Interaction of B cells with intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis.

Immunity to Francisella tularensis is largely mediated by T lymphocytes but an important role of B lymphocytes in early stage of infection was previously uncovered. We wanted to find out if F. tularensis is able to infect B cells and/or influence them by direct contact.

The influence of hydrogel functional groups on cell behavior.

This study provides information on the behavior of macrophages on the surface of the subcutaneously implanted hydrogel strips. Hydrogel containing -OH, -CO-NH-, and (CH3)2N- groups induced a spreading of macrophages on the implants. The materials containing -SO3H groups slightly, and materials containing -COOH groups more intensively, inhibited spreading of the macrophages.