c-Kit signaling potentiates CAR T cell efficacy in solid tumors by CD28- and IL-2-independent co-stimulation.

The limited efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for solid tumors necessitates engineering strategies that promote functional persistence in an immunosuppressive environment. Herein, we use c-Kit signaling, a physiological pathway associated with stemness in hematopoietic progenitor cells (T cells lose expression of c-Kit during differentiation). CAR T cells with intracellular expression, but no cell-surface receptor expression, of the c-Kit D816V mutation (KITv) have upregulated STAT phosphorylation, antigen activation-dependent proliferation and CD28- and interleukin-2-independent and interferon-γ-mediated co-stimulation, augmenting the cytotoxicity of first-generation CAR T cells.

Targeted autophagy disruption reveals the central role of macrophage iron metabolism in systemic iron homeostasis.

Iron homeostasis depends on both intracellular control through iron-responsive proteins and the systemic level of iron through hepcidin-ferroportin axis. Indeed, the hormone hepcidin downregulates the ferroportin iron exporter to control iron recycling from macrophages and iron uptake from enterocytes. Here, we focused on the role of autophagy in macrophage iron metabolism and systemic iron homeostasis.

Impact of plastic wrapping on carcass decomposition and arthropod colonisation in northern Africa during spring.

The effect of plastic wrapping on decomposition rate and carrion fauna of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) was examined in spring in a semi-urban area in North Algeria. All decomposition stages were observed in all carcasses, with the same durations in the control but different durations in the wrapped carcasses.

Effectiveness of broad-spectrum antiseptics in production of disinfected maggots of Lucilia sericata for use in wound debridement therapy.

The establishment of low-cost, effective, safe and practical methods is necessary to increase the use of larval therapy in wound care. Although studies on external disinfection of calliphorid eggs have been reported, many studies lack data on the effect of disinfection on egg viability and the microorganisms found before disinfection. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to compare three antiseptic solutions, that is, chlorhexidine (5%), Dakin's solution (0.

Molecular identification of the potentially forensically relevant cluster flies (Fabricius) and (Meigen) (Diptera: Polleniidae) - non-recorded species in Algeria.

Cluster flies are represented by the genus Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 of the family Polleniidae Brauer and Bergenstamm, 1889. Their larvae are known to be internal parasites or predators of earthworms. Herein, we report for the first time the occurrence of the cluster flies Fabricius, 1794 and (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Polleniidae) on carcasses in Algeria and identify them through DNA barcoding.

DNA barcoding of Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen) and Piophila casei (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Piophilidae) from Algeria and the first African report of Stearibia nigriceps.

Stearibia (=Piophila) nigriceps (Meigen) occurs in the Palearctic Region from Europe and Far East Russia, and in the Nearctic, the Neotropical, and the Oriental regions. In this study, we report the first record of Stearibia nigriceps from Africa collected in Algeria. In addition, our results provide DNA sequences of Piophila casei (Linnaeus) and S.

Assessment of Entomological Remains from Soil Samples Collected from a Pig (Sus scrofa domestica) Carcass Decomposition Site after 13 Years.

Objective: Carrion insects inhabiting the soil play an important role in forensic investigations because they may help to solve both active and cold cases. The aim of this study was to examine the entomofauna of forensic importance in soil samples removed after 13 years from a pig carrion decomposition site.

Methods: Soil samples were collected from an old carrion decomposition study site in Bâla, the Ankara Province.

Cell iron status influences macrophage polarization.

Macrophages play crucial roles in innate immune response and in the priming of adaptive immunity, and are characterized by their phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity. Reprogramming intracellular metabolism in response to microenvironmental signals is required for M1/M2 macrophage polarization and function. Here we assessed the influence of iron on the polarization of the immune response in vivo and in vitro.

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a case report and review of the literature.

Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is extremely rare. In this paper, we present a case of metastatic SCCB managed by chemotherapy and we would provide a brief review of the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, pathologic features, staging, treatment, and prognosis of SCCB. A 52-year-old man was admitted with signs and symptoms suggestive of a bladder cancer.