Escape of pathogens from the host immune response by mutations and mimicry. Possible means to improve vaccine performance.

The ability of certain pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency, hepatitis C, herpes simplex, influenza viruses, Plasmodium falciparum, etc., to escape from host immune response is generally ascribed to high mutation rate of their genome. We challenge this assumption and propose that molecular mimicry of host antigens by these pathogens could also participate to this resistance.

Expression of galectin-3 in gonads and gonadal sex cord stromal and germ cell tumors.

Galectin-3, a beta-galactoside-binding lectin, has been implicated in many human malignancies, but has seldom been studied in human gonads and gonadal tumors. The aim of our study was to investigate galectin-3 mRNA and protein expression in normal ovaries and testes as well as in a variety of 51 gonadal sex cord stromal and germ cell tumors, and two testicular seminomatous and non-seminomatous cell lines, using either real-time PCR or immunohistochemistry. In human testes, galectin-3 is specifically expressed in mature Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, and is absent from fetal and pre-pubertal testes, suggesting a hormone-dependence of this gene.

[Infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast with histiocytoid features: three cases].

Histiocytoid carcinoma of the breast, a cellular variant of invasive breast cancer, is mainly found among infiltrating lobular carcinomas (ILC). It can be easily confused with benign conditions or other mammary tumors also composed of cells with a pink granular to foamy cytoplasm and an eccentric nucleus. We report 3 cases of histiocytoid ILC.

[Placental site trophoblastic tumor of the uterus after in vitro fertilization. A case report with initial vaginal metastasis].

We report the first case of placental site trophoblastic tumor following in vitro fertilization. A 32-year-old woman presented with a vaginal polyp diagnosed 11 months after a successful fertilization, resulting in the delivery of a term male baby, but followed by persistent amenorrhea. The diagnosis of PSTT was done on examination of the vaginal polyp and the curettage specimen and was confirmed after hysterectomy.

[Carcinomatous transformation of an atypical polypoid adenomyofibroma of the uterus].

We report a case of an atypical polypoid adenomyofibroma (APA) with carcinomatous transformation that occurred in a nulliparous 32 year-old woman treated with estroprogestatives. The well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma was in continuity with the APA, showed a deep myoinvasion and extended to the upper part of the cervix. No hormonal receptor was expressed by tumor cells.