Perineurial Barrier Glia Physically Respond to Alcohol in an Akap200-Dependent Manner to Promote Tolerance.

Ethanol is the most common drug of abuse. It exerts its behavioral effects by acting on widespread neural circuits; however, its impact on glial cells is less understood. We show that Drosophila perineurial glia are critical for ethanol tolerance, a simple form of behavioral plasticity. The perineurial glia form the continuous outer cellular layer of the blood-brain barrier and are the interface between the brain and the circulation. Ethanol tolerance development requires the A kinase anchoring protein Akap200 specifically in perineurial glia. Akap200 tightly coordinates protein kinase A, actin, and calcium signaling at the membrane to control tolerance. Furthermore, ethanol causes a structural remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and perineurial membrane topology in an Akap200-dependent manner, without disrupting classical barrier functions. Our findings reveal an active molecular signaling process in the cells at the blood-brain interface that permits a form of behavioral plasticity induced by ethanol

Challenges in teaching radiologic technology laboratory courses using home-based alternative learning modalities: The faculty members\u27 experience

This study looked into the challenges experienced by ten (10) faculty members of the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute teaching laboratory courses in the College of Medical Imaging and Therapy during implementation of Home Based Alternative Learning Modalities (HBALMs). The study made use of a qualitative method as the research design. Data were gathered from participants selected using a purposive sampling method through interviews conducted via an online collaboration platform (MS Teams). Findings of the study revealed that participants experienced various challenges which include having unstable internet connection, difficulty familiarizing selves with the use of online platforms, limitations in resources, lack of student engagement at times, environmental distractions as well as exerting greater effort in preparation and modification of learning materials to be used for teaching. However, regardless of all these, the participants managed to cope and adapt well with the hurdles. They became much more aware of these and as a result, the participants became more determined to overcome them. Means of adapting to the challenges include upgrading internet plans, patiently learning the system of online learning, being creative in thinking of ways of preparing/modifying learning materials as well as attending workshops, seminars/webinars that would help them in the process. In light of this, the study highly recommends continuous provision of all support possible for the faculty members who teach laboratory courses in the institution and more specifically in the college

CD8 Follicular T Cells Promote B Cell Antibody Class Switch in Autoimmune Disease

CD8 T cells can play both a protective and pathogenic role in inflammation and autoimmune development. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of CD8 T cells to function as T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in the germinal center in the context of infection. However, whether this phenomenon occurs in autoimmunity and contributes to autoimmune pathogenesis is largely unexplored. In this study, we show that CD8 T cells acquire a CD4 Tfh profile in the absence of functional regulatory T cells in both the IL-2-deficient and scurfy mouse models. Depletion of CD8 T cells mitigates autoimmune pathogenesis in IL-2-deficient mice. CD8 T cells express the B cell follicle-localizing chemokine receptor CXCR5, a principal Tfh transcription factor Bcl6, and the Tfh effector cytokine IL-21. CD8 T cells localize to the B cell follicle, express B cell costimulatory proteins, and promote B cell differentiation and Ab isotype class switching. These data reveal a novel contribution of autoreactive CD8 T cells to autoimmune disease, in part, through CD4 follicular-like differentiation and functionality

CD8 Follicular T Cells Promote B Cell Antibody Class Switch in Autoimmune Disease

CD8 T cells can play both a protective and pathogenic role in inflammation and autoimmune development. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of CD8 T cells to function as T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in the germinal center in the context of infection. However, whether this phenomenon occurs in autoimmunity and contributes to autoimmune pathogenesis is largely unexplored. In this study, we show that CD8 T cells acquire a CD4 Tfh profile in the absence of functional regulatory T cells in both the IL-2-deficient and scurfy mouse models. Depletion of CD8 T cells mitigates autoimmune pathogenesis in IL-2-deficient mice. CD8 T cells express the B cell follicle-localizing chemokine receptor CXCR5, a principal Tfh transcription factor Bcl6, and the Tfh effector cytokine IL-21. CD8 T cells localize to the B cell follicle, express B cell costimulatory proteins, and promote B cell differentiation and Ab isotype class switching. These data reveal a novel contribution of autoreactive CD8 T cells to autoimmune disease, in part, through CD4 follicular-like differentiation and functionality