Immunological synapse formation between T regulatory cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes tumour development.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as a dominant non-hematopoietic cell population in the tumour microenvironment, serving diverse functions in tumour progression. However, the mechanisms via which CAFs influence the anti-tumour immunity remain poorly understood. Here, using multiple tumour models and biopsies from cancer patients, we report that α-SMA CAFs can form immunological synapses with Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumours.

Dynamic interactions between the symbiont Candidatus Erwinia dacicola and its olive fruit fly host Bactrocera oleae.

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, the most serious pest of olives, requires the endosymbiotic bacterium Candidatus Erwinia dacicola in order to complete its development in unripe green olives. Hence, a better understanding of the symbiosis of Ca. E.

A novel approach regarding the anti-aging of facial skin through collagen reorganization.

The needle shaping technique can be used to perform subcutaneous microtransplants, enabling the 'lifting' of the skin. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the effects of needle shaping on facial skin tone, volume and histological structure. A total of 54 women underwent the needle shaping procedure performed by inserting a tiny acupuncture needle combined with mixed electrical currents.

Accumulation of damaged mitochondria in alveolar macrophages with reduced OXPHOS related gene expression in IPF.

Background: Impaired mitochondria homeostasis and function are established hallmarks of aging and increasing evidence suggests a link with lung fibrosis. Mitochondria homeostasis may be also affected in alveolar macrophages (AMs) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In this study, we used bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), a tool for both clinical and research purposes, and a rich source of AMs.

Drug resistance in natural isolates of Leishmania donovani s.l. promastigotes is dependent of Pgp170 expression.

Resistance of pathogens to drugs is a growing concern regarding many diseases. Parasites like Leishmania, Plasmodium and Entamoeba histolytica; and neoplastic cells, present the multidrug-resistant phenotype rendering chemotherapy ineffective. The acquired resistance of Leishmania to antimony has generated intense research on the mechanisms involved but the question has not yet been resolved.