Characterization of Conserved and Promiscuous Human Rhinovirus CD4 T Cell Epitopes

This research was supported by UCM research special funds to P.A.R. and by the CAM research agency through grant IND2020/BMD-17364 to P.A.R.Human rhinovirus (RV) is the most common cause of upper respiratory infections and exacerbations of asthma. In this work, we selected 14 peptides (6 from RV A and 8 from RV C) encompassing potential CD4 T cell epitopes. Peptides were selected for being highly conserved in RV A and C serotypes and predicted to bind to multiple human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA II) molecules. We found positive T cell recall responses by interferon gamma (IFNγ)-ELISPOT assays to eight peptides, validating seven of them (three from RV A and four from RV C) as CD4 T cell epitopes through intracellular cytokine staining assays. Additionally, we verified their promiscuous binding to multiple HLA II molecules by quantitative binding assays. According to their experimental HLA II binding profile, the combination of all these seven epitopes could be recognized by >95% of the world population. We actually determined IFNγ responses to a pool encompassing these CD4 T cell epitopes by intracellular cytokine staining, finding positive responses in 29 out of 30 donors. The CD4 T cell epitopes identified in this study could be key to monitor RV infections and to develop peptide-based vaccines against most RV A and C serotypes.Depto. de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORLFac. de MedicinaTRUEComunidad de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madridpu

Enhancing Regulatory T Cells to Treat Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses and are essential to maintain immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. Hence, it is no coincidence that autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders are associated with defects in Tregs. These diseases have currently no cure and are treated with palliative drugs such as immunosuppressant and immunomodulatory agents. Thereby, there is a great interest in developing medical interventions against these diseases based on enhancing Treg cell function and numbers. Here, we give an overview of Treg cell ontogeny and function, paying particular attention to mucosal Tregs. We review some notable approaches to enhance immunomodulation by Tregs with therapeutic purposes including adoptive Treg cell transfer therapy and discuss relevant clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease. We next introduce ways to expand mucosal Tregs in vivo using microbiota and dietary products that have been the focus of clinical trials in various autoimmune and chronic-inflammatory diseases

Enhancing Regulatory T Cells to Treat Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses and are essential to maintain immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. Hence, it is no coincidence that autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders are associated with defects in Tregs. These diseases have currently no cure and are treated with palliative drugs such as immunosuppressant and immunomodulatory agents. Thereby, there is a great interest in developing medical interventions against these diseases based on enhancing Treg cell function and numbers. Here, we give an overview of Treg cell ontogeny and function, paying particular attention to mucosal Tregs. We review some notable approaches to enhance immunomodulation by Tregs with therapeutic purposes including adoptive Treg cell transfer therapy and discuss relevant clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease. We next introduce ways to expand mucosal Tregs in vivo using microbiota and dietary products that have been the focus of clinical trials in various autoimmune and chronic-inflammatory diseases.Comunidad Autonoma de MadridDepto. de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORLFac. de MedicinaTRUEpu

eFACS: una plataforma para la realización de practicas de laboratorio virtuales de citometría de flujo

En este proyecto hemos implementado un recurso online que permite simular el uso de un citómetro de Flujo de tres colores similar al FACScalibur. El citómetro de flujo es un instrumento esencial para la investigación básica y aplicada en biomedicina. Sin embargo, su uso requiere cierto entrenamiento y él análisis de muestras resulta costoso. Además, en universidades y hospitales no todos los departamentos disponen de un citómetro de flujo, usándose generalmente los disponibles en los centros de asistencia a la investigación. Como resultado los alumnos no tienen acceso a estos instrumentos y no tienen posibilidad de familiarizarse con las técnicas de citometría de flujo, recibiendo tan solo una información teórica sin llegar a saber hacer. En este contexto, la herramienta eFACS : • Soluciona la falta de accesibilidad y disponibilidad de citómetro de flujo para uso del estudiante • Posibilita la generación de material didáctico que permita al alumno planear y ejecutar un experimento de citometría de flujo y que aprendan haciendo. • Posibilita el entrenamiento de los usuarios en un simulador antes de enfrentarse a un citómetro de flujo real. El recurso eFACS es en conclusión un gran apoyo tanto para la docencia como para la investigación