Microvesicles
Tumor derived Microvesicles enhance cross-processing ability of clinical grade Dendritic Cells
Tumor cells release extracellular microvesicles (MVs) in the microenvironment to deliver biological signals to neighbouring cells as well as to cells in distant tissues.
Tumor-derived MVs appear to play contradictory role promoting both immunosuppression and tumor growth and both evoking tumor specific immune response. Recent evidences indicate that tumor-derived MVs can positively impact Dendritic Cells (DCs) immunogenicity by reprogramming DC antigen processing machinery and intracellular signaling pathways, thus promoting anti-tumor response.
Tumor-derived microvesicles modulate antigen cross-processing via reactive oxygen species-mediated alkalinization of phagosomal compartment in dendritic cells
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the only antigen-presenting cells able to prime naïve T cells and
cross-prime antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Their functionality is a requirement for the
induction and maintenance of long-lasting cancer immunity. Albeit intensively investigated,
the in vivo mechanisms underlying efficient antigen cross-processing and presentation
are not fully understood. Several pieces of evidence indicate that antigen transfer to DCs
mediated by microvesicles (MVs) enhances antigen immunogenicity. This mechanism
Mechanisms of endothelial cell dysfunction in cystic fibrosis
Although cystic fibrosis (CF) patients exhibit signs of endothelial perturbation, the functions of the cystic fibrosis
conductance regulator (CFTR) in vascular endothelial cells (EC) are poorly defined. We sought to uncover
biological activities of endothelial CFTR, relevant for vascular homeostasis and inflammation. We examined cells
from human umbilical cords (HUVEC) and pulmonary artery isolated from non-cystic fibrosis (PAEC) and CF
human lungs (CF-PAEC), under static conditions or physiological shear. CFTR activity, clearly detected in