Senescent cells evade immune clearance via HLA-E-mediated NK and CD8 T cell inhibition.

Senescent cells accumulate in human tissues during ageing and contribute to age-related pathologies. The mechanisms responsible for their accumulation are unclear. Here we show that senescent dermal fibroblasts express the non-classical MHC molecule HLA-E, which interacts with the inhibitory receptor NKG2A expressed by NK and highly differentiated CD8 T cells to inhibit immune responses against senescent cells.

Osteopontin, a Key Mediator Expressed by Senescent Pulmonary Vascular Cells in Pulmonary Hypertension.

Objective: Senescent pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs) may contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension by producing secreted factors. The aim of this study was to explore the role in pulmonary hypertension of extracellular matrix proteins released by senescent PA-SMCs.

Approach And Results: Polymerase chain reaction array analysis of human PA-SMCs undergoing replicative senescence revealed osteopontin upregulation, which mediated the stimulatory effect of senescent PA-SMC media and matrix on PA-SMC growth and migration.

Extracellular matrix roles during cardiac repair.

The cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a platform for cells to maintain structure and function, which in turn maintains tissue function. In response to injury, the ECM undergoes remodeling that involves synthesis, incorporation, and degradation of matrix proteins, with the net outcome determined by the balance of these processes. The major goals of this review are a) to serve as an initial resource for students and investigators new to the cardiac ECM remodeling field, and b) to highlight a few of the key exciting avenues and methodologies that have recently been explored.

Report of the first annual Hawaii Asthma Research Consortium.

The first Hawaii Asthma Research Consortium was held on 7 May 2001 at Tripler Army Medical Center. Researchers investigating asthma-related problems and program directors of asthma projects were solicited statewide to present their projects. Ten lecturers focused on research and asthma projects in Hawaii in 20-minute presentations.