Peripheral natural killer cells in chronic hepatitis B patients display multiple molecular features of T cell exhaustion.

Antiviral effectors such as natural killer (NK) cells have impaired functions in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The molecular mechanism responsible for this dysfunction remains poorly characterised. We show that decreased cytokine production capacity of peripheral NK cells from CHB patients was associated with reduced expression of NKp30 and CD16, and defective mTOR pathway activity.

Familial aggregation in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: a comprehensive literature review including 4 new families.

Objective: To review personal and published observations of giant cell (temporal) arteritis (GCA) or polymyal-gia rheumatica (PMR) with familial or conjugal aggregation and emphasise on epidemiological, clinical and genetic features of such cases.

Methods: We pooled data obtained from all cases of GCA or PMR with familial aggregation recruited in the department since 1976 and those from reports of familial or conjugal GCA or PMR published in the French-English literature since 1970.

Results: During the study period, we diagnosed 460 patients (128 with isolated PMR, 227 with isolated GCA, 105 with PMR/CGA).

Concurrent temporal (giant cell) arteritis and malignancy: report of 20 patients with review of the literature.

Objective: To determine the frequency of occurrence of malignancy concurrently with temporal arteritis (TA), as well as features and outcome of the vasculitis in such cases.

Methods: In a series of 271 consecutive patients with TA (219 biopsy-proven), we retrospectively analyzed the frequency and type of malignancy concurrent with vasculitis (less than 1 year before or after), as well as the main features and outcome of TA in this setting. We also surveyed all cases published in the French-British literature.