Essential role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma in eosinophil chemotaxis within acute pulmonary inflammation.

We and others have established an important role for phosphoinositide-3 kinase gamma (PI3Kgamma) in the chemotactic responses of macrophages and neutrophils. The involvement of this lipid kinase in allergic inflammatory responses is, however, yet to be fully determined. Here we compare wild-type (WT) and PI3Kgamma(-/-) (KO) mice within a model of ovalbumin (OVA) -specific pulmonary inflammation.

[Bilateral Purtscher's retinopathy associated with acute pancreatitis--case report].

The project's aim is to report a case of Purtscher's retinopathy associated with acute pancreatitis. During the treatment gradual improvement of visual acuity and retina condition have been observed. In the report, the actual views on the pathogenesis of this disease have been discussed.

The sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist FTY720 differentially affects the sequestration of CD4+/CD25+ T-regulatory cells and enhances their functional activity.

The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist FTY720 is well known for its immunomodulatory activity, sequestering lymphocytes from blood and spleen into secondary lymphoid organs and thereby preventing their migration to sites of inflammation. Because inflammation is critically dependent on a balance between Ag-specific Th/effector cells and T-regulatory cells, we investigated the effect of FTY720 on T-regulatory cell trafficking and functional activity. An increased number of CD4+/CD25+ T cells was found in blood and spleens of FTY720-treated mice, and transfer of these cells resulted in a significantly more pronounced accumulation in spleens but not lymph nodes after treatment, suggesting that this compound differentially affects the homing properties of T-regulatory cells compared with other T cell subsets.

Tc2 cells respond to soluble antigen in the respiratory tract and induce lung eosinophilia and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

The key role of T helper 2 (Th2) cells in asthma is well established. In contrast, the function of CD8+ T cells producing a distinct cytokine profile similar to Th2 cells is largely unknown. To analyze a potential role of CD8+ T cell subsets, allergen-specific, in vitro-differentiated T cytotoxic (Tc1 or Tc2) cells from T cell receptor transgenic OT-I mice were adoptively transferred into naive C57BL/6 mice.

Cellular immune activation in Gulf War veterans.

The etiology and pathology of illnesses related to the first Persian Gulf War are unclear. Among the constellation of symptoms noted in sick veterans, some, such as skin rashes, musculoskeletal pains, and neuropsychiatric problems, have been proposed to reflect an underlying immune dysfunction. In this study we explored the hypothesis that sickness following deployment to the Gulf in 1991 is associated with altered immune function, and we examine possible associated exposures.

Inhibition of Th1- and Th2-mediated airway inflammation by the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist FTY720.

The sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist FTY720 is a novel immunomodulator that sequesters lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs and thereby prevents their migration to sites of inflammation. However, there is currently no information available on whether this drug affects Th1 or Th2 cell-mediated lung-inflammatory responses. The effect of FTY720 was therefore investigated in a murine airway inflammation model using OVA-specific, in vitro differentiated, and adoptively transferred Th1 and Th2 cells.

Immunotherapy with mycobacteria.

Purpose Of Review: To summarize and evaluate critically recent progress with mycobacteria as a potential novel disease modifying treatment strategy in asthma.

Recent Findings: The link between exposure to pathogenic or saprophytic mycobacteria and protection from allergic diseases is still controversial, and recent epidemiological studies, which addressed only exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or bacillus Calmette-Guérin, did not help to clarify this issue. Moreover, the clear efficacy of mycobacterial treatment seen in animal models has not been reproduced in human asthma, and a recent small study testing the hypothesis that heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae attenuates asthmatic reactions after allergen challenge did not provide convincing results.

Suppression of airway eosinophilia by killed Mycobacterium vaccae-induced allergen-specific regulatory T-cells.

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease and despite the introduction of potent and effective drugs, the prevalence has increased substantially over the past few decades. The explanation that has attracted the most attention is the 'hygiene hypothesis', which suggests that the increase in allergic diseases is caused by a cleaner environment and fewer childhood infections. Indeed, certain mycobacterial strains can cause a shift from T-helper cell 2 (Th2) to Th1 immune responses, which may subsequently prevent the development of allergy in mice.