Approaches to immunotherapy of cancer: characterization of lymphokines as second signals for cytotoxic T-cell generation.

Lymphokines, the soluble molecules produced by cells of the immune system, regulate cell-cell interactions and, consequently, the functional status of the immune system. Altering immunoregulatory pathways with lymphokines in vivo may provide a mechanism for controlling a variety of immunologic disorders. Although normally produced in vivo in very small quantities, the widespread availability of recombinant lymphokines has made it possible to study the molecular signals involved in production of lymphocyte effectors with activity against tumor.

IL-4-supported induction of cytolytic T lymphocytes requires IL-2 and IL-6.

Previous work indicated that a CTL response can be generated by the combination of IL-2 plus IL-6 or IL-4 alone. Because of the ubiquitous production of IL-6 and its apparent ability to induce IL-2, we explored the interdependence of these lymphokines in supporting a CTL response from murine thymocytes. For thymocytes cultured in IL-4, further addition of IL-6 enhanced thymocyte proliferation.

IL-7 supports the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes from thymocytes. Multiple lymphokines required for proliferation and cytotoxicity.

Current data suggest that the combination of IL-2 plus IL-6 or IL-4 supports the generation of a CTL response. In this report, we investigated whether IL-7 alone or in combination with other lymphokines supports the generation of active CTL from murine thymocytes. Added alone, IL-7 produced a modest CTL response, and this response was augmented (more than an additive response) by the addition of either IL-2, IL-6, or IL-4.

Activation-dependent redistribution of the adhesion plaque protein, talin, in intact human platelets.

Talin is a high molecular weight protein localized at adhesion plaques in fibroblasts. It binds vinculin and integrin and appears to participate in generating a transmembrane connection between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. We have recently shown that talin is an abundant protein in platelets, cells highly specialized for regulated adhesion.

Use of endoscopic ultrasound in patients with esophageal motility disorders.

New technology has combined the endoscope with ultrasound in an effort to enhance the visualization of the gastrointestinal tract. With a modified standard endoscope that has an ultrasound transducer built into the tip, high frequency ultrasonic beams can be targeted in close proximity to existing lesions. This results in better quality resolution which enhances the evaluation of the targeted lesion.