Optimizing Nodal, Wnt and BMP signaling pathways for robust and efficient differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to intermediate mesoderm cells.

Several differentiation protocols have enabled the generation of intermediate mesoderm (IM)-derived cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). However, the substantial variability between existing protocols for generating IM cells compromises their efficiency, reproducibility, and overall success, potentially hindering the utility of urogenital system organoids. Here, we examined the role of high levels of Nodal signaling and BMP activity, as well as WNT signaling in the specification of IM cells derived from a UCSD167i-99-1 human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) line.

Enhanced Immunomodulatory Effects of Thymosin-Alpha-1 in Combination with Polyanionic Carbosilane Dendrimers against HCMV Infection.

Resistance and toxicity associated with current treatments for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection highlight the need for alternatives and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy. This study examined the in vitro immunological effects of co-administration of Thymosin-alpha-1 (Tα1) and polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers (PCDs) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during HCMV infection. The biocompatibility of PCDs was assessed via MTT and LDH assays.

Persistent Exhausted T-Cell Immunity after Severe COVID-19: 6-Month Evaluation in a Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Severe COVID-19 can result in a significant and irreversible impact on long-term recovery and subsequent immune protection. Understanding the complex immune reactions may be useful for establishing clinically relevant monitoring.

Methods: Hospitalized adults with SARS-CoV-2 between March/October 2020 (n = 64) were selected.

Threshold Ferritin Concentrations Reflecting Early Iron Deficiency Based on Hepcidin and Soluble Transferrin Receptor Serum Levels in Patients with Absolute Iron Deficiency.

(1) Background: The serum ferritin cut-off to define absolute iron deficiency is not well-established. The aim of the present study was to determine a clinically relevant ferritin threshold by using early serum biomarkers of iron deficiency such as hepcidin and the soluble transferrin receptor; (2) Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight asymptomatic subjects attending a hospital as outpatients between 1st April 2020 and 27th February 2022 were selected. Iron metabolism parameters as part of the blood analysis were requested by their doctor and included in the study.

G2-S16 Polyanionic Carbosilane Dendrimer Can Reduce HIV-1 Reservoir Formation by Inhibiting Macrophage Cell to Cell Transmission.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is still a major problem, not only in developing countries but is also re-emerging in several developed countries, thus the development of new compounds able to inhibit the virus, either for prophylaxis or treatment, is still needed. Nanotechnology has provided the science community with several new tools for biomedical applications. G2-S16 is a polyanionic carbosilane dendrimer capable of inhibiting HIV-1 in vitro and in vivo by interacting directly with viral particles.