B7-1 and B7-2 costimulatory molecules activate differentially the Th1/Th2 developmental pathways: application to autoimmune disease therapy

Article Abstract:

An in vitro T cell differentiation assay of T cells from a myelin basic protein (MBP) transgenic mouse helps study the involvement of B7 costimulatory molecules in the growth of T helper cells, Th1 and Th2, from Th precursor (Thp) cells. IL-4 synthesis is enhanced by anti-B7-1, while IFN-gamma production is increased by anti-B7-2. Anti-B7-1 mediates MBP-specific Thp cells through a Th2 pathway while Th1 development is favored by anti-B7-2. An organ-specific autoimmune disease, EAE, is abolished by the administration of anti-B7-1 while the clinical and histological disease deteriorates with the injection of anti-B7-2 antibody. Production of antigen-specific T cells is not suppressed by B7 molecule inhibition which influences the cytokine profile of the responding T cells.

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Evidence for periciliary liquid layer depletion, not abnormal ion composition, in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis airways disease

Article Abstract:

Two human airway epithelial cell culture models were developed to study the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis airways disease. These frameworks were used to differentiate the hypotonic (low salt) airway surface liquid/defensin hypothesis and the isotonic volume transport/mucus clearance hypothesis. These two theories explain the role of airway epithelial ion transport in lung defense and predict the impact of mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Findings did not show that the liquids lining airway surfaces were hypotonic or that salt concentrations were different between cystic fibrosis and normal cultures.

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Chemokine receptors: keys to AIDS pathogenesis?

Article Abstract:

Studies revealed that chemokines and their seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors can allegedly block HIV replication. Such findings may help to further understand HIV activities and yield effective means to control HIV pathogenesis. Since chemokines may have important roles in the primate lentiviral replication cycle and in pathogenesis, their optimum ability to inhibit HIV replication is not yet fully determine.

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