National Jewish Health

About: National Jewish Health is a healthcare organization based out in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: T cell & Asthma. The organization has 883 authors who have published 833 publications receiving 79201 citations. The organization is also known as: National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

Peptide antigens for gamma/delta T cells

Abstract: γδ T cells express adaptive antigen receptors encoded by rearranging genes. Their diversity is highest in the small region of TCR V–J junctions, especially in the δ chain, which should enable the γδ TCRs to distinguish differences in small epitopes. Indeed, recognition of small molecules, and of an epitope on a larger protein has been reported. Responses to small non-peptides known as phospho-antigens are multi-clonal yet limited to a single γδ T cell subset in humans and non-human primates. Responses to small peptides are multi-clonal or oligo-clonal, include more than one subset of γδ T cells, and occur in rodents and primates. However, less effort has been devoted to investigate the peptide responses. To settle the questions of whether peptides can be ligands for the γδ TCRs, and whether responses to small peptides might occur normally, peptide binding will have to be demonstrated, and natural peptide ligands identified.

Division of labor during primary humoral immunity

Abstract: B lymphocytes are often considered a homogenous population. However, B cells in both mouse and humans are comprised of distinct subpopulations that differ in development, phenotype, function, and microenvironmental niches. Much of our understanding about how these different B-cells populations mount antibody responses has been derived from experimental findings in mouse models and based on the use of model antigens. These reductionist studies performed over decades have been invaluable in defining the parameters of the B-cell antibody response to different types of antigens. However, these antigens also are now known to differ in a significant manner from bona fide physiological pathogens, and precisely how these different B-cell subsets divide labor in the primary humoral immune defense of pathogens is less well understood. While there are no absolutes in this area, there are recurring themes that divide the roles of B-cell subsets to different arms of the antibody response. This review provides an overview of rules that govern the B-cell labor roles, exceptions that break these rules, and models that have been used to define them.

Methods for generation of antibodies

Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods for the production of antibody producing cells and antibodies in protooncogene expressing animals. The invention also relates to methods for the efficient production of antibodies specific for antigens that are normally subject to immunological constraints such as self tolerance. The invention further relates to the production of antibody producing cells and antibodies without the need for the conventional fusing of antibody producing B cells with a myeloma fusion partner.

Use of T4 RNA ligase to construct model substrates for a ribosomal RNA maturation endonuclease

Abstract: RNase M5 of Bacillus subtilis specifically cleaves a 179-nucleotide precursor 5S rRNA to yield mature 5S rRNA (116 nucleotides) and two fragments derived from the termini. Possible recognition elements for RNase M5 within the precursor structure include nucleotide sequences arranged with 2-fold rotational and translational symmetry about the substrate bonds. We have used bacteriophage T4 RNA ligase to construct, from synthetic oligonucleotides and mature or precursor 5S rRNA fragments, test substrates lacking these symmetry elements. The susceptibilities of the artificial substrates to RNase M5 demonstrate that the symmetrically arranged sequences are not used in the RNase M5 interaction with the precursor. Additionally, the synthetic protocols permitted the invention of an acid-soluble assay for RNase M5 and, potentially, other specific endoribonucleases.

Regional White Matter Signal Abnormalities and Cognitive Correlates Among Geriatric Patients with Treated Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between regional white matter signal abnormalities (WMSA) and cognitive functioning among individuals being treated for cardiovascular risk factors and/or clinical events. Forty-one participants with cardiovascular disease underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and MRI. Total WMSAs were quantified using a semi-automated thresholding technique. Unique to this study, total WMSA volume was divided into three separate anatomically related regions: WMSA in the periventricular (PERIWMSA) region, WMSA adjacent to subcortical nuclei (SUBWMSA), and WMSA in the deep white matter (DEEPWMSA). A ratio of these measures to total cerebral brain volume was compared to cognitive measures assessing attention, executive functioning, psychomotor speed, immediate and delayed memory, language, and visuospatial functioning. PERIWMSA, SUBWMSA, and total WMSA were significantly associated with performance on measures of attention/processing speed. No other significant relationships between WMSA and cognition were noted. Secondary analyses suggested that PERIWMSA volume was increased in individuals with clinical evidence of atherosclerosis. These results emphasize the utility of studying the associations between regional WMSA and cognitive/functional performance in patients undergoing cardiovascular treatment.