Junctional expression of the prion protein PrPC by brain endothelial cells: a role in trans-endothelial migration of human monocytes.
AuthorsViegas P, Chaverot N, Enslen H, Perrière N, Couraud PO, Cazaubon S,
JournalJ Cell Sci
PubMed ID17062642
'The conversion of prion protein (PrP(C)) to its protease-resistant isoform is involved in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Although PrP(C) is highly expressed in neurons and other cell types, its physiological function still remains elusive. Here, we describe how we evaluated its expression, subcellular localization and putative function in brain ... More
Induction of host chemotactic response by Encephalitozoon spp.
AuthorsFischer J, West J, Agochukwu N, Suire C, Hale-Donze H,
JournalInfect Immun
PubMed ID17178789
Microsporidians are a group of emerging pathogens typically associated with chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals. The number of reports of infections with these organisms and the disseminated pathology is growing as diagnostic tools become more readily available. However, little is known about the innate immune response induced by and generated ... More
Tobacco smoking inhibits expression of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of IL-1R-associated kinase, p38, and NF-kappaB in alveolar macrophages stimulated with TLR2 and TLR4 agonists.
Tobacco smoking has been associated with impaired pulmonary functions and increased incidence of infections; however, mechanisms that underlie these phenomena are poorly understood. In this study, we examined whether smokers' alveolar macrophages (AM) exhibit impaired sensing of bacterial components via TLR2 and TLR4 and determined the effect of smoking on ... More