NY-ESO-1 tumour associated antigen is a cytoplasmic protein detectable by specific monoclonal antibodies in cell lines and clinical specimens

NY-ESO-1 gene encodes a novel member of the cancer/testis (CT) family of human tumour-associated antigens (TAA). Specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have identified the corresponding gene product in lysates of tumour cell lines as a 22 kDa protein but no data are available concerning its intracellular location or distribution within neoplastic tissues. We have generated NY-ESO-1 specific mAbs recognizing the target molecule in cytospin preparations and in sections from clinical tumour specimens. These reagents identify NY-ESO-1 TAA in melanoma cell lines expressing the specific gene as a cytoplasmic protein, sharing the intracellular location of most MAGE TAA. In a series of 12 melanoma specimens, specific staining, limited to neoplastic cells, was detectable in the five cases where NY-ESO-1 gene expression was observed. In two of them over 90% of tumour cells showed evidence of positive staining. Lower percentages of positive neoplastic cells ranging between single cells and 50% were observed in the remaining tumours. These data suggest that active specific immunotherapies targeting NY-ESO-1, alone or in combination with other TAA could be of high clinical relevance in sizeable subgroups of melanoma patients. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaig

Is monitoring of FOXP3 Treg cells in renal transplants during acute cellular rejection episodes useful?

The FOXP3 (forkhead Box p3) transcription factor is a marker for T regulatory cells (Treg). During cellular immune responses, Treg are expected to increase in number to ultimately control and limit this response. In renal transplants massive infiltration by T cells is often seen during rejection crises. This prompted us to examine changes in the numbers of FOXP3 positive T cells accompanying acute cellular rejection events

Geostrategies of interlingualism: language policy and practice in the international maritime organisation, London, UK

McEntee-Atalianis L.J. (2006) ‘Geostrategies of Interlingualism’: Language Policy and Practice in the International Maritime Organisation, London. UK. Current Issues in Language Planning. 7 (2&3):341-358. Fettes (2004) asserts that ‘politico-strategies’ of languages are no longer viable frameworks for ‘national and community policy’. Rather, he proposes the development of ‘geostrategies of interlingualism’, i.e. linguistic strategies which promote international communication equitably and efficiently, whilst respecting and ensuring language maintenance and pluralism. He asserts that the future development of interlingual communication will depend upon chosen communicative device(s). To date research has focused on ‘the advocates, developers and practitioners of each approach’ (p. 38) independently rather than on the influence of these instruments in combination on communities of speakers at micro and meso-levels. Supranational organisations serve as important sites of investigation for language planners interested in studying multi-functional/lingual communication. One such organisation is the ‘International Maritime Organisation’, established in 1958 to facilitate cooperation among governments in matters of international shipping. Currently 165 countries (and three associates) constitute its membership. There are six official and three working languages. This paper discusses the nature of interlingualism at IMO, investigating whether the instruments in place ensure equitable and efficient communication. Multilingual practices are guaranteed at the highest levels of political representation but at lower levels English functions as the main tool of communication. Comparisons are made with other supranational organisations