Combination of TLR8 and TLR4 agonists reduces the degrading effects of nicotine on DC-NK mediated effector T cell generation.

The magnitude of immune responses to vaccination is a critical factor in determining protection from disease. It is known that cigarette smoke dampens the immune system and increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. We reported that nicotine, the immunosuppressive component of cigarette smoke, disrupts the differentiation and functional properties of DC, which are pivotal in the initiation of immune response to vaccines.

TLR8 combined withTLR3 or TLR4 agonists enhances DC-NK driven effector Tc1 cells.

Background: Most current prophylactic vaccines confer protection primarily through humoral immunity. Indeed, aluminum salts which have been widely used as adjuvants in vaccines primarily enhance Th2-driven antibody responses. Therefore, new vaccines formulation is moving toward a careful selection of adjuvants that also elicit significant Th1 or Tc1 responses.

Phenotyping and comparing the immune cell populations of free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and dolphins under human care.

Background: Studies suggest that free-ranging bottlenose dolphins exhibit a suppressed immune system because of exposure to contaminants or microorganisms. However, due to a lack of commercially available antibodies specific to marine mammal immune cell surface markers, the research has been indecisive. The purpose of this study was to identify cross-reactive terrestrial-specific antibodies in order to assess the changes in the immune cell populations of dolphins under human care and free-ranging dolphins.