A spatial threshold for astrocyte calcium surge.

Astrocytes are active cells involved in brain function through the bidirectional communication with neurons, in which astrocyte calcium plays a crucial role. Synaptically evoked calcium increases can be localized to independent subcellular domains or expand to the entire cell, i.e.

Depletion of conventional CD4 T cells is required for robust priming and dissemination of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cells in the setting of anti-CD4 therapy.

Background: Overcoming immune suppression is a major barrier to eliciting potent CD8 T cell responses against cancer. Treatment with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody is an effective means for eliminating CD4Foxp3 regulatory (Treg) cells in preclinical models and has also demonstrated efficacy in early clinical trials. However, the underlying basis for treatment efficacy, more specifically the implications of codepleting other CD4-expressing cell compartments in tumor-bearing hosts, is not well understood.

The Altered Neonatal CD8 T Cell Immunodominance Hierarchy during Influenza Virus Infection Impacts Peptide Vaccination.

Neonates are more susceptible to influenza virus infection than adults, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality and delayed clearance of the virus. Generating effective CD8 T cell responses may be important for improving vaccination outcomes in vulnerable populations, but neonatal T cells frequently respond differently than adult cells. We sought to understand CD8 T cell specificity and immunodominance during neonatal influenza infection and how any differences from the adult hierarchy might impact peptide vaccine effectiveness.