Immunology & Cell Biology最新文献

Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in innate immunity and show great promise in cancer immunotherapy. Traditional sources of NK cells, such as the peripheral blood, are limited by availability and donor variability. In addition, in vitro expansion can lead to functional exhaustion and gene editing challenges. This study aimed to harness induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to provide a consistent and scalable source of NK cells, overcoming the limitations of traditional sources and enhancing the potential for cancer immunotherapy applications. We developed human placental–derived iPSC lines using reprogramming techniques. Subsequently, an optimized two-step differentiation protocol was introduced to generate high-purity NK cells. Initially, iPSCs were differentiated into hematopoietic-like stem cells using spin-free embryoid bodies (EBs). Subsequently, the EBs were transferred to ultra-low attachment plates to induce NK cell differentiation. iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells expressed common NK cell markers (NKp46, NKp30, NKp44, CD16 and eomesodermin) at both RNA and protein levels. iNK cells demonstrated significant resilience to cryopreservation and exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity. The incorporation of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct further augmented their cytotoxic potential. This study exemplifies the feasibility of generating iNK cells with high purity and enhanced functional capabilities, their improved resilience to cryopreservation and the potential to have augmented cytotoxicity through CAR expression. Our findings offer a promising pathway for the development of potential cellular immunotherapies, highlighting the critical role of iPSC technology in overcoming challenges associated with traditional NK cell sources.

In this article, we discuss new findings which suggest that type I regulatory T (Tr1) cells can interfere with cancer vaccine efficacy in mice by exerting strong regulatory control over antitumor immune responses.

Background: Although the unique sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents and youth (AY) are widely recognized, the challenge remains how to integrate adolescent- and youth-friendly health services (AYFHS) effectively within a systems-based approach that is both feasible and scalable. This article provides preliminary evidence from 4 Nigerian states that sought to overcome this challenge by implementing capacity-strengthening approaches centered around a shortened quality assurance (QA) tool that has become part of the state health system's routine supportive supervision process and follow-up quality improvement (QI) activities.

Methods: A shortened QA tool was administered to assess and track the performance of 130 high-volume health facilities across 5 domains to serve its AY population with quality contraceptive services. Facility-based providers (N=198) received training on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, AYFHS, and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. To corroborate checklist findings, we conducted exit interviews with 754 clients (aged 15-24 years) who accessed contraceptive services from the facilities that met the World Health Organization's minimum standards for quality AYFHS.

Results: In the 4 states, the QA tool was applied at baseline and 2 rounds, accompanied by QI capacity strengthening after each round. At baseline, only 12% of the 130 facilities in the 4 states scored met the minimum quality standards for AYFHS. After 2 rounds, 88% of the facilities met the minimum standards. AY client volume increased over this same period. All 4 states showed great improvements; however, the achievements varied by state. The exit interview feedback supported client satisfaction with the services provided to AY.

Conclusion: Integrating QA followed by QI within Nigeria's family planning supportive supervision system is not only feasible but also impacts the quality of AYFHS and contraceptive uptake by clients aged 15-24 years.

The biology of the NACHT domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) and pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome has perplexed researchers since this inflammasome was first described about two decades ago. The identification of oxidized thioredoxin 1 (TRX1) as a suppressor of NLRP1 recently linked cellular redox homeostasis to NLRP1 inflammasome signaling. Now, Zhang et al. present a molecular structure of TRX1-bound NLRP1 with unprecedented detail. This structure gives key insight into regulatory mechanisms governing NLRP1 activation and offers enormous potential for structure-based anti-inflammatory drug design.

In the unique landscape of immunology research in New Zealand, this article explores the collaborative networks spanning the two main islands, through a conversation with Associate Professor Joanna Kirman and Dr Robert Weinkove. The discussions delve into their dynamic collaborations with countries such as Asia, Australia and the United States, from their laboratories at the University of Otago and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, respectively, provides insight into the translational research landscape of New Zealand, and the integration of Māori culture into all aspects of scientific research and clinical practise. Kirman's work in understanding immunological memory in tuberculosis and Weinkove's research in cancer immunotherapies, particularly CAR-T cells, are highlighted. The natural beauty and accessibility of New Zealand supports its research diversity.

Immunology for all: Most scientific communication has historically been limited to visual imagery and the written or spoken word, often in the form of dense articles obscured by jargon. Clear communication of science is vital to enable the public to engage with important scientific discoveries and to limit medical distrust. However, scientific communication is often executed in a way which neglects people with blindness, low vision and diverse needs. Our aim for the exhibit at the Monash Sensory Science Exhibition on Autoimmunity 2023 at Monash University was to develop novel, tactile and informative models to help better communicate the scientific principles that underpin autoimmune disease and immunology. As B-cell biologists, we decided to focus our exhibit for this workshop on antibody-mediated autoimmunity. Antibodies are key components of the immune system, providing protection against a range of diverse pathogens. However, in the context of autoimmunity, they can also drive pathology.

Allan Cripps was internationally recognized in the field of mucosal immunology, in particular the relationship between respiratory diseases and mucosal immunization strategies. Allan's career spanned scientific and applied research, commercialization, health education, and evolved into leadership roles in public-health and academic administration. Allan published over 400 papers and mentored over 40 research higher degree candidates. Allan was renowned for his mentorship, that did not end with the awarding of a PhD or Master's degree, but continued across a lifetime of professional engagement. Allan's key contributions to immunology included characterizing the ontogeny of the human mucosal immune system, understanding the impact of respiratory infections and otitis media in children, developing diagnostic technologies and mucosal vaccine strategies, and identifying the roles of the common mucosal immune system in human health. In this biography for the 100th anniversary of the Journal, we follow his journey of discovery and contributions to immunological research.

This piece for the 100th year of publication of Immunology & Cell Biology focuses on the contributions of two long-serving Editors-in-Chief, Mark Mitchell (1936–1963) and Derrick Rowley (1963–1987). This was a period of growth and consolidation for the journal, through sometimes challenging and changing times. Some of the notable works published in the journal during this time are also highlighted.

Knowledge gained from veterinary immunology has played an important role in the control of microbial and parasitic diseases in New Zealand through the development and use of vaccines and diagnostic tests. In this article celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Journal, I follow the development of important discoveries in veterinary immunology which have led to major advances in the control of animal diseases.