TGF-β-mediated enhancement of T17 cell generation is inhibited by bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1α signaling.

The cytokines of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family promote the growth and differentiation of multiple tissues, but the role of only the founding member, TGF-β, in regulating the immune responses has been extensively studied. TGF-β is critical to prevent the spontaneous activation of self-reactive T cells and sustain immune homeostasis. In contrast, in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, TGF-β promotes the differentiation of effector T helper 17 (T17) cells.

Modulation of bone morphogenic protein signaling in T-cells for cancer immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is becoming an increasingly attractive therapeutic alternative for conventional cancer therapy. In recent years Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cells (T(R)) were identified as the major obstacle to effective cancer immunotherapy. The abundance of these cells in peripheral blood is increased in patients with multiple types of cancer and their prevalence among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes correlated with poor clinical prognosis.

Variable-thermoinsulation garments with a microprocessor temperature controller.

This paper presents the concept of active variable thermoinsulation clothing for users working in low temperatures. Those garments contain heating inserts regulated by a microprocessor temperature controller. This paper also presents the results of tests carried out on the newly designed garments.