B-cell functions in antitumor immunity are not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the role of B cells in the development of antitumor immunity using Friend murine leukemia virus gag-expressing mouse EL-4 (EL-4 gag), D5 mouse melanoma, or MCA304 mouse sarcoma cells.

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BACKGROUND: Thrombotic events (TEs) are rare but often serious adverse events that could occur after administration of immune globulin (IG) products. Our study objective was to assess occurrence of recorded TEs after administration of different US‐licensed IG products and investigate potential risk factors using a large administrative database. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a retrospective claims‐based cohort study of individuals exposed to IG products from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2010, using HealthCore's Integrated Research Database, a longitudinal health care database. IG products were identified by recorded Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. TEs were ascertained via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for same‐day TEs by IG product, while controlling for confounders. RESULTS: Of 11,785 individuals exposed to IG products in the study period, 122 (1%) had TE(s) recorded on the same day as IG administration. TE rates per 1000 persons exposed ranged from 6.1 to 20.5 for different IG product groups. Vivaglobin users had an increased same‐day TE risk compared to reference Gammagard Liquid users (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.54‐8.23). An increased TE risk was also found with older age (≥45 years), prior TE(s), and hypercoagulable state(s). CONCLUSION: The study suggests potentially elevated TE rates for different IG products, including subcutaneous. It also identifies important recipient TE risk factors and suggests that risk–benefit profiles should be weighed before IG administration. The observed differences may be due to various factors such as dosage, administration rates, and product manufacturing processes that warrant further evaluation.

We previously reported the identification of highly conserved homologous regions located in the carboxy terminus of the HIV I gp4l-envelope (aa 837-844), and the amino-terminal of the beta chain of all human HLA class II antigens (aa 19-25). Murine monoclonal antibodies, raised against synthetic peptides from these homologous regions, bound not only to the isolated peptides, but also to the native gpl60 and class II molecules. In this study one-third of sera from HIV I-infected individuals, at different disease stages, were found to react with both the gp4l and class II-derived peptides. These sera also reacted with "native" HLA class II molecules. The potential affects of such autoantibodies on normal immune functions were examined. It was found that in the presence of class IIcross-reactive (but not control) sera, the proliferative responses of normal CD4' T cells to tetanus toxoid and allogeneic stimuli were markedly decreased. In addition, these sera could eliminate class II-bearing cells by antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Similar affects were seen with affinitypurified IgG antibodies from patients' sera.