The CD39 molecule defines distinct cytotoxic subsets within alloactivated human CD8-positive cells.

Lymphocyte activation induces or increases the expression of several surface structures, none of which is characteristic of an activated cell subset. In particular, structures such as CD45RO, CD25, CD26, CD49b, CD54, CD71 are expressed by the vast majority of lymphocytes at various times following in vitro activation. CD39 molecules were originally identified on activated B lymphocytes and have recently been described on activated T cell clones.

Increased surface expression of a newly identified 150-kDa dimer early after human T lymphocyte activation.

Lymphocyte activation induces or increases the expression of several surface structures, some of which are directly involved in cell growth such as receptors for IL-2 or transferrin. In order to identify new structures characteristic of activated lymphocytes, we developed a series of mAb against functionally defined human T cell clones. In the present study we report the isolation of a mAb termed BB18 recognizing, at the cell surface, a novel 150-kDa glycoprotein dimer whose expression on T lymphocytes increases readily after their activation with various stimuli including lectins.

Plasmodium falciparum: isolation and characterization of a 55-kDa protease with a cathepsin D-like activity from P. falciparum.

Native electrophoresis followed by imprint digest method using hemoglobin as substrate allowed the detection of parasite hemoglobinase activity at acidic pH (3.9 to 5). This protease was inhibited specifically by pepstatin A and insensitive to other protease inhibitors.

The SCID mouse.

Numerous investigations of the mammalian hematopoietic system in normal and pathologic states have been facilitated by the study of genetically determined immunologic dysfunctions in experimental animals. This article focuses on the scid mutation of the mouse (SCID mouse) that causes severe defects in the development of the immune system. The mutation appears to impair the recombination of antigen receptor genes, causing in the SCID mice a lack of functional T and B lymphocytes.

[The marmoset in biomedical research. Value of this primate model for cardiovascular studies].

Because of its small size, low cost of maintenance, breeding capabilities in captivity, the marmoset, a New World monkey, appears well suited for clinical and fundamental investigations. The contribution of this laboratory animal in the main areas of biomedical research is succinctly described: viral oncology, infections diseases, immunology, reproduction, toxicology and teratology, odontology, behaviour and neuro-psychopathology. Emphasis is put upon the exceptional interest of the use of marmoset as a biological model in cardiovascular studies.