Tumor growth is associated with aberrant myelopoiesis, including the accumulation of CD11b ؉ Gr-1 ؉ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that have the potential to promote tumor growth. However, the identity, growth, and migration of tumor-associated MDSCs remain undefined. We demonstrate herein that MDSCs at tumor site were composed primarily of bone marrow-derived CD11b ؉ Gr-1 hi Ly-6C int neutrophils and

Background: Interleukin-31 (IL-31), a novel cytokine, is upregulated in atopic dermatitis skin lesions in humans and skin lesions in the NC ⁄ Nga mice, a murine model for atopic dermatitis.Objective: Here, we investigated the effect of a monoclonal IL-31 antibody on scratching behaviour, weight gain and dermatitis in NC ⁄ Nga mice.Methods: Mice were divided into three groups, n = 10 in each group. Mice were given monoclonal IL-31 ratanti-mouse antibody 10 mg ⁄ kg or albumin intraperitoneally every fifth day for seven weeks. In addition, the mice in one group were not exposed to any form of intervention. The dermatitis score was clinically assessed twice a week. The scratching behaviour was automatically detected and objectively evaluated.Results: Intervention with IL-31 antibody 10 mg ⁄ kg intraperitoneally every fifth day in NC ⁄ Nga mice from age 7 weeks reduced the scratching behaviour, but did not have any impact on weight gain or dermatitis.

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A single donor-specific transfusion induces alloantibodies and Treg cells

AimThymic epithelial cells (TECs) are thought to play an essential role in T cell development and have been detected mainly in mice using lectin binding and antibodies to keratins. Our aim in the present study was to create a precise map of rat TECs using antibodies to putative markers and novel monoclonal antibodies (i.e., ED 18/19/21 and anti-CD205 antibodies) and compare it with a map from mouse counterparts and that of rat thymic dendritic cells.ResultsRat TECs were subdivided on the basis of phenotype into three subsets; ED18+ED19+/−keratin 5 (K5)+K8+CD205+ class II MHC (MHCII)+ cortical TECs (cTECs), ED18+ED21−K5−K8+ Ulex europaeus lectin 1 (UEA-1)+CD205− medullary TECs (mTEC1s), and ED18+ED21+K5+K8dullUEA-1−CD205− medullary TECs (mTEC2s). Thymic nurse cells were defined in cytosmears as an ED18+ED19+/−K5+K8+ subset of cTECs. mTEC1s preferentially expressed MHCII, claudin-3, claudin-4, and autoimmune regulator (AIRE). Use of ED18 and ED21 antibodies revealed three subsets of TECs in mice as well. We also detected two distinct TEC-free areas in the subcapsular cortex and in the medulla. Rat dendritic cells in the cortex were MHCII+CD103+ but negative for TEC markers, including CD205. Those in the medulla were MHCII+CD103+ and CD205+ cells were found only in the TEC-free area.ConclusionBoth rats and mice have three TEC subsets with similar phenotypes that can be identified using known markers and new monoclonal antibodies. These findings will facilitate further analysis of TEC subsets and DCs and help to define their roles in thymic selection and in pathological states such as autoimmune disorders.