Our data suggest that HO-1 exerts its inhibitory effect on Th17 cell differentiation by directly associating and blocking STAT3 phosphorylation. We speculate that hemin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of other types of immune and pulmonary inflammatory-related diseases.

In this work, the in situ TiB 2 particulates reinforced 2219 aluminium matrix composites were fabricated using the mixed salts method. The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of TiB 2 /2219 Al composites were investigated. The reults show that the composites reinforced with 5 and 10 wt-%TiB 2 exhibit higher Young's modulus, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength than the unreinforced matrix alloy. The improvement in strength may be attributed to strengthen mechanisms including dislocation strengthening due to the CTE difference between the matrix alloy and TiB 2 particulates, Orowan strengthening and load transfer.