CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1D-restricted natural killer T cells in perinatally HIV-1 infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 43 Italian perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 26 age-matched healthy controls to explore CD1d-restricted NKT subsets. CD4+CD1d-rectricted natural killer (NKT) cell depletion was evidenced in 26 HIV-1 infected children with active viral replication despite HAART. Conversely, no alteration was evidenced in 17 children with undetectable viral load, suggesting full recovery in both CD4+ and CD4− CDld-rectricted NKT cell subsets. The loss of CD4+ NKT cells in unresponsive children may have clinical consequences, including autoimmune disorders or cancer development. Future therapeutic perspectives are suggested

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells are not involved in oral desensitization.

Oral tolerance has been related to generation of T regulatory cells (Treg) or clonal anergy/deletion, respectively by administering low and high doses of fed antigens. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell clones can be induced by the antigen in Peyer's patches of animal models. We selected ten subjects (mean age: 89.4 ± 36.21 months; group A) with severe cow's milk allergy. They underwent oral desensitization (OD) according to the current protocols. In six months they reached a tolerance of 50 ml of cow's milk. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T(reg) blood levels were measured at the beginning of OD (A) and after 6 months (A'), but almost the same values were obtained: A = 0.36 ± 0.11%; A'= 0.59 ± 0.15%. These results were compared with a control group (C) of non-atopic children. Naturally outgrowing cow's milk allergy can be related to high blood levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T(reg), as previously reported in children. On the other hand, a forced oral desensitization through a progressive intake of the antigenic food seems not to be related to an enhancement of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T(reg) levels in peripheral blood, making the role of long-lasting systemic immunologic changes unlikely

A MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR PLACE-BASED EDUCATION THROUGH A CROSS-MEDIA APPROACH AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES. THE T-PLACE PROJECT

In the world, Italy, and Tuscany in particular, is the country with the highest number and concentration of UNESCO Heritage sites. To fully understand, preserve and promote the richness of these areas, different research perspectives must be kept together and a proper educational approach to the places is needed to fully valorise this asset, which also has the highest economic value in the tourism industry. The T-PLACE project, funded by the PNR 2021-2027 and currently running at the University of Florence, aims at creating an inclusive and participatory model of cultural education focused on place and its assets, also exploiting new technologies such as the X-Reality and 3D modelling. T-PLACE is grounded on a strong multidisciplinary approach, ranging from Educational Technology to Historical Geography to Geomatics, that will be implemented with a full-range pilot in the surrounding of Florence, in the area of Sesto Fiorentino, of particular interest for its diffused cultural heritage and social testimonies. T-PLACE will actively involve the citizenship in training, documenting, and exploring activities with the objective of encouraging the digital transition in the interpretation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage and contributing to the formation of resilient, inclusive and cohesive societies