Allele-specific recognition by LILRB3 and LILRA6 of a cytokeratin 8-associated ligand on necrotic glandular epithelial cells.

The LILRs are a family of receptors that regulate the activities of myelomonocytic cells. We found that specific allelic variants of two related members of the LILR family, LILRB3 and LILRA6, interact with a ligand exposed on necrotic glandular epithelial cells. The extracellular domains of LILRB3 and LILRA6 are very similar and their genes are highly polymorphic.

A multiplex microsatellite set for non-invasive genotyping and sexing of the osprey ().

During the 1950s and 1970s the osprey () experienced a dramatic population crash and remains of conservation concern in several parts of the world. We isolated 37 microsatellite loci and assessed these in ospreys sampled in the UK and Norway (using mouth swabs/feathers). From 26 loci variable in four ospreys, we selected 13, combined these into two multiplex-PCR sets and included a sex-typing marker.

Human T lymphocyte migration towards the supernatants of human rhinovirus infected airway epithelial cells: influence of exercise and carbohydrate intake.

Physical stress induces a marked redistribution of T lymphocytes that may be influenced by carbohydrate (CHO) availability, yet the effect of these on T lymphocyte migration towards infected tissue is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of strenuous exercise and CHO ingestion on subsequent ex vivo lymphocyte migration towards the supernatants of a Human Rhinovirus (HRV)-infected bronchial epithelial cell line. In a randomised, cross-over, double-blind design, 7 trained males ran for 2 h at 60% VO2peak on two occasions with regular ingestion of either a 6.

CD4-T-lymphocyte interactions with pneumolysin and pneumococci suggest a crucial protective role in the host response to pneumococcal infection.

Previously, we had shown that T cells accumulated in peribronchiolar and perivascular areas of lungs soon after intranasal infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. We have now presented new evidence, using major histocompatibility class II-deficient mice, that CD4 cells are important for early protective immunity. In addition, we have also shown that a population of human CD4 cells migrates towards pneumococci and that in vivo-passaged pneumococci are substantially more potent at inducing migration than in vitro-grown bacteria.

Expression of and functional responses to protease-activated receptors on human eosinophils.

Eosinophil recruitment to airway tissue is a key feature of asthma, and release of a wide variety of toxic mediators from eosinophils leads to the tissue damage that is a hallmark of asthma pathology. Factors that control the release of these toxic mediators are targets for potential therapeutic intervention. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a novel class of receptors that are activated by cleavage of the N terminus of the receptor by proteases such as thrombin or trypsin-like enzymes.

Basophils express a type 2 cytokine profile on exposure to proteases from helminths and house dust mites.

The proteolytic activities frequently associated with sources of allergens and parasite secretions have been suggested as important immunomodulators. We have investigated whether the protease activity of the house dust mite allergen Der p1 and the secreted proteases of the hookworm Necator americanus are able to directly induce type 2 cytokine production by basophils. Der p1 and the secretions of N.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection and virus-induced inflammation are modified by contaminants of indoor air.

The airway epithelium is the first cellular component of the lung to be encountered by the particles and pathogens present in inhaled air. In addition to its role as a physical barrier, the immunological activity of the airway epithelium is an essential part of the pulmonary immune system. This means that the symptoms of lung diseases that involve immunological mechanisms are frequently exacerbated by infection of the airway epithelium with respiratory viruses.