Local delivery of IL-2 reduces atherosclerosis via expansion of regulatory T cells.

Objective: Recent studies indicate that regulatory T cells (Tregs) attenuate murine atherosclerosis. Since interleukin (IL)-2 induces Tregs proliferation, we tested the impact of L19-IL2, a fusion antibody specific to extra-domain B of fibronectin (ED-B) containing an active human IL-2 molecule, in experimental atherosclerosis.

Methods And Results: L19-IL2 or appropriate controls were given intravenously to 6 month old Western diet-fed apoE(-/-) mice on day 1, 3, and 5.

Transient receptor potential channel TRPM8 agonists stimulate calcium influx and neurotensin secretion in neuroendocrine tumor cells.

TRPM8 is a member of the melastatin-type transient receptor potential ion channel family. Activation by cold or by agonists (menthol, icilin) induces a transient rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Our previous study demonstrated that Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels play a role in IGF-1-induced secretion of chromogranin A in human neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell line BON [Mergler et al.