Objective. The interleukin-7 (IL-7)–related cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a potent activator of myeloid dendritic cells, enhancing Th2- mediated hypersensitivity, and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic diseases. Although intraarticular concentrations of TSLP have
Strong anti glycolipid IgG responses can occur in humans and animals, but contrary to anti protein responses and anti glycoprotein responses, the exact mechanism of induction is unknown. We have previously shown that experimental immunization with the glycolipid glucose monomycolate (GMM) causes the
Development of vaccines in autoimmune diseases has received wide attention over the last decade. However, many vaccines showed limited clinical efficacy. To enhance vaccine efficacy in infectious diseases, biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles have gained interest as antigen delive
Rapid growth in the development of new tools and advances in molecular immunology has led to a class of drugs called biologics. While effective, these therapies are costly, typically require continuous administration and often have serious side effects. This review focuses on current therapies and t
Natural killer (NK) cell activity is conserved throughout vertebrate development, but characterization of non-mammalian NK-cells has been hampered by the absence of specific mAbs for these cells. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against in vitro IL-2 expanded sorted CD3−CD8 + peripheral blood ly
In recent years, it has been hypothesised that a new signalling system may exist in vertebrates in which secreted molecular chaperones form a dynamic continuum between the cellular stress response and corresponding homeostatic physiological mechanisms. This hypothesis seems to be supported by the fi
Stress proteins such as heat shock proteins (Hsps) are up-regulated in cells in response to various forms of stress, like thermal and oxidative stress and inflammation. Hsps prevent cellular damage and increase immunoregulation by the activation of anti-inflammatory Tcells. Decreased capacity for st
Nasal vaccination is a promising, needle-free alternative to classical vaccination. Nanoparticulate delivery systems have been reported to overcome the poor immunogenicity of nasally administered soluble antigens, but the characteristics of the ideal particle are unknown. This study correlates diffe
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