Project description:We report the gene expression (obtained by next generation RNAseq) of inducible CD103+ dendritic cells, iCD103 cells, stimulated with both murine herpesvirus-68 and the immunomodulatory tryptophan derivative kynurenine (kyn). This study provides data on how tryptophan derivatives can modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in virus treated dendritic cells.
Project description:Kynurenine is generated from tryptophan by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We found that kynurenine generated by human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) stimulated the AhR to bind selectively to the promoters and enhancers of self-renewal genes, thus enhancing their transcription. The kynurenine-AhR complex also directly stimulated the expression of IDO1 and AHR, activating a positive feedback loop. Substantial amounts of kynurenine that were not complexed with AhR were present in the culture medium, providing a paracrine signal for maintenance of the undifferentiated state. Kynurenine was not present in the medium of differentiated ESCs and iPSCs. When cells were induced to undergo ectodermal differentiation, the abundance of kynurenine in the medium was reduced through activation of the main kynurenine catabolic pathway mediated by aminotransferase 2 (KAT2), resulting in the secretion of 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA) into the culture medium. Thus, kynurenine in the culture medium is a biomarker for the undifferentiated state, and 2-AAA in the culture medium is a biomarker for ESCs and iPSCs that have committed to differentiate along the ectoderm lineage.
Project description:We cultured bone marrow derived dendritic cells from WT and CD11c KO mice. Then, a group of bone marrow dendritic cells were stimulated with LPS overnight. We obtained bone marrow derived dendritic cells with or without LPS stimulation and analyzed proteomics profiles.
Project description:MIcroRNA expression profiling of primary murine splenic dendritic cells (Flt3L expanded) comparing untreated cells to cells infected with Influenza A or stimulated with polyI:C in vitro.
Project description:The phase II trial tests whether pembrolizumab and dendritic cell-based treatment works to shrink tumors in patients with colorectal cancer that does not respond to treatment (refractory). Pembrolizumab, also referred to as an immune checkpoint inhibitor drug, works by targeting molecules that act as a check and balance system for immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs are designed to either "unleash" or "enhance" the cancer immune responses that already exist by either (1) blocking inhibitory molecules or by (2) activating stimulatory molecules. Dendritic cell-based treatment works by boosting the immune system (a system in our bodies that protects us against infection) to recognize and destroy the cancer cells. This investigational treatment targets cancer cells and is made from the patient’s own blood cells. Giving pembrolizumab and dendritic cell-based treatment may help shrink tumors in patients with colorectal cancer.
Project description:This study is being conducted to determine the efficacy, side effects, and toxicity of an investigational vaccine that consists of tumor-pulsed dendritic cells administered with an immune stimulating drug called interleukin-2 (IL-2). Dendritic cells are immune cells that are obtained from a subject’s blood and are important in the body’s immune response to foreign substances. This study will examine the response of a subject’s immune system after receiving several vaccinations containing their own dendritic cells which have been exposed to dead fragments of their cancer cells in the laboratory. This may result in sensitizing a subject’s dendritic cells to their cancer cells so that their dendritic cells will react with other cells of the immune system and attack the cancer. It has been shown in the laboratory that dendritic cells exposed to cancer cell fragments can provide lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) with signals they require in order to become fully activated and acquire the ability to kill cancer cells.
Project description:Comparison of gene expression in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) unstimulated or stimulated with Bifidobacterium in vitro.