CD137 costimulation is associated with reduced herpetic stromal keratitis and with developing normal CD8 T cells in trigeminal ganglia.

Costimulatory interactions can be critical in developing immune responses to infectious agents. We recently reported that herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) infections of the cornea require a functional CD28-CD80/86 interaction to not only reduce the likelihood of encephalitis, but also to mediate herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) following viral reactivation. In this same spirit we decided to determine the role that CD137 costimulation plays during HSK.

Central Nervous System Tuberculosis Presenting With Multiple Ring-Enhancing Lesions: A Diagnostic Challenge.

(TB) used to be one of the most widespread infections around the world. However, with improvements in sanitation, access to therapy, and increased public health efforts, TB has almost been eliminated from the developed world. While classically located in the lungs, infection can spread to distant sites from either late stage complications or as a sequelae from immunosuppression.

Developments in Vaccination for Herpes Simplex Virus.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an alpha herpes virus, with two subtypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections. It is the cause of severe neonatal infections and a leading cause of infectious blindness in the Western world.

In vivo transduction of primitive mobilized hematopoietic stem cells after intravenous injection of integrating adenovirus vectors.

Current protocols for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gene therapy, involving the transplantation of ex vivo genetically modified HSPCs are complex and not without risk for the patient. We developed a new approach for in vivo HSPC transduction that does not require myeloablation and transplantation. It involves subcutaneous injections of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor/AMD3100 to mobilize HSPCs from the bone marrow (BM) into the peripheral blood stream and the IV injection of an integrating, helper-dependent adenovirus (HD-Ad5/35) vector system.