Evidence of alloreactive T lymphocytes in fetal liver: implications for fetal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The use of hematopoietic stem cells for in utero transplantation to create permanent hematochimerism represents a new concept in fetal therapy, although this approach has provided heterogeneous results. In this paper we have undertaken molecular, phenotypic and functional studies aimed at identifying the presence of fully competent T lymphocytes in samples of fetal livers and cord blood. We found mature VDJ TCR beta chain transcripts in fetal liver cells taken from 7 to 16 weeks of gestation and a similar pattern was detected in cord blood cells sampled from 13.5 to 20.5 weeks of gestation. A Vbeta8 gene sequence comparable to that detected in adult PBMC was found in fetal liver samples at …

Efficient killing of human colon cancer stem cells by gammadelta T lymphocytes

Colon cancer comprises a small population of cancer stem cells (CSC) that is responsible for tumor maintenance and resistant to cancer therapies, possibly allowing for tumor recapitulation once treatment stops. We previously demonstrated that such chemoresistance is mediated by autocrine production of IL-4 through the up-regulation of antiapoptotic proteins. Several innate and adaptive immune effector cells allow for the recognition and destruction of cancer precursors before they constitute the tumor mass. However, cellular immune-based therapies have not been experimented yet in the population of CSCs. Here, we show that the bisphosphonate zoledronate sensitizes colon CSCs to Vgamma9Vdelt…

Increased percentages of tumor necrosis factor-alpha+/interferon-gamma+ T lymphocytes and calprotectin+/tumor necrosis factor-alpha+ monocytes in patients with acute Kawasaki disease.

Cell Mediated Immune System Hyperactivation and Complications in Surgery. Is There a Correlation?

Introduction: The role of the immune system in wound healing is multifaceted and cell-to-cell interactions may affect healing in several ways, many of which are probably still unknown. The case of a 19-year-old girl who, after multiple postsurgical complications, was found to have a transient immune system hyperactivation is reported. Materials and Methods: A 19-years-old woman with a breast asymmetry, previously treated with breast augmentation and contralateral reduction mammaplasty, had her implant removed and she came to our attention seeking autologous reconstruction. A free DIEP flap was performed and, again, wound breakdown and liponecrosis ensued at both the donor and recipient site…