LILRA2 selectively modulates LPS-mediated cytokine production and inhibits phagocytosis by monocytes.

The activating immunoglobulin-like receptor, subfamily A, member 2 (LILRA2) is primarily expressed on the surface of cells of the innate immunity including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils but not on lymphocytes and NK cells. LILRA2 cross-linking on monocytes induces pro-inflammatory cytokines while inhibiting dendritic cell differentiation and antigen presentation. A similar activating receptor, LILRA4, has been shown to modulate functions of TLR7/9 in dendritic cells.

A novel assay for detection of hepatitis C virus-specific effector CD4(+) T cells via co-expression of CD25 and CD134.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CD4(+) effector T cell responses are likely to play a key role in the immunopathogenesis of HCV infection by promoting viral clearance and maintaining control of viraemia. As the precursor frequency of HCV-specific CD4(+) T cells in peripheral blood is low, favoured assay systems such as intracellular cytokine (ICC) or tetramer staining have limited utility for ex vivo analyses. Accordingly, the traditional lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA) remains the gold standard, despite detecting responses in only a minority of infected subjects.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced cytokines promote mast cell accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase production: potential role in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To examine the role of mast cells (MCs), cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) following ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the presence of MCs and the expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, interleukin (IL)-15, and CCL5/RANTES in skin from patients with CLE. Human keratinocytes were exposed to varying doses of UVB and supernatants were collected and assessed for IL-15, CCL5, MMP-1, and MMP-9 by protein assays.

A novel role for adiponectin in regulating the immune responses in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Unlabelled: Adipose tissue releases pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, including adiponectin, which elicit a broad range of metabolic and immunological effects. The study aim was to determine in subjects infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) the effects of total adiponectin and its high-molecular-weight (HMW) and low-molecular-weight isoforms on HCV-specific immune responses. Serum levels of total adiponectin and its isoforms were determined by immunoassay.

A murine model of appendicitis and the impact of inflammation on appendiceal lymphocyte constituents.

Data indicate that appendicectomy for intra-abdominal inflammation protects against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This suggests an important role for the appendix in mucosal immunity. There is no established model of appendicitis.