Why study the evolution of immunity?

Investigations of immune recognition in nonmammalian species provide new insights into the evolution of immunity and the inner workings of the mammalian immune system. Very diverse mechanisms are used by different multicellular organisms to recognize and cope with the rapidly evolving microbial world.

Early temporal-specific responses and differential sensitivity to lithium and Wnt-3A exposure during heart development.

Members of both Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) families of signaling molecules are important in heart development. We previously demonstrated that beta-catenin, a key downstream intermediary of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, delineates the dorsal boundary of the cardiac compartments in an anteroposterior progression. We hypothesized the progression involves canonical Wnt signaling and reflects development of the primary body axis of the embryo.

Use of myeloid colony-stimulating factors in neonates with septicemia.

Bacterial sepsis is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Successful management of neonatal sepsis requires early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial treatment, and aggressive intensive care. However, even when steps are taken appropriately, mortality rates can be high, particularly among certain subgroups, such as extremely preterm neonates and neonates with neutropenia.

Extraordinary variation in a diversified family of immune-type receptor genes.

Immune inhibitory receptor genes that encode a variable (V) region, a unique V-like C2 (V/C2) domain, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail containing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs) have been described previously in two lineages of bony fish. In the present study, eleven related genes encoding distinct structural forms have been identified in Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish), a well characterized immunological model system that represents a third independent bony fish lineage. Each of the different genes encodes an N-terminal V region but differs in the number of extracellular Ig domains, number and location of joining (J) region-like motifs, presence of transmembrane regions, presence of charged residues in transmembrane regions, presence of cytoplasmic tails, and/or distribution of ITIM(s) within the cytoplasmic tails.