Increased Expression of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 by T Cells, Induced by B7 in Sera, Reduces Adaptive Immunity in Patients With Acute Liver Failure.

Background & Aims: Patients with acute liver failure (ALF) have defects in innate immune responses to microbes (immune paresis) and are susceptible to sepsis. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), which interacts with the membrane receptor B7 (also called CD80 and CD86), is a negative regulator of T-cell activation. We collected T cells from patients with ALF and investigated whether inhibitory signals down-regulate adaptive immune responses in patients with ALF.

Life threatening hemoptysis from Hughes Stovin syndrome: Is it that rare?

Introduction: Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a life-threatening disorder of unknown etiology. This condition is characterized by vasculitis, deep venous thrombosis and aneurysms that mainly involve the pulmonary arteries resulting in hemoptysis. It has been described in literature less than 40 times.