Dectin-1 activation unlocks IL12A expression and reveals the TH1 potency of neonatal dendritic cells.

Background: Early life is characterized by a high susceptibility to infection and a TH2-biased CD4 T-cell response to vaccines. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are currently being implemented as new vaccine adjuvants for TH1 activation, but their translation to the field of pediatric vaccines is facing the impairment of neonatal innate TLR responses.

Objective: We sought to analyze C-type lectin receptor pathways as an alternative or a coactivator to TLRs for neonatal dendritic cell activation for TH1 polarization.

IL-15 trans-presentation promotes human NK cell development and differentiation in vivo.

The in vivo requirements for human natural killer (NK) cell development and differentiation into cytotoxic effectors expressing inhibitory receptors for self-major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I; killer Ig-like receptors [KIRs]) remain undefined. Here, we dissect the role of interleukin (IL)-15 in human NK cell development using Rag2(-/-)gamma c(-/-) mice transplanted with human hematopoietic stem cells. Human NK cell reconstitution was intrinsically low in this model because of the poor reactivity to mouse IL-15.

Effect of attenuation of Treg during BCG immunization on anti-mycobacterial Th1 responses and protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Background: The functional equilibrium between natural regulatory T cells (Treg) and effector T cells can affect the issue of numerous infections. In unvaccinated mice, the influence of Treg in the control of primary infection with mycobacteria remains controversial.

Methodology: Here, we evaluated the role of Treg during prophylactic vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) on the induction of T cell responses and on the protective effect against subsequent M.

[Case of paraganglioma of the originally numerous location in the 24 year old male].

Introduction: Paragangliomas, in other words chemodectomas were bening tumors arising from the paragangliomas cells of the parasympathetic system. There are four kinds of paragangliomas: carotic artery baroreceptors (glomus caroticum), tympanic cavity (glomus tympanicum), internal jugular vein (glomus jugulare) and placed along vagal nerve (glomus vagale). Overall 5-10% of all paragangliomas are malignant.

[Clinical and angiographic correlates of coronary calcium scoring in multislice computed tomography (MSCT)].

Background: The MSCT calcium scoring allows to identify patients with increased coronary event risk or at early stages of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Aim: The aim of the study was to find the correlation of calcium score with various clinical features and degree of coronary stenosis.

Methods: 40 consecutive patients (10 women) with angiographically proven coronary artery disease were assessed for coronary calcium score by means of MSCT not later than 48 hours after the angiography.