahn et al. summarise our current knowledge and focus upon the two major explanatory models: IVIG-mediated competition for IgG-triggered effector functions or IVIG-mediated adjustment of cellular activation thresholds.

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Editor's Choice - December 2009

The vascular features of the hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome

In this review from Yavuz & Chee, the spectrum of vascular abnormalities in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) are documented and discussed in detail for the first time. Autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and the sporadic forms of HIES are multi-system disorders. Although HIES patients may present with cold abscesses, the vascular features of HIES are not well recognised. These vascular abnormalities constitute one of the major clinical characteristics in HIES. The presence of hypereosinophilia, vasculitis and defective angiogenesis in HIES may contribute to the their formation.

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T cell sensitivity and the outcome of viral infection

The importance of CD8+ T cells in the control of viral infections is well established. However, what differentiates CD8+ T-cell responses in individuals who control infection and those who do not is not well understood. 'Functional sensitivity' describes an important quality of the T-cell response and is determined in part by the affinity of the T-cell receptor for antigen. A more sensitive T-cell response is generally believed to be more efficient and associated with better control of viral infection, yet may also drive viral mutation and immune escape. Various in vitro techniques have been used to measure T-cell sensitivity; however, rapid ex vivo analysis of this has been made possible by the application of the 'magic' tetramer technology. Such tools have potentially important applications in the design and evaluation of vaccines and are the basis for discussion in this review from Klenerman, Walker & Sewell.

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Editor's Choice - June 2009

M.-Y. Kim, K.-S. Kim, F. McConnell and P. Lane
Lymphoid tissue inducer cells: architects of CD4 immune responses in mice and men
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Volume 157, Issue 1, Pages 20-26
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03932.x

In this review, Lane et al. summarise the current understanding of the multiple functions of the mouse lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells in the development of organised lymphoid tissue; the generation and maintenance of CD4-dependent immunity in adult lymphoid tissues; and the regulation of central tolerance in thymus. By contrast with mouse LTi cells, which have been well described, the human equivalent is only just beginning to be characterised. Human LTi-like cells expressing interleukin (IL)-22 have been identified recently and found to differentiate into natural killer (NK) cells. The relationship of LTi cells to NK cells is discussed in the light of several studies reporting a close relationship in the mouse between LTi cells and transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor ?t-dependent IL-22 producing NK cells in the gut. We also outline our data suggesting that these cells are present in adult human lymphoid tissues.

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T. Okamoto, S. Iwata, K. Ohnuma, N. H. Dang and C. Morimoto
Histamine H1-receptor antagonists with immunomodulating activities: potential use for modulating T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine imbalance and inflammatory responses in allergic diseases
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Volume 157, Issue 1, Pages 27-34
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03958.x

This review from Morimoto et al. takes as its starting point the role of histamine H1-receptor antagonists as a first-line treatment for hypersensitivity allergic disease, with their associated anti-inflammatory activity. While it is not purely a histamine-related condition, hypersensitivity allergic disease is associated with an increase in the number of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and Th2 cytokines, and a decrease in the number of Th1 cells and Th1 cytokines. Suppression of Th2-type cytokine production in addition to H1-receptor blockade may therefore represent a successful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypersensitivity allergic diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates a crucial role for Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance on the development of allergic diseases. Accordingly, the use of H1-receptor antagonist with Th2 cytokine inhibitory activity to modulate Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance might be a favourable strategy for the treatment of hypersensitivity allergic diseases.

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Editor's Choice - May 2009

Y. Lai, C. Chen and T. Linn
Innate immunity and heat shock response in islet transplantation
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 04 Feb 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03899.x

Islet transplantation is an extremely effective therapy for patients with type I diabetes, providing tight control of blood glucose and persistent insulin release. Islet grafts struggle with various stress responses and immunity attacks, which contribute to loss of islet grafts in the long term. In this review Linn et al. focus upon the innate immunity and heat shock responses, which are closely relevant to the outcome of islet grafts. Potential strategies provided by more comprehensive interventions to control innate immunity and by selective induction of heat shock proteins may ameliorate the outcome of islet transplantation.

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Anwar S., Prince L. R., Foster S. J., Whyte M. K. B. & Sabroe I.
The rise and rise of Staphylococcus aureus: laughing in the face of granulocytes.
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 08 Apr 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03950.x

Recent developments in the study of host-pathogen interactions have fundamentally altered our understanding of the nature of S. aureus infection and previously held tenets regarding the role of the granulocyte are being cast aside. Novel mechanisms of pathogenesis are becoming evident, revealing the extent to which S. aureus can successfully evade neutrophil responses by resisting microbicides, surviving intracellularly and subverting cell death pathways. Here Sabroe et al. suggest that developing a detailed understanding of these complex strategies is especially relevant in light of increasing staphylococcal virulence and antibiotic resistance, and the knowledge that dysfunctional neutrophil responses contribute materially to poor host outcomes. Unravelling the biology of these interactions is a challenging task, but one which may yield new strategies to address this, as yet, defiant organism. This is an Accepted Article. 

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Editor's Choice - April 2009

K. S. Peggs, S. A. Quezada and J. P. Allison
Cancer immunotherapy: co-stimulatory agonists and co-inhibitory antagonists
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 18 Feb 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03912.x

The generation and maintenance of immune responses are controlled by both co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signalling through T cell co-receptors. Agonistic or antagonistic monoclonal antibodies targeting these co-receptors have the potential to enhance immunity. Furthermore, their activity on the Treg cell populations which are prevalent within many tumours provides an additional rationale for their use as anti-cancer therapies. This review from Peggs et al. summarises the interactions between cancer and the immune system, highlighting the ways in which these new classes of immunostimulatory antibodies might enhance anti-tumour immunity and highlights early clinical experience with their use.

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Translational Mini Review series
Immunology of Vascular Disease
Clinical & Experimental Immunology

We are pleased to announce the publication of a Translational Mini Review series on the Immunology of Vascular Disease comprising three reviews. Manfedi et al. explore mechanisms of vascular inflammation and remodelling in systemic vasculitis. Sabroe et al. examine the role of inflammation, infections and TLRs in cardiovascular disease and finally Cohen Tervaert looks at accelerated atherosclerosis in vasculitis. We are grateful to our authors, and CEI Associate Editor Marina Botto for coordinating the series.

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Editor's Choice - March 2009

M. Goldman and K. Wood
Translating transplantation tolerance in the clinic: where are we, where do we go?
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 22 Jan 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03887.x

Research networks dedicated to translation of immune tolerance in the clinic currently support pilot trials aiming at immunosuppression withdrawal in kidney or liver allograft recipients. Although results obtained so far indicate that significant hurdles still need to be overcome before organ transplant recipients can be weaned off drugs safely and routinely, recent advances suggest that immunosuppression minimisation on the basis of validated biomarkers might become standard practice in a near future. Here Goldman & Wood review the current state-of-play with a view to the future.

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M. Si-Tahar, L. Touqui and M. Chignard
Innate immunity and inflammation – two facets of the same anti-infectious reaction
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 4 Feb 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03893.x

Innate immunity is the host's first line of defence against infection. In this review, Si-Tahar, Touqui & Chignard explore the innate immune response implicated in three examples of pulmonary infection of viral, fungal and bacterial origin. They show that this defence against infection can be a double-edged sword. Thus, the same cells, molecules and mechanisms involved in this protective process can also be involved in deleterious inflammation. A delicate balance between immunity and inflammation is therefore required, making it possible to fight pathogens effectively while limiting inflammation that might be damaging to the host.

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Editor's Choice - February 2009

H. Schaschl, T. J. Aitman and T. J. Vyse
Copy number variation in the human genome and its implication in autoimmunity
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 11 Feb 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03865.x

The causes of autoimmune disease remain poorly defined, however, it is known that genetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility. Hitherto, studies have focused upon single nucleotide polymorphisms as both tools for mapping and as probable causal variants. Recent studies have revealed that, in the genome, segments of DNA ranging in size from kilobases to megabases can vary in copy number. These changes of DNA copy number represent an important element of genomic polymorphism in humans and in other species and may therefore make a substantial contribution to phenotypic variation and population differentiation. Copy number variation (CNV) in genomic regions harbouring dosage-sensitive genes may cause or predispose to a variety of human genetic diseases. This review by Vyse, Aitman & Schaschl explores this new territory.

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A.-S. Dugast and B. Vanhove
Immune regulation by non-lymphoid cells in transplantation
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 22 Jan 2009
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03877.x

Regulatory cells play a crucial role in the induction and maintenance of tolerance by controlling T-cell-, as well as B- and natural killer (NK)-cell-mediated immunity. In transplantation, CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3+ T regulatory cells are instrumental in the maintenance of immunological tolerance, as are several other T-cell subsets. However, it is not only T cells that may have immunosuppressive properties, as it is becoming increasingly clear that both T and non-T regulatory cells co-operate and form a network of cellular interactions controlling immune responses. Non-T regulatory cells include tolerogenic dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Here, Vanhove & Dugast review the mechanism of action of these non-lymphoid regulatory cells as they relate to the induction or maintenance of tolerance in organ transplantation.

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Keep an eye out for the latest entries in the popular ‘An Approach to the Patient’ Clinical Review Series covering: Angioedema, Allergy in Childhood, Lung Disease in Primary Antibody Deficiency, and Recurrent Orogenital Ulceration. These may be accessed in print and via the CEI homepage.

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Editor's Choice - January 2009

A. Willcox, S. J. Richardson, A. J. Bone, A. K. Foulis and N. G. Morgan
Analysis of islet inflammation in human type 1 diabetes
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 155 (2) 173-181
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03860.x

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Editor's Choice - December 2008

A. M. Ercolini and S. D. Miller
The role of infections in autoimmune disease
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 155 (1) 1-15
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03834.x

CEI is delighted to publish a prestigious specially-commissioned ‘stellar review’ to kick-off the New Year. In addition to genetic factors, environmental triggers (in particular viruses, bacteria and other infectious pathogens) are thought to play a major role in the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, Stephen Miller & Anne Ercolini describe the ways in which an infectious agent can initiate or exacerbate autoimmunity; discuss the evidence linking certain infectious agents to autoimmune diseases in humans; and describe the animal models used to study the link between infection and autoimmunity. This review will be available in print in the January issue of CEI.

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A. Wasiuk, V. C. de Vries, K. Hartmann, A. Roers and R. J. Noelle
Mast cells as regulators of adaptive immunity to tumours
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 9 Dec 2008
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03840.x

The observation that mast cells accumulate at the periphery of growing tumours is now well documented, with loss of mast cells correlating with reduced tumour growth. As novel tools become available, the role of mast cells as innate regulators of both inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses slowly becomes clear. This paper from Noelle et al. address the role of mast cells in tumours and how they can interact with the local immune environment to mediate immune suppression contributing to tumour escape.

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G. Ingram, S. Hakobyan, N. P. Robertson and B. P. Morgan
Complement in multiple sclerosis: its role in disease and potential as a biomarker
Clinical & Experimental Immunology
Published Online: 27 Nov 2008
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03830.x
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with a poorly defined and complex immunopathogenesis. Although initiated by reactive T cells, persistent inflammation is evident throughout the disease course. A contribution from complement has long been suspected, and in this paper Morgan et al. review evidence from pathological, animal model and human functional and genetic studies implicating activation of complement in MS. They also evaluate the potential of complement components and regulators and their polymorphic variants as biomarkers of disease, and suggest appropriate directions for future research.

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Editor's Choice - September 2008

B. M. Kumpel
Lessons learnt from many years of experience using anti-D in humans for prevention of RhD immunization and haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 154 (1) 1-5
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03735.x

Translation of novel immunotherapies into the human setting represents an ongoing challenge for researchers. Pooling of knowledge from relevant arenas – such as trials involving monoclonal/recombinant antibodies – may be key to developing the means to both predict desired responses, and anticipate deleterious ones. Anti-D therapy for haemolytic disease of the newborn represents an established therapy where alternatives to plasma-derived polyclonal IgG, in the form of monoclonal/recombinant antibodies, have been sought. As it involves a well-established intervention, this transition may represent an ideal means by which to observe the particular response characteristics engendered by antibodies produced by, for instance, different expression systems. This review by Kumpels et al. summarises trial data hitherto and speculates on what might be learned – with particular reference to the TGN1412 trail in which unintended consequences played such a drastic role.

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E. Scherer, D. Douek, and A. McMichael
25 years of HIV research on virology, virus restriction, immunopathogenesis, genes and vaccines
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 154 (1) 6-14
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03750.x

Summarising the findings of the important recent 25th Anniversary HIV meeting held at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, this review by Scherer, Douek & McMichael provides an important overview of current research endeavouring to find the elusive cure for this devastating condition. We are grateful to the authors for their special attention to this important commission that complements the excellent historical perspective provided earlier this year by Robin Weiss. Both papers are of especial interest in the light of the recent Nobel announcements regarding Francoise Barré-Sinoussi & Luc Montagnier.

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Editor's Choice - April 2008

L. I. Filippin, R. Vercelino, N. P. Marroni and R. M. Xavier
Redox signalling and the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis
Clinical & Experimental Immunology (Early View Articles)
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03634.x

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced mainly during oxidative phosphorylation and by activated phagocytic cells during oxidative burst. The excessive production of ROS can damage lipids, protein, membrane and nucleic acids. They also play a role in the intracellular signalling that enhances the inflammatory response. Many studies have demonstrated a role of ROS in the pathogenesis of inflammatory chronic arthropathies, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is known that ROS can function as a second messenger to activate nuclear factor kappa-B, which orchestrates the expression of a spectrum of genes involved in the inflammatory response. This review from Xavier et al. underlines how an understanding of the complex interactions between these pathways might be useful for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis. 

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D. Bernard, M. Peakman and A. C. Hayday
Establishing humanized mice using stem cells: maximizing the potential
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 152 (3), 406-414
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03659.x

Studies on physiology and pathology as they relate to the immune system draw heavily upon rodent models. With the increasing impetus provided by initiatives in translational medicine, the demand for ever more sophisticated, ‘humanized’ murine models is greater than ever. However, the design and implementation of studies in such mice is far from trivial. Here Hayday et al. provide a technical perspective on the increasing interest in developing humanized mice; giving examples of primary data, starting with the routine procurement of human donor material, through CD34+ cell purification prior to engraftment, to injection into immunocompromised mice. This review aims to provide practical advice to the many investigators who may be commencing or considering such studies.

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Editor's Choice - November 2007

V. A. L. Huurman, W. W. J. Unger, B. P. C. Koeleman, M. K. Oaks, A. K. Chandraker, O. T. Terpstra, B. O. Roep
Differential inhibition of autoreactive memory- and alloreactive naive T cell responses by soluble cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (sCTLA4), CTLA4Ig and LEA29Y
Clinical & Experimental Immunology (OnlineEarly Articles)
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03513.x

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a potent inhibitory co-stimulatory molecule that has been the focus for interest for its immunoinhibitory properties, notably through recombinant fusion variants CTLA4Ig and LEA29Y, which are promising agents in the transplantation setting. This paper by Roep et al. investigates a further potential application for these fusion proteins, as well as the soluble splice variant of CTLA4 (sCTLA4) as therapeutics for type 1 diabetes, in an in vitro setting.

 

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I. Chua, R. Standish, S. Lear, M. Harbord, E. Eren, M. Raeiszadeh, S. Workman, D. Webster (2007)
Anti-tumour necrosis factor-a therapy for severe enteropathy in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 150 (2), 306–311
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03481.x

A novel role for anti-TNFa (infliximab) in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)-related inflammatory bowel disease is explored – with promising results – in this series of clinical case studies from Chua et al.

 

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K. Boniface, E. Guignouard, N. Pedretti, M. Garcia, A. Delwail, F.-X. Bernard, F. Nau, G. Guillet, G. Dagregorio, H. Yssel, J.-C. Lecron, F. Morel
A role for T cell-derived interleukin 22 in psoriatic skin inflammation
Clinical & Experimental Immunology (OnlineEarly Articles)
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03511.x

Interleukin (IL)-22, a T-cell-derived cytokine, has been reported recently to induce cutaneous inflammation in an experimental murine model of psoriasis, and to induce in vitro an inflammatory-like phenotype. In the present study Morel et al. assessed the presence of IL-22 and the IL-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1) in skin lesions, skin-derived T cells, as well as IL-22 levels in sera from patients with psoriasis. The results reported in this study indicate that IL-22 is a cytokine produced by skin-infiltrating lymphocytes that is potentially involved in initiation and/or maintenance of the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

 

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Editor's Choice - October 2007

R. Colobran, R. Pujol-Borrell, M. P. Armengol, M. Juan
The chemokine network. II. On how polymorphisms and alternative splicing increase the number of molecular species and configure intricate patterns of disease susceptibility
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 150 (1), 1–12
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03489.x

We follow-up the initial review on the chemokine network published in May 2007 by these authors, with this further instalment from Pujo-Borrell et al. that examines the roles of chemokine gene polymorphism and alternate splicing as influences upon disease aetiology. Although evidence for these relationships is, at present, far from definitive (and sometimes contradictory) there are tantalising glimpses. Further, the sheer volume of data analysis that such examinations demand suggest systems biology approaches which, for an ‘introduction to’, the interested reader is directed to Schellerscheim et al..
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03472

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F. N. J. Frakking, N. Brouwer, N. K. A. van Eijkelenburg, M. P. Merkus, T. W. Kuijpers, M. Offringa, K. M. Dolman
Low mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in neonates with pneumonia and sepsis
Clinical & Experimental Immunology (OnlineEarly Articles)
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03479.x

The important role of the MBL-pathway, part of the complement system, in the context of neonatal immunity, is explored in this paper by Frakking et al., which examines the posited relationship between pneumonia/sepsis and MBL deficiency during the first 72h, and first month, post-partum.

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J. Visser, H. W. Nijman, B.-N. Hoogenboom, P. Jager, D. van Baarle, E. Schuuring, W. Abdulahad, F. Miedema, A. G. van der Zee, T. Daemen
Frequencies and role of regulatory T cells in patients with (pre)malignant cervical neoplasia
Clinical & Experimental Immunology (OnlineEarly Articles)
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03468.x

Here, Visser et al. examine whether failure to control the development of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer may be ascribable to the influence of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Patients were also examined post-treatment to determine whether Treg populations fell. The results suggest a further dimension for consideration during treatment of this disease.

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Editor's Choice - September 2007

C. Bacchelli, S. Buckridge, A. J. Thrasher, H. B. Gaspar (2007)
Translational Mini-Review Series on Immunodeficiency: Molecular defects in common variable immunodeficiency
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 149 (3), 401–409.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03461.x

Further light is thrown on the genetic bases of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in this review by Gaspar et al. The heterogeneity of this condition in terms of its clinical manifestation and immunological profile is likely to be reflective of a similar heterogeneity of cause at a genetic level. The present review highlights mutations in the genes encoding TACI, BAFF-R, CD19 and ICOS, accounting for perhaps 10-15% of all cases of CVID, with the prediction that further relevant mutations will be uncovered.

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P. Wood, S. Stanworth, J. Burton, A. Jones, D. G. Peckham, T. Green, C. Hyde, H. Chapel, the UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network (2007)
Translational Mini-Review Series on Immunodeficiency: Recognition, clinical diagnosis and management of patients with primary antibody deficiencies: a systematic review
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 149 (3), 410–423.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03432.x

A useful adjunct to the ESID primary immunodeficiency diagnostic protocol published in CEI last year by de Vries et al. is provided by this systematic review from Chapel et al. that focuses upon the primary antibody immunodeficiencies. Due to their rarity, and difficulties in identifying symptoms, knowledge of them can remain the preserve of the specialist – with attendant consequences for the patient. This review brings much useful information regarding diagnostic symptoms and treatment within the domain of a wider readership.

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F. Klauschen, B. R. Angermann, M. Meier-Schellersheim (2007)
Understanding diseases by mouse click: the promise and potential of computational approaches in Systems Biology
Clinical & Experimental Immunology 149 (3), 424–429.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03472.x

With developments in experimental methods and computative techniques, the domain of computational biology promises to enable great strides to be made – especially in the wider integration of biomedical disciplines within the emerging discipline of Systems Biology. In this review, Schellersheim et al. chart its emergence, its rationales, and its relevance to the (potentially sceptical) researcher.