Signaling via a CD27-TRAF2-SHP-1 axis during naive T cell activation promotes memory-associated gene regulatory networks

The interaction of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family member CD27 on naive CD8+ T (Tn) cells with homotrimeric CD70 on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is necessary for T cell memory fate determination. Here, we examined CD27 signaling during Tn cell activation and differentiation. In conjunction with T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, ligation of CD27 by a synthetic trimeric CD70 ligand triggered CD27 internalization and degradation, suggesting active regulation of this signaling axis. Internalized CD27 recruited the signaling adaptor TRAF2 and the phosphatase SHP-1, thereby modulating TCR and CD28 signals. CD27-mediated modulation of TCR signals promoted transcription factor circuits that induced memory rather than effector associated gene programs, which are induced by CD28 costimulation. CD27-costimulated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells exhibited improved tumor control compared with CD28-costimulated CAR-T cells. Thus, CD27 signaling during Tn cell activation promotes memory properties with relevance to T cell immunotherapy.

Aging of the Immune System: Focus on Natural Killer Cells Phenotype and Functions

Aging is the greatest risk factor for nearly all major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases of aging. Age-related impairment of immune function (immunosenescence) is one important cause of age-related morbidity and mortality, which may extend beyond its role in infectious disease. One aspect of immunosenescence that has received less attention is age-related natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction, characterized by reduced cytokine secretion and decreased target cell cytotoxicity, accompanied by and despite an increase in NK cell numbers with age. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that NK cells are the central actors in the immunosurveillance of senescent cells, whose age-related accumulation is itself a probable contributor to the chronic sterile low-grade inflammation developed with aging (“inflammaging”). NK cell dysfunction is therefore implicated in the increasing burden of infection, malignancy, inflammatory disorders, and senescent cells with age. This review will focus on recent advances and open questions in understanding the interplay between systemic inflammation, senescence burden, and NK cell dysfunction in the context of aging. Understanding the factors driving and enforcing NK cell aging may potentially lead to therapies countering age-related diseases and underlying drivers of the biological aging process itself.

7-Ketocholesterol in disease and aging

7-Ketocholesterol (7KC) is a toxic oxysterol that is associated with many diseases and disabilities of aging, as well as several orphan diseases. 7KC is the most common product of a reaction between cholesterol and oxygen radicals and is the most concentrated oxysterol found in the blood and arterial plaques of coronary artery disease patients as well as various other disease tissues and cell types. Unlike cholesterol, 7KC consistently shows cytotoxicity to cells and its physiological function in humans or other complex organisms is unknown. Oxysterols, particularly 7KC, have also been shown to diffuse through membranes where they affect receptor and enzymatic function. Here, we will explore the known and proposed mechanisms of pathologies that are associated with 7KC, as well speculate about the future of 7KC as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in medicine.

Transition from service to civvy street: the needs of armed forces veterans and their families in the UK

AIMS:

Although many veterans make the transition from military to civilian life without difficulty, a small proportion struggle due to an impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Stigma and a reluctance to seek help further exacerbate this problem. The Armed Forces Covenant outlines the importance of ensuring that public services are aware of the specific needs of veterans; however, evidence suggests that knowledge among professional staff may be limited.

METHODS:

This exploratory study included three phases. Phase 1 (questionnaires) explored the needs of veterans and their families in Warwickshire (UK) regarding information about their health and wellbeing and the barriers and facilitators to accessing local public health services. Also in Phase 1, health and public services staff knowledge of veterans' needs and the Covenant is explored. In Phase 2, both samples attended a related focus group for a more in-depth exploration of the issues identified in Phase 1; in order to inform a Phase 3 workshop to co-develop an intervention.

RESULTS:

Veterans, their families and friends, wanted more information about what services do, how and when to access them and what to expect. Confusion over when to seek help for mental health 'symptoms' was highlighted. More support for families was identified, alongside a need for health and social care staff to have a better understanding of the unique experiences and needs of veterans. Only 35% of staff reported a good understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant and their responsibilities to uphold it.

CONCLUSIONS:

Public health teams within UK local authorities are well placed to ensure veterans have more knowledge about and access to public services. Interventions to address stigma and veterans' reluctance to seek help were needed. To this end, interventions for local veterans, their loved ones and staff in public services, designed in co-creation with these groups, is discussed.

Flame figures in linear IgA bullous dermatosis: a novel histopathologic finding

BACKGROUND

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease usually with a neutrophil rich inflammatory infiltrate, and characterized by linear IgA deposition at the basement membrane zone (BMZ), and neutrophil predominant dermal inflammation. We report a case of LABD with numerous eosinophils and flame figure formation, a unique histopathologic finding not previously reported. A 69-year-old woman presented with a rapidly progressive, intensely pruritic rash over forearms, breasts, axillae, hips, and thighs. Thelesions were comprised of annular vesicles and bullae with hemorrhagic crusts and erosions. The clinical differential diagnosis included bullous pemphigoid(BP), LABD, and epidermolysis bullosa aquisita (EBA).

RESULTS

A biopsy from a bullous plaque on the wrist revealed a subepidermal blister with neutrophils and numerous eosinophils with flame figure formation.Direct immunofluorescent (DIF) microscopy revealed linear deposition of IgA at the BMZ.

CONCLUSIONS

Although unusual, the combined findings supported a diagnosis of LABD. Increased eosinophils may be associated with drug-induced LABD and may explain the numerous eosinophils in our case. It is important to be aware of this finding as the pathology may easily be misdiagnosed as BP, or possibly bullousWells syndrome. This case emphasizes that combined clinical, pathologic, and DIF findings are essential in the diagnosis of bullous dermatoses.