Quorum sensing (QS) or cell-to-cell communication is a process by which bacteria produce and detect signal molecules and thereby coordinate their behavior in a cell-density dependent manner. Two main QS systems can be distinguished: the acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) and the autoinducer-2 (AI-2). The sequenced genome of the marine bioluminescent Shewanella woodyi MS32 contains genes coding for these two main QS systems. This work aims at identifying the QS communication systems present in this bacterium and understanding its role in luminescence production and biofilm formation. The objective is also to find molecules that interfere with QS processes to inhibit adhesion and biofilm formation ...

Skin allograft survival.Compared to the control group, only the combination cell therapy significantly prolonged graft survival (p = 0.028).

The present invention provides formulations for the topical application of cyclosporin to skin tissue for treatment of autoimmune, T-cell mediated immune disease, and inflammatory conditions, and for producing prolonged skin allograft survival and wound healing. In addition, methods for the use of said formulations--in tandem with systemic applications of cyclosporin or without same--are suggested. The present invention also suggests alternative formulations and delivery systems for the efficacious treatment of the aforementioned conditions, and further suggests a model with which formulations may be tested.

Utku N, Heinemann T, Tullius SG, Bulwin GC, Beinke S, Blumberg RS, Beato F, Randall J, Kojima R, Busconi L, Robertson ES, Schülein R, Volk HD, Milford EL, Gullans SR. Prevention of acute allograft rejection by antibody targeting of TIRC7, a novel T cell membrane protein. Immunity. 1998 Oct; 9(4):509-18 ...

Purpose: To investigate characteristics of initial immunologic graft rejection after Descemets stripping with endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK).. Methods: The incidence, symptoms and clinical characteristics of initial immunologic graft rejection episodes were analyzed retrospectively in 598 eyes treated with primary DSEK at a single tertiary referral center.. Results: Graft rejection episodes occurred in 54 eyes of 48 patients. Thirty-five percent of the eyes were asymptomatic and were diagnosed during routine examination. Signs of immunologic rejection at the initial diagnosis included keratic precipitates (69%), diffuse corneal edema (11%), or both (20%); no endothelial rejection lines were observed. In contrast to standard full-thickness grafts, there were no epithelial immunologic reactions because the epithelium and anterior stroma are not transplanted in DSEK. Most grafts cleared; 4 (7%) progressed to graft failure and were successfully regrafted with DSEK.. Conclusions: Immunologic graft ...

Pediatric research is thriving and expanding in Atlanta through a unique, multi-institutional initiative. Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, and Georgia Institute of Technology have formed a close partnership that combines the clinical strengths of the nations largest pediatric healthcare provider (Childrens), the research strengths of a leading academic medical center (Emory University), and a global leader in developing pediatric technologies (GaTech).