Non-depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody induces immune tolerance to ERT in a murine model of Pompe disease.

Approximately 35-40% of patients with classic infantile Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) develop high, sustained antibody titers against the therapeutic enzyme alglucosidase alfa, which abrogates the treatment efficacy. Induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance would greatly enhance ERT for these patients. Here we show that a short-course treatment with non-depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody successfully induced long-term ERT-specific immune tolerance in Pompe disease mice.

Single tooth odontodysplasia. Case report.

Odontodysplasia (ghost tooth) is an uncommon, nonhereditary developmental condition of unknown origin, affecting both mesodermal and ectodermal elements of the dental organ. To our knowledge, this case is unique in that it is only the second reported case of odontodysplasia affecting a single tooth. Based on clinical, radiographic and histologic findings, we diagnosed this tooth as a ghost tooth.

The island syndrome and population dynamics of introduced rats.

The island syndrome predicts directional changes in the morphology and demography of insular vertebrates, due to changes in trophic complexity and migration rates caused by island size and isolation. However, the high rate of human-mediated species introductions to some islands also increases trophic complexity, and this will reduce the perceived insularity on any such island. We test four hypotheses on the role of increased trophic complexity on the island syndrome, using introduced black rats (Rattus rattus) on two isolated coral atolls in the Mozambique Channel.

Key role of the GITR/GITRLigand pathway in the development of murine autoimmune diabetes: a potential therapeutic target.

Background: The cross-talk between pathogenic T lymphocytes and regulatory T cells (Tregs) plays a major role in the progression of autoimmune diseases. Our objective is to identify molecules and/or pathways involved in this interaction and representing potential targets for innovative therapies. Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) and its ligand are key players in the T effector/Treg interaction.