Postnatal human enteric neurospheres show a remarkable molecular complexity.

Background: The enteric nervous system (ENS), a complex network of neurons and glial cells, coordinates major gastrointestinal functions. Impaired development or secondary aberrations cause severe enteric neuropathies. Neural crest-derived stem cells as well as enteric neuronal progenitor cells, which form enteric neurospheres, represent a promising tool to unravel molecular pathomechanisms and to develop novel therapy options.

Human monocytes downregulate innate response receptors following exposure to the microbial metabolite n-butyrate.

Introduction: Hyporesponsiveness of human lamina propria immune cells to microbial and nutritional antigens represents one important feature of intestinal homeostasis. It is at least partially mediated by low expression of the innate response receptors CD11b, CD14, CD16 as well as the cystine-glutamate transporter xCT on these cells. Milieu-specific mechanisms leading to the down-regulation of these receptors on circulating monocytes, the precursor cells of resident macrophages, are mostly unknown.

Type I and Type III Interferons Display Different Dependency on Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases to Mount an Antiviral State in the Human Gut.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are constantly exposed to commensal flora and pathogen challenges. How IECs regulate their innate immune response to maintain gut homeostasis remains unclear. Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines produced during infections.

Thymus-resident memory CD8+ T cells mediate local immunity.

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ responsible for production and selection of T cells. Nonetheless, mature T cells and in particular activated T cells can reenter the thymus. Here, we identified memory CD8(+) T cells specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus or vaccinia virus in the thymus of mice long-time after the infection.