Ex vivo activation of naturally occurring IL-17-producing T cells does not require IL-6.

Interleukin (IL-)17 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine for which an important role in the immune response against infections and in autoimmune diseases has been demonstrated. Recently, it has been shown that - in addition to mature T cells which are primed in the immune periphery - this cytokine can also be produced by T cells in the thymus, so-called naturally occurring IL-17-producing T cells (nT17 cells). In this study we demonstrate that the generation and activation of nT17 cells in the thymus do not depend on the cytokine IL-6.

Alteration of T cell cytokine production in PLPp-139-151-induced EAE in SJL mice by an immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotide.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is--in certain aspects--regarded as an animal model of the human CNS autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS). While in EAE CNS-autoantigen-specific immunity is induced in a defined way, the initial processes leading to CNS autoimmunity in humans are so far unknown. Despite essential restrictions, which exist regarding the interpretation of EAE data towards MS, EAE might be a useful model to study certain basic aspects of CNS autoimmunity.

CD34+ progenitor cells mobilized by natalizumab are not a relevant reservoir for JC virus.

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is associated with natalizumab treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been hypothesized that natalizumab mobilizes JC virus (JCV)-infected haematopoietic progenitor cells mediating viraemia and subsequently this disease.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate peripheral haematopoietic progenitor cells for evidence of JCV DNA in MS patients treated with natalizumab.