79 research outputs found
New simplified molecular design for functional T cell receptor
We have produced a chimeric single-chain T cell receptor (TcR) that combines the specific antibody recognition function and TcR/CD3 signaling properties within the same polypeptide chain. This hybrid molecule consisted of a single-chain antibody combining site that was connected over a short spacer to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic region of CD3. When expressed on TcR- or TcR+ T cell hybridomas it could mediate recognition of relevent target cells and subsequent production of lymphokines; i.e. it could functionally replace the TcR/CD3 complex. Therefore, the single-chain TcR model presented here represents an interesting and useful means for the creation of T cells with new specificities
The T cell receptor/CD3 complex is composed of at least two autonomous transduction modules
Recent studies have demonstrated that the CD3-ζ subunit of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) complex is involved in signal transduction. However, the function of the remaining invariant subunits, CD3-γ, -δ, and , is still poorly understood. To examine their role in TCR function, we have constructed TCR/CD3 complexes devoid of functional ζ subunit and showed that they are still able to trigger the production of interleukin-2 in response to antigen or superantigen. These data, together with previous results, indicate that the TCR/CD3 complex is composed of at least two parallel transducing units, made of the γδ and ζ chains, respectively, Furthermore, the analysis of partially truncated ζ chains has led us to individualize a functional domain that may have constituted the building block of most of the transducing subunits associated with antigen receptors and some Fc receptors
The Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF) - Overview, Research Programs and Future Plans
The Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF) is under construction
in the Soreq Nuclear Research Center at Yavne, Israel. When completed at the
beginning of the next decade, SARAF will be a user facility for basic and
applied nuclear physics, based on a 40 MeV, 5 mA CW proton/deuteron
superconducting linear accelerator. Phase I of SARAF (SARAF-I, 4 MeV, 2 mA CW
protons, 5 MeV 1 mA CW deuterons) is already in operation, generating
scientific results in several fields of interest. The main ongoing program at
SARAF-I is the production of 30 keV neutrons and measurement of Maxwellian
Averaged Cross Sections (MACS), important for the astrophysical s-process. The
world leading Maxwellian epithermal neutron yield at SARAF-I (
epithermal neutrons/sec), generated by a novel Liquid-Lithium Target (LiLiT),
enables improved precision of known MACSs, and new measurements of
low-abundance and radioactive isotopes. Research plans for SARAF-II span
several disciplines: Precision studies of beyond-Standard-Model effects by
trapping light exotic radioisotopes, such as He, Li and
Ne, in unprecedented amounts (including meaningful studies already
at SARAF-I); extended nuclear astrophysics research with higher energy
neutrons, including generation and studies of exotic neutron-rich isotopes
relevant to the rapid (r-) process; nuclear structure of exotic isotopes; high
energy neutron cross sections for basic nuclear physics and material science
research, including neutron induced radiation damage; neutron based imaging and
therapy; and novel radiopharmaceuticals development and production. In this
paper we present a technical overview of SARAF-I and II, including a
description of the accelerator and its irradiation targets; a survey of
existing research programs at SARAF-I; and the research potential at the
completed facility (SARAF-II).Comment: 32 pages, 31 figures, 10 tables, submitted as an invited review to
European Physics Journal
Accelerator mass spectrometry measurement of the reaction 35Cl(n,γ)36Cl at keV energies
The nuclide 35Cl can act as a minor “neutron poison” in the stellar slow neutron capture process
Research review: the role of cytokines in depression in adolescents: a systematic review
Background: While cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression in adults, the potential role in younger age groups such as adolescents is less clear. This article therefore reviews the literature (a) to explore the relationship between cytokines and depression in adolescents, and (b) to examine how cytokines may be related to adolescent depression in the context of other neurobiological theories of depression. Method: A systematic review of the scientific literature on the subject was conducted in February 2013, searching the Web of Knowledge, PubMed (Medline), PsycInfo and Cochrane electronic databases. Results: Eighteen studies were identified measuring both depression or depressive symptoms and cytokines or immune markers in adolescents. Adolescents with depression show age-specific characteristics of the immune and inflammatory system, specifically in NK cell activity and in pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha). In addition, the role of cytokines in adolescent depression is influenced by neurodevelopment, hormonal changes, stress and trauma. Conclusions: There may be differences in the neurobiology of adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) compared with adult MDD. Increased understanding of the role of cytokines in adolescent MDD may lead to improved outcomes in the treatment of adolescent depression
The liquid-lithium target at the soreq applied research accelerator facility
Franz Käppeler and collaborators showed in the 1980’s that the Li(p, n)Be reaction can be used to produce a flux of neutrons having a stellar-like energy distribution, closely similar to that contributing to the slow (s) neutron capture process in massive stars. The Liquid-Lithium Target (LiLiT) at Phase I of the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF) was designed following the same physical principle. Owing to the high proton beam intensity of SARAF and the power dissipation of LiLiT, the facility provided a neutron intensity more than one order of magnitude higher than available with conventional solid Li targets. We review here our first collaboration with Franz Käppeler and his group, the LiLiT design and nuclear astrophysics research accomplished in recent years at the SARAF-LiLiT facility. An outlook to the research program with SARAF Phase II, currently in construction, is presented
- …