Generation of functional human T cell development in NOD/SCID/IL2rγ humanized mice without using fetal tissue: Application as a model of HIV infection and persistence.

Humanization of mice with functional T cells currently relies on co-implantation of hematopoietic stem cells from fetal liver and autologous fetal thymic tissue (so-called BLT mouse model). Here, we show that NOD/SCID/IL2rγ mice humanized with cord blood- derived CD34 cells and implanted with allogeneic pediatric thymic tissues excised during cardiac surgeries (CCST) represent an alternative to BLT mice. CCST mice displayed a strong immune reconstitution, with functional T cells originating from CD34 progenitor cells.

CD5 levels define functionally heterogeneous populations of naïve human CD4 T cells.

Studies in murine models show that subthreshold TCR interactions with self-peptide are required for thymic development and peripheral survival of naïve T cells. Recently, differences in the strength of tonic TCR interactions with self-peptide, as read-out by cell surface levels of CD5, were associated with distinct effector potentials among sorted populations of T cells in mice. However, whether CD5 can also be used to parse functional heterogeneity among human T cells is less clear.

Noncoding regions are the main source of targetable tumor-specific antigens.

Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) represent ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy, but few have been identified thus far. We therefore developed a proteogenomic approach to enable the high-throughput discovery of TSAs coded by potentially all genomic regions. In two murine cancer cell lines and seven human primary tumors, we identified a total of 40 TSAs, about 90% of which derived from allegedly noncoding regions and would have been missed by standard exome-based approaches.

Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Clinical Experience and Impact on Ventilation Pressures.

Background: After pediatric cardiac surgery, ventilation with high airway pressures can be detrimental to right ventricular function and pulmonary blood flow. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) improves patient-ventilator interactions, helping maintain spontaneous ventilation. This study reports our experience with the use of NAVA in children after a cardiac surgery.

Significant motor improvement in an infant with congenital heart disease and a rolandic stroke: The impact of early intervention.

Objective: To report the impact of early motor intervention in an infant with congenital heart disease (CHD) and a stroke.

Methods And Results: A 35-week newborn with a complex CHD and a normal MRI presented with early motor developmental delay at 2 months. She began an intervention program, which included biweekly motor developmental therapy with a physiotherapist, parental education, and daily home exercises.