Metallothionein: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. It is a multifactorial disease associated with immune-cell mediated oxidative damage to the intestinal mucosa. There is no cure for IBD, but anti-cytokine therapy can limit target inflammation and disease progression.

Detection and Manipulation of the Stress Response Protein Metallothionein.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are small molecular weight stress response proteins that play a central role as reservoir of essential divalent heavy metal cations such as zinc and copper, and also can diminish the effects of toxic heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. Historically, MT has been considered to be an intracellular protein with roles to play in the management of heavy metals, as a regulator of cellular redox potential, and as a buffer of free radicals. Our recent studies have highlighted immunomodulatory role of MT in inflammatory diseases and also in the progression of metastatic cell movement.

B cell responses in older adults with latent tuberculosis: Considerations for vaccine development.

Reactivation of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) is more common among the aging population and may contribute to increased transmission in long-term health care facilities. Difficulties in detecting LTBI due to potential blunting of the tuberculin skin test (TST), and the lowered ability of the elderly to tolerate the course of antibiotics, underscore the need for an effective vaccine. Immuno-senescence reduces the capacity of vaccines to induce sufficient levels of protective immunity against many pathogens, further increasing the susceptibility of the elderly to infectious diseases.