CD8+ T cells produce a dialyzable antigen-specific activator of dendritic cells.

Cellular lysates from PPD donors have been reported to transfer tuberculin reactivity to naïve recipients, but not diphtheria reactivity, and vice versa. A historically controversial topic, the terms "transfer factor" and "DLE" were used to characterize the reactivity-transferring properties of lysates. Intrigued by these reported phenomena, we found that the cellular extract derived from antigen-specific memory CD8 T cells induces IL-6 from antigen-matched APCs.

Common variable immunodeficiency presenting as herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a disorder in which patients are unusually susceptible to infections with encapsulated bacteria. Here we describe three adults with CVID in whom the correct diagnosis was not reached until they had Herpes simplex encephalitis. Failure to identify the underlying immune deficiency likely contributed to these debilitating infections.

Icatibant, a new bradykinin-receptor antagonist, in hereditary angioedema.

Background: Hereditary angioedema is characterized by recurrent attacks of angioedema of the skin, larynx, and gastrointestinal tract. Bradykinin is the key mediator of symptoms. Icatibant is a selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist.

Possible role of human herpesvirus 8 in the lymphoproliferative disorders in common variable immunodeficiency.

Patients who have common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and granulomatous/lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) are at high risk for early mortality and B cell lymphomas. Infection with human herpes virus type 8 (HHV8), a B cell lymphotrophic virus, is linked to lymphoproliferative disorders in people who have secondary immunodeficiencies. Therefore, we determined the prevalence of HHV8 infection in CVID patients with GLILD.