Cytokine profiles during delivery affect cord blood hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells.

The study was aimed to determine the correlations between serum levels of cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF) in maternal (MB) and cord blood (CB) and some features of cord blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CB HSPCs). Study material was MB and concomitant CB samples collected from 98 volunteers at the moment of delivery. The IL-4, IL-10, TNF and GM-CSF concentrations in serum and in supernatants from PMA-stimulated mononuclear cells isolated from both blood types were measured using BD Cytometric Bead Array Flex Set System.

Successful ageing of nonagenarians is related to the sensitivity of NK cells to activation.

NK cells are a component of innate immunity which activity significantly correlates with health status. The aim of our study was to estimate a status of NK (natural killer) cells in the very old (mean age 92+/-2 ys) and old subjects (mean age 78+/-5 ys) as compared to a control group of young individuals (mean age 25+/-4 ys). NK cells were characterized by measurement of their cytotoxic activity, expression of intracellular interferon gamma, telomere length and telomerase activity in resting and activated cells.

Analogues of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and tuftsin limit infection and inflammation in murine model of sepsis.

Pharmacological manipulation of the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators emerges as a key aspect of a successful treatment of sepsis. A murine model of septic shock was developed and chosen conjugates (1a, 1b, 8a, 8c) and analogs (T2) of muramyl dipeptide and tuftsin were tested in this model as prospective anti-bacterial drugs or adjuvants. The phagocytic activity of monocytes/macrophages was determined (flow cytometry, bacterial clearance from vital organs).

Ex vivo expansion of CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cells for immunosuppressive therapy.

Immunosuppressants are powerful drugs, capable of triggering severe adverse effects. Hence, there is tremendous interest in replacing them with less-toxic agents. Adoptive therapy with CD25(+)CD4(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs) holds promise as an alternative to immunosuppressants.