Critical role of OX40 signaling in the TCR-independent phase of human and murine thymic Treg generation.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in immune-tolerance, and loss of Treg function can lead to the development of autoimmunity. Natural Tregs generated in the thymus substantially contribute to the Treg pool in the periphery, where they suppress self-reactive effector T cells (Teff) responses. Recently, we showed that OX40L (TNFSF4) is able to drive selective proliferation of peripheral Tregs independent of canonical antigen presentation (CAP-independent) in the presence of low-dose IL-2.

A novel pancreatic β-cell targeting bispecific-antibody (BsAb) can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice.

To prepare a novel Bispecific Antibody (BsAb) as a potential targeted therapy for T1D, we produced a "functionally inert" monoclonal antibody (mAb) against Glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) expressed on β-cells to serve as an anchoring antibody. The therapeutic arm is an agonistic mAb against Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a negative regulator of T-cell activation expressed on activated CD4+ T-cells. A BsAb was prepared by chemically coupling an anti-GLUT2 mAb to an agonistic anti-CTLA-4 mAb.

Identification of a broad-spectrum antiviral small molecule against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Ebola, Hendra, and Nipah viruses by using a novel high-throughput screening assay.

Unlabelled: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Ebola, Hendra, and Nipah viruses are members of different viral families and are known causative agents of fatal viral diseases. These viruses depend on cathepsin L for entry into their target cells. The viral glycoproteins need to be primed by protease cleavage, rendering them active for fusion with the host cell membrane.

Long-term outcomes of triangle tilt surgery for obstetric brachial plexus injury.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term shoulder functional outcomes from a triangle tilt procedure on obstetric patients, who initially presented with medial rotation contracture and scapular deformity secondary to obstetric brachial plexus injury.

Methods: We retrospectively studied long-term outcomes both functionally and anatomically in 61 patients (age ranging from 2 to 12 years). Functional movements were evaluated and scored using a modified Mallet scale at different time intervals: preoperatively, 1 year and 2 year following triangle tilt surgery.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus leader protein is the only nonstructural protein tested that induces apoptosis when transfected into mammalian cells.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces two distinct cell death programs, necrosis and apoptosis. The apoptotic pathway is of particular interest because TMEV persists in the central nervous system of mice, largely in infiltrating macrophages, which undergo apoptosis. Infection of murine macrophages in culture induces apoptosis that is Bax dependent through the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway, restricting infectious-virus yields and raising the possibility that apoptosis represents a mechanism to attenuate TMEV yet promote macrophage-to-macrophage spread during persistent infection.

From transcription to transport: emerging roles for nuclear myosin I.

Myosins are a superfamily of actin-activated ATPases that, in the cytoplasm, work together with actin as molecular motors. The presence of actin in the nucleus has been known for many years. The demonstration of a nuclear isoform of a myosin, nuclear myosin I (NMI), stimulated a great deal of interest in possible intranuclear motor functions of an acto-NMI complex.

Identification and characterization of a squamate reptilian amelogenin gene: Iguana iguana.

As the principal components of the developing tooth enamel matrix, amelogenins play a significant role in tooth enamel formation and organization. In order to elucidate the structure and function of amelogenins in the evolution of enamel, we have selected the Iguana iguana as a squamate model organism. Here we report the first complete squamate amelogenin sequence available as of yet and document unique features of Iguana amelogenins and enamel.