Characterization of Indeterminate Breast Lesions Based on Pressure Estimates by Noninvasive 3D Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

Objective: To assess the ability of the pressure gradient between breast lesions and adjacent normal tissue estimated by 3D subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) to characterize indeterminate breast lesions.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients scheduled for ultrasound-guided needle biopsies of a breast lesion. Before the biopsy, 3D SHAPE data were collected from the breast lesion during the infusion of an ultrasound contrast agent (Definity) as well as after clearance of the agent.

DR5 activation of caspase-8 induces DC maturation and immune enhancement in vivo.

Non-homeostatic tissue apoptosis in vivo has been shown to induce inflammatory responses and facilitate the cross-presentation of proteins within apoptotic bodies. We hypothesize that in the presence of foreign antigens, the apoptotic-inflammatory process improves immune priming; further, molecules that trigger apoptosis may be adapted for use as immune adjuvants. One very attractive molecule in this context is the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family molecule DR5/TRAIL-receptor 2.

Co-immunization with plasmid IL-12 generates a strong T-cell memory response in mice.

Plasmid encoded exogenous IL-12 delivered as a DNA vaccine adjuvant has been shown to improve vaccine-induced immunity. In particular, pIL-12 greatly improves antigen (Ag)-specific cytotoxic tlymphocyte (CTL) activity in immunized mice. The longevity of this response has not previously been studied in detail.

Engineering cross-presentation in vivo.

Apoptotic bodies deliver antigens (Ags) to the cross-presentation pathways of dendritic cells (DCs), where their presentation has been associated with both the maintenance of tolerance as well as the induction of protective immunity. The manner in which apoptotic bodies are generated, their abundance in relation to local DCs, and the milieu in which they are generated appear to be the major factors determining whether apoptotic bodies will induce CD8(+) T cell activation or anergy. These observations have been extended to the field of vaccination, where the engineered apoptosis of Ag-bearing/loaded cells in vivo has been used to prime strong CD8(+) T cell immunity.