FACIT collagen (1alpha-chain) is expressed by hemocytes and epidermis during the inflammatory response of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

Based on previous cloning and sequencing study, real-time PCR and in situ hybridization assays of the inflamed body wall of LPS-injected Ciona intestinalis showed the enhanced gene expression of a collagen with FACIT structural features (Ci-type IX-Col 1a-chain). By using specific antibodies raised against an opportunely chosen Ci-type IX-Col synthetic peptide, the fibroblast property of hemocytes challenged in vitro with LPS (at 4 h) was displayed by flow cytometry, while immunocytochemistry identified hemocytes with large granules (morula cells) as collagen-producing cells. Hemocyte lysate supernatant analyzed in immunoblotting contained a 60 kDa band identifiable as 1a-chain-Ci-type IX-C…

Prophylactic and therapeutic alphaGalactosylCeramide treatment in Shwartzman reaction

In vivo activation of NKT cells exerts different effects in experimental systemic Shwartzmann reaction.

Mycobacterial infection of mouse lung dendritic cells in vivo

Differentiation of human CD8+ T cells in BCG vaccinated and tuberculous patients.

Development of a post-exposure paediatric anti HIV-AIDS vaccine based on the combined synthetic/recombinant HIV peptides and BCG for boosting innate and acquired immunity. North-South transfer in Biotechnology of Tuberculosis and AIDS. University of Rome “Tor Vergata”. UNESCO Interdisciplinary Chair in Biotechnology. Vittorio Colizzi, Luc Montagnier, 2004.

(Bu3Sn)4TPPS and (Bu2Sn)2TPPS significantly inhibit the growth, migrationand tumorigenicity of human malignant melanoma cells

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant human cancers, it is responsible worldwide for the 80% of skin cancer related deaths which is largely due to its propensity to metastasize to other organs. The growing understanding of the pathways involved in melanoma progression and development has led to the identification of some interesting new molecules, however, the treatment options for metastatic melanoma remain limited. Indeed, the key step in metastasis development is the tumour cell invasion of the nearby host tissue and the journey powerfully depends on the detachment of single tumour cells from the primary tumour. Therefore, the ability to block the migratory and i…