Discovery of a novel marker for human granulocytes and tissue macrophages: RTL1 revisited.

Here, retrotransposon-like 1 (RTL1) is introduced as a marker for circulating and tissue neutrophils, tissue macrophages, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and neutrophils (TAN). Anti-RTL1 polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were produced, and their reactivity was examined by Western blotting (WB), ELISA, and immunostaining of human normal and cancer tissues. The reactivity of the anti-RTL1 antibodies with peripheral blood leukocytes and a panel of hematopoietic cell lines was examined.

Potent anti-tumor immune response and tumor growth inhibition induced by HER2 subdomain fusion protein in a mouse tumor model.

Purpose: Several approaches have so far been employed to establish anti-tumor immunity by targeting HER2 protein. Active immunization with recombinant HER2 subdomains has previously been demonstrated to induce potent immune response and tumor growth inhibition. In the present study, we investigated the immunogenicity and tumor inhibitory effect of a fusion protein consisting of human HER2 extracellular subdomain (ECD-DI + II) together with T-helper cell epitopes of Tetanus toxin (p2 and p30).

Induction of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-like Syndrome in BALB/c Mice Leads to Disturbance in Splenic T Cell Subpopulations.

Mechanisms underlying the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the balance of T cell subsets in BALB/c mice model of SLE induced; using Con A and polyamines as DNA immunogenicity modifiers. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with 50 µg extracted DNA from cells cultured in different conditions: splenocytes+ polyamines (group P), splenocytes+ Con A (group A), splenocytes+ polyamines+ Con A (group PA) and splenocytes only (control).

Serological assay for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies improves sensitivity of diagnosis of COVID-19 patients.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), has become a major global health problem. The molecular testing is the accepted assay in SARS-CoV-2 detection. However, there are several reasons for low sensitivity by RNA detection, causing challenges in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Specific Antibodies in Health-Care Workers Compared to General Population during an Early Phase of the Pandemic, Tehran-Iran.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly transmits in general population, mainly between health-care workers (HCWs) who are in close contact with patients.

Objective: To study the seropositivity of HCWs as a high-risk group compared to general population.

Methods: 72 samples were obtained from HCWs working in Masih Daneshvari hospital as one of the main COVID-19 admission centers in Tehran, during April 4 to 6, 2020.

CAR T cells: Living HIV drugs.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), is a major global public health issue. Although the advent of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made significant progress in inhibiting HIV replication in patients, HIV-infected cells remain the principal cellular reservoir of HIV, this allows HIV to rebound immediately upon stopping ART, which is considered the major obstacle to curing HIV infection. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapy has provided new opportunities for HIV treatment.

Evaluation of TLR9 expression on PBMCs and CpG ODN-TLR9 ligation on IFN-α production in SLE patients.

Context: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by autoreactive antibodies. Recent findings revealed the importance of innate immune responses, especially Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Objective: In this study, the level of TLR9 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was analyzed.

Evaluation of PBMC Distribution and TLR9 Expression in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which results in damage to various organs. Some animal studies have revealed that activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is important in the pathogenesis of SLE. In the present study, the percentage of different immune cell subsets in 35 SLE patients and 38 control subjects was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Identification, Isolation, and Functional Assay of Regulatory T Cells.

Two categories of regulatory T cells (Tregs), nTreg and iTreg, play vital roles in orchestrating the integrity of a host in the course of an immune response. Tregs commonly belong to CD4+ CD25+ T cells and they are characterized by a transcription factor - forkhead box P3 (FoxP3). Within the space of the last few years, interests have been drawn to Tregs as a therapeutic tool in several settings like autoimmune disease, transplantation, and tumor disorders.