HIV-1 infection ex vivo accelerates measles virus infection by upregulating signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) in CD4+ T cells.

Measles virus (MV) infection in children harboring human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is often fatal, even in the presence of neutralizing antibodies; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the interaction between HIV-1 and wild-type MV (MVwt) or an MV vaccine strain (MVvac) during dual infection. The results showed that the frequencies of MVwt- and MVvac-infected CD4(+) T cells within the resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were increased 3- to 4-fold after HIV-1 infection, and this was associated with a marked upregulation of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) expression on CD4(+) T cells but not on CD8(+) T cells.

Fluorescent Reporter Signals, EGFP, and DsRed, Encoded in HIV-1 Facilitate the Detection of Productively Infected Cells and Cell-Associated Viral Replication Levels.

Flow cytometric analysis is a reliable and convenient method for investigating molecules at the single cell level. Previously, recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains were constructed that express a fluorescent reporter, either enhanced green fluorescent protein, or DsRed, which allow the monitoring of HIV-1-infected cells by flow cytometry. The present study further investigated the potential of these recombinant viruses in terms of whether the HIV-1 fluorescent reporters would be helpful in evaluating viral replication based on fluorescence intensity.

Antimicrobial cathelicidin peptide CAP11 suppresses HMGB1 release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mononuclear phagocytes via the prevention of necrotic cell death.

High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is extracellularly released from mononuclear phagocytes by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation accompanied with cell death, and plays an important role in septic/endotoxin shock as a late phase mediator. Notably, CAP11 (cationic antibacterial polypeptide of 11-kDa), a member of cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides, has a potential to bind with LPS and neutralize the biological activity of LPS. In this context, we previously revealed that CAP11 can suppress the elevation of serum HMGB1 level in mouse endotoxin shock model and protect mice from endotoxin lethality.

Clock mutation affects circadian regulation of circulating blood cells.

Background: Although the number of circulating immune cells is subject to high-amplitude circadian rhythms, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Methods: To determine whether intact CLOCK protein is required for the circadian changes in peripheral blood cells, we examined circulating white (WBC) and red (RBC) blood cells in homozygous Clock mutant mice.

Results: Daytime increases in total WBC and lymphocytes were suppressed and slightly phase-delayed along with plasma corticosterone levels in Clock mutant mice.

Exhaustive exercise and type-1/type-2 cytokine balance with special focus on interleukin-12 p40/p70.

It is known that interleukin (IL)-12 p70 promotes the differentiation of type-1 helper T (Th1) cells, which produce type-1 cytokines such as IL-2 and interferon (IFN), thereby supporting cellular immunity, whereas IL-12 p40 acts as an antagonist of IL-12 p70. In contrast, IL-4 and IL-6 promote the differentiation of Th2 cells, which produce type-2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, induce humoral immunity and are involved in allergic reactions. Exhaustive exercise causes the suppression of T lymphocyte activity while asthmatic and allergic diseases are subclinically more prevalent in athletes.