An Early Reduction in Treg Cells Correlates with Enhanced Local Inflammation in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in CCR6-Deficient Mice

Resistance to Leishmania major infection is dependent on the development of a cell-mediated Th1 immune response in resistant C57BL/6 mice whereas Th2-prone BALB/c mice develop non-healing lesions after infection. The chemokine receptor CCR6 is shared by anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells and pro-inflammatory Th17 cells. In a recent study we showed that C57BL/6 mice deficient in CCR6 exhibited enhanced footpad swelling and impaired T helper cell migration indicated by reduced recruitment of total T helper cells into the skin after infection and a reduced delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. Based on these findings we tested whether the lack of CCR6 alters Treg or Th17 cell responses during the course of Leishmania major infection. When we analyzed T cell subsets in the lymph nodes of CCR6-deficient mice, Th17 cell numbers were not different. However, reduced numbers of Treg cells paralleled with a stronger IFNγ response. Furthermore, the early increase in IFNγ-producing cells correlated with increased local tissue inflammation at later time points. Our data indicate an important role of CCR6 for Treg cells and a redundant role for Th17 cells in a Th1 cell-driven anti-parasitic immune response against Leishmania major parasites in resistant C57BL/6 mice

Immune cell populations and cytokine production in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes after laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparotomy in mice

Purpose: There is evidence that open as well as minimally invasive abdominal surgery impair post-operative innate and acquired immune function. To compare the impact of these approaches as well as the one of different peritoneal gas exposures on immune function, we investigated cellular as well as cytokine-based immune parameters in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen postoperatively. Methods: Mice (n=26) were randomly assigned to the 4 study groups: (1) sham controls undergoing anesthesia alone, (2) laparotomy, and (3) air, or (4) carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. Mice were sacrificed 48h after the intervention, and their spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested. Cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ), splenic T cell subpopulations (cytotoxic T cells, T helper cells, and regulatory T cells) were analyzed. Results: TNF-α production of splenocytes 16h after ex vivo lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation was significantly increased in the laparotomy group compared to all other groups. In contrast, TNF-α production of lymph node cells and IL-6 production of splenocytes after ex vivo LPS stimulation did not differ significantly between the groups. The numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the spleen differed between groups. A significant reduction in Treg cell frequency was detected in the CO2 insufflation group compared to the laparotomy and the air insufflation group. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate a distinct difference in immune effector functions and cellular composition of the spleen with regard to splenic TNF-α production and increased numbers of Treg cells in the spleen. These findings are in line with a higher peritoneal inflammatory status consequent to peritoneal air rather than CO2 exposure. Treg turned out to be key modulators of postoperative dysfunction of acquired immunit

Migration, Integration, Asylum: Political Developments in Germany 2018

Der jährlich erscheinende Politikbericht der nationalen Kontaktstelle des Europäischen Migrationsnetzwerks (EMN) beschreibt für knapp ein Dutzend Themenfelder im Bereich der Migrations-, Integrations- und Asylpolitik relevante Entwicklungen im Jahr 2018. Der 15. Politikbericht im Rahmen des Europäischen Migrationsnetzwerks bietet wie gewohnt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten politischen, rechtlichen und institutionellen Entwicklungen des Jahres 2018 in den folgenden Bereichen: Allgemeine politische, rechtliche und institutionelle Struktur, legale Zuwanderung und Mobilität, internationaler Schutz und Asyl, unbegleitete Minderjährige und andere Schutzbedürftige, Integration und Antidiskriminierung, Saatsangehörigkeit und Staatenlosigkeit, irreguläre Migration, Schleusung, Grenzkontrolle und Visapolitik, Rückkehr, Menschenhandel und Migration und Entwicklung. Der EU-weit vergleichende Bericht "Annual Report on Migration and Asylum 2018" fasst wiederum die Ergebnisse von 27 nationalen Politikberichten zusammen und gibt somit einen hilfreichen Überblick zu den EU-weiten Entwicklungen.The annual policy report of the National Contact Point of the European Migration Network (EMN) describes relevant developments in 2018 for almost a dozen topical areas in migration, integration and asylum policy. As usual, the 15th Policy Report of the European Migration Network provides an overview of the most important political, legal and institutional developments in 2018 in the following areas: general political, legal and institutional structure, legal migration and mobility, international protection and asylum, unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups, integration and non-discrimination, citizenship and statelessness, irregular migration, migrant smuggling, border control and visa policy, returns, trafficking in human beings, and migration and development. The EU-wide comparative report entitled "Annual Report on Migration and Asylum 2018" summarises the results of 27 national policy reports, and thus provides a helpful overview of EU-wide developments. The comparative annual report is available in three different formats, each in English: the detailed EMN synthesis report, the compact EMN Inform, and the one-page EMN Flash

Migration, Integration, Asyl: politische Entwicklungen in Deutschland 2018

Der jährlich erscheinende Politikbericht der nationalen Kontaktstelle des Europäischen Migrationsnetzwerks (EMN) beschreibt für knapp ein Dutzend Themenfelder im Bereich der Migrations-, Integrations- und Asylpolitik relevante Entwicklungen im Jahr 2018. Der 15. Politikbericht im Rahmen des Europäischen Migrationsnetzwerks bietet wie gewohnt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten politischen, rechtlichen und institutionellen Entwicklungen des Jahres 2018 in den folgenden Bereichen: Allgemeine politische, rechtliche und institutionelle Struktur, legale Zuwanderung und Mobilität, internationaler Schutz und Asyl, unbegleitete Minderjährige und andere Schutzbedürftige, Integration und Antidiskriminierung, Saatsangehörigkeit und Staatenlosigkeit, irreguläre Migration, Schleusung, Grenzkontrolle und Visapolitik, Rückkehr, Menschenhandel und Migration und Entwicklung. Der EU-weit vergleichende Bericht "Annual Report on Migration and Asylum 2018" fasst wiederum die Ergebnisse von 27 nationalen Politikberichten zusammen und gibt somit einen hilfreichen Überblick zu den EU-weiten Entwicklungen

Immune cell populations and cytokine production in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes after laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparotomy in mice

PURPOSE: There is evidence that open as well as minimally invasive abdominal surgery impair post-operative innate and acquired immune function. To compare the impact of these approaches as well as the one of different peritoneal gas exposures on immune function, we investigated cellular as well as cytokine-based immune parameters in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen postoperatively. METHODS: Mice (n = 26) were randomly assigned to the 4 study groups: (1) sham controls undergoing anesthesia alone, (2) laparotomy, and (3) air, or (4) carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. Mice were sacrificed 48 h after the intervention, and their spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested. Cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ), splenic T cell subpopulations (cytotoxic T cells, T helper cells, and regulatory T cells) were analyzed. RESULTS: TNF-α production of splenocytes 16 h after ex vivo lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation was significantly increased in the laparotomy group compared to all other groups. In contrast, TNF-α production of lymph node cells and IL-6 production of splenocytes after ex vivo LPS stimulation did not differ significantly between the groups. The numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the spleen differed between groups. A significant reduction in Treg cell frequency was detected in the CO(2) insufflation group compared to the laparotomy and the air insufflation group. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate a distinct difference in immune effector functions and cellular composition of the spleen with regard to splenic TNF-α production and increased numbers of Treg cells in the spleen. These findings are in line with a higher peritoneal inflammatory status consequent to peritoneal air rather than CO(2) exposure. Treg turned out to be key modulators of postoperative dysfunction of acquired immunity

Tracing Functional Antigen-Specific CCR6+ Th17 Cells after Vaccination

BACKGROUND: The function of T helper cell subsets in vivo depends on their location, and one hallmark of T cell differentiation is the sequential regulation of migration-inducing chemokine receptor expression. CC-chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) is a trait of tissue-homing effector T cells and has recently been described as a receptor on T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Th17 cells are associated with autoimmunity and the defence against certain infections. Although, the polarization of Th cells into Th17 cells has been studied extensively in vitro, the development of those cells during the physiological immune response is still elusive. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We analysed the development and functionality of Th17 cells in immune-competent mice during an ongoing immune response. In naïve and vaccinated animals CCR6(+) Th cells produce IL-17. The robust homeostatic proliferation and the presence of activation markers on CCR6(+) Th cells indicate their activated status. Vaccination induces antigen-specific CCR6(+) Th17 cells that respond to in vitro re-stimulation with cytokine production and proliferation. Furthermore, depletion of CCR6(+) Th cells from donor leukocytes prevents recipients from severe disease in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis in mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, we defined CCR6 as a specific marker for functional antigen-specific Th17 cells during the immune response. Since IL-17 production reaches the highest levels during the immediate early phase of the immune response and the activation of Th17 cells precedes the Th1 cell differentiation we tent to speculate that this particular Th cell subset may represent a first line effector Th cell subpopulation. Interference with the activation of this Th cell subtype provides an interesting strategy to prevent autoimmunity as well as to establish protective immunity against infections

Are We Speaking the Same Language? Recommendations for a Definition and Categorization Framework for Plastic Debris

Embargo until 04 Jan 2020The accumulation of plastic litter in natural environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health provide strong incentives for improving the sustainable use of plastics. Despite the many voices raised on the issue, we lack a consensus on how to define and categorize plastic debris. This is evident for microplastics, where inconsistent size classes are used and where the materials to be included are under debate. While this is inherent in an emerging research field, an ambiguous terminology results in confusion and miscommunication that may compromise progress in research and mitigation measures. Therefore, we need to be explicit on what exactly we consider plastic debris. Thus, we critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a unified terminology, propose a definition and categorization framework, and highlight areas of uncertainty. Going beyond size classes, our framework includes physicochemical properties (polymer composition, solid state, solubility) as defining criteria and size, shape, color, and origin as classifiers for categorization. Acknowledging the rapid evolution of our knowledge on plastic pollution, our framework will promote consensus building within the scientific and regulatory community based on a solid scientific foundation.acceptedVersio

Storytelling - the telling of stories as an instrument of the marketing communication : Efficiency of a cross media Marketing instrument

Geschichten haben nach wie vor einen hohen Stellenwert in der Gesellschaft. Mit dem Erzählen von Geschichten können Emotionen wie auf keine andere Weise übermittelt werden. Mit Storytelling als Marketinginstrument können Botschaften von Unternehmen verbreitet werden. Das Instrument dient hauptsächlich der Emotionalisierung da-mit die Aufmerksamkeit des Publikums gewonnen werden kann. Die Bachelorarbeit untersucht den Zusammenhang zwischen den neurokognitiven Grundlagen des Geschichtenerzählens und der tatsächlichen Wirkung innerhalb des Marketing. Dieser Zusammenhang wird anhand einer qualitativ empirisch angelegten Forschung untersucht und dargestellt

Induction of Suppressor Cells and Increased Tumor Growth following Chronic Psychosocial Stress in Male Mice.

To study the impact of psychosocial stress on the immune system, male mice were subjected to chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC), a preclinically validated mouse model for chronic psychosocial stress. CSC substantially affected the cell composition of the bone marrow, blood, and spleen by inducing myelopoiesis and enhancing the frequency of regulatory T cells in the CD4 population. Expansion of the myeloid cell compartment was due to cells identified as immature inflammatory myeloid cells having the phenotype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells of either the granulocytic or the monocytic type. Catecholaminergic as well as TNF signaling were implicated in these CSC-induced cellular shifts. Although the frequency of regulatory cells was enhanced following CSC, the high capacity for inflammatory cytokine secretion of total splenocytes indicated an inflammatory immune status in CSC mice. Furthermore, CSC enhanced the suppressive activity of bone marrow-derived myeloid-derived suppressor cells towards proliferating T cells. In line with the occurrence of suppressor cell types such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, transplanted syngeneic fibrosarcoma cells grew better in CSC mice than in controls, a process accompanied by pronounced angiogenesis and clustering of immature myeloid cells in the tumor tissue. In addition, tumor implantation after CSC reinforced the CSC-induced increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cell frequencies while the CSC-induced cellular changes eased off in mice without tumor. Together, our data suggest a role for suppressor cells such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the enhanced tumor growth after chronic psychosocial stress