Design considerations for a web-based database system of ELISpot assay in immunological research. (73/201)

The enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay has been a primary means in immunological researches (such as HIV-specific T cell response). Due to huge amount of data involved in ELISpot assay testing, the database system is needed for efficient data entry, easy retrieval, secure storage, and convenient data process. Besides, the NIH has recently issued a policy to promote the sharing of research data (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing). The Web-based database system will be definitely benefit to data sharing among broad research communities. Here are some considerations for a database system of ELISpot assay (DBSEA).  (+info)

The contribution of Bruce Glick to the definition of the role played by the bursa of Fabricius in the development of the B cell lineage. (74/201)

In 1956, Bruce Glick and Timothy Chang reported that the bursa of Fabricius plays an important role in antibody production. Their demonstration that antibody responses are suppressed in the majority of bursectomized chickens became the cornerstone of modern immunology. Bursa research increased considerably during the 1960s and early 1970s.  (+info)

Curation of complex, context-dependent immunological data. (75/201)

BACKGROUND: The Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) is dedicated to capturing, housing and analyzing complex immune epitope related data http://www.immuneepitope.org. DESCRIPTION: To identify and extract relevant data from the scientific literature in an efficient and accurate manner, novel processes were developed for manual and semi-automated annotation. CONCLUSION: Formalized curation strategies enable the processing of a large volume of context-dependent data, which are now available to the scientific community in an accessible and transparent format. The experiences described herein are applicable to other databases housing complex biological data and requiring a high level of curation expertise.  (+info)

Early indicators of immunodeficiency in adults and children: protocols for screening for primary immunological defects. (76/201)

Early recognition of primary immunodeficiency is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality, and yet failure to recognize these conditions is still a major problem for clinicians around the world. The problem is that general practitioners, physicians and paediatricians lack familiarity with these rare disorders, and lack guidance regarding the appropriate use of immunological investigations. A working party from the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) has published screening protocols for these rare disorders, which aim to help select which tests should be done in which patients. The success of these proposals will depend on all immunologists disseminating this information in a format that is suitable for the busy generalist, who may not be familiar with these immunological tests and concepts. Laboratories should expect increasing requests for these screening investigations, and should make themselves familiar with these protocols so that appropriate second-line investigations can be arranged in a timely fashion. Speedy and effective communication between the laboratory and clinician is essential, and clinically interpreted reports are mandatory. Although these protocols are part of a screening process, their effectiveness in practice remains to be established, and further refinement will be required over time. The early involvement of the clinical immunologist in cases of suspected immunodeficiency is key.  (+info)

Kicking off adaptive immunity: the discovery of dendritic cells. (77/201)

In 1973, Ralph Steinman and Zanvil Cohn discovered an unusual looking population of cells with an unprecedented ability to activate naive T cells. Dubbed "dendritic cells," these cells are now known as the primary instigators of adaptive immunity.  (+info)

Hydrogen peroxide upregulates TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression in human astroglial cells, and augments apoptosis of T cells. (78/201)

The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygen free radicals, and these radicals have been implicated in the pathology of several neurological disorders. In this study, the modulation of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression by oxidative stress was shown in LN215 cells, an astroglioma cell line. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment increased TRAIL expression in LN215 cells and H2O2-induced TRAIL augmented apoptosis in Peer cells, a cell line sensitive to TRAIL- mediated cell death. Our findings suggest that the upregulation of TRAIL in astroglial cells may abrogate immune cell effector functions.  (+info)

Fifty years of interferon research: aiming at a moving target. (79/201)

Nearly half a century has passed since the first published description of interferons (IFNs). This commentary introduces the four accompanying review articles on type I IFN research and attempts to relate how the field of IFN research has been changing during its history.  (+info)

Highlights in cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic diseases. XXVth Congress of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology in Vienna. (80/201)

This year, the annual congress of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology was held on 10-14 June in Vienna. More than 6,000 delegates, practicing bench or bedside work or both, gathered from over 50 countries throughout the world. Health professionals, basic scientists and fellows in training could choose between a variety of activities in plenary, main, educational and workshop sessions, highlights of the past year, pros and cons, and oral abstract and poster sessions, and met with experts. A total of 1,713 abstracts, 31 symposia, and 54 workshops were presented, ranging from basic science to clinical trials and modern treatment of allergic diseases. Here, we summarize the highlights of cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic disease.  (+info)