Purpose: The frequently expressed differentiation antigen tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) has repeatedly been described as a target of spontaneous cytotoxic T-cell responses in melanoma patients, suggesting that it might be an ideal candidate antigen for T cell^based immunotherapy. As a prerequisite for immunization, T-cell epitopes have to be identified.Whereas a number of HLA class I^presented TRP-2^derived epitopes are known, information about HLA class IIp resented antigenic ligands recognized by CD4 + T helper (Th) cells is limited. Experimental Design: The search forTRP-2^derived Th epitopes was carried out by competitive in vitro peptide binding studies with predicted HLA-DRB1*0301ligands in combination with peptide and protein immunizations of HLA-DRB1*0301 transgenic mice. In vivo selected candidate epitopes were subsequently verified for their immunogenicity in humanT-cell cultures.Results: This strategy led to the characterization of TRP-2 60-74 as an HLA-DRB1*0301^restricted Th epitope. Importantly, TRP-2 60-74^r eactive human CD4 + Th cell lines, specifically recognizing target cells loaded with recombinant TRP-2 protein, could be established by repeated peptide stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from several HLA-DRB1*03 + melanoma patients. Even short-term peptide stimulation of patients' peripheral blood lymphocytes showed the presence of TRP-2 60-74^r eactive T cells, suggesting that these T cells were already activated in vivo. Conclusion: Peptide TRP-2 60-74 might be a useful tool for the improvement of immunotherapy and immune monitoring of melanoma patients.
ResumoO conhecimento ornitológico em Santa Catarina aumentou consideravelmente nas últimas duas décadas, e com freqüência são realizadas adições à avifauna catarinense ou redescobertas de espécies com registros históricos. Desta forma, apresentamos os primeiros registros e localidades de ocorrência de Phimosus infuscatus, Accipiter poliogaster, Porzana fl aviventer, Picumnus cirratus e Polioptila lactea em Santa Catarina. Unitermos: Phimosus infuscatus, Accipiter poliogaster, Porzana fl aviventer, Picumnus cirratus, Polioptila lactea, Santa Catarina AbstractBirds new to Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. Ornithological knowledge in Santa Catarina has improved considerably in recent decades, and new records and rediscoveries of bird species known only by historical data have been made. As a result of fi eld research, we present herein the fi rst records and locations of the Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus, Gray-bellied Hawk Accipiter poliogaster, Yellow-breasted Crake Porzana fl aviventer, Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher Polioptila lactea and White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus in Santa Catarina State.
Occurence of owls (Birds: Strigiformes) in the RPPN Bugerkopf reserve in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. The order Strigiformes is a poorly known group in Brazil, especially in Santa Catarina, and basic surveys of owls in the Atlantic Forests are scarce. The aim of this study was to inventory the owls of RPPN Bugerkopf, a private reserve in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. The study was conducted between February 2005 and May 2006. Fieldwork was carried out during monthly visits, for two to three nights when there was a crescent or full moon, between the hours of 18:00 and 23:00. In a total of 69 study hours, the following species were observed: Tyto alba, Megascops choliba, Megascops sanctaecatarinae, Glaucidium minutissimum, Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana and Asio stygius. The species most frequently detected was G. minutissimum, while M. choliba and P. koeniswaldiana were recorded the least.
Wild birds are important for public health because of their potential to transmit pathogenic microorganisms to humans. The waterbird scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) forages and breeds near urban areas and if they settle near polluted waters, the viability of adults and their young can be negatively affected. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cloacal aerobic bacteria profile of nestling scarlet ibis in a mixed colony in Jarivatuba Island, in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Cloacal swab samples were collected from clinically normal scarlet ibis nestlings during the breeding season of 2015/2016 (n=16) and 2016/2017 (n=34), and plated onto blood, MacConkey, and Salmonella-Shigella agar plates. Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus spp., Klebsiella sp., Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated and may be representative of the normal microbiota of E. ruber, although the normal profile is unknown for the species. However, the location of this colony in an area without adequate sewage treatment, which receives domestic effluents, may indicate a modified bacterial profile. Further studies are needed, to better understand the host's natural microbiome, as well as on the bacterial isolates, in order to characterize any association with the contaminated water. These results lay the foundation for successful species conservation projects in the area by providing insights that will help improve the viability of nestlings in each reproductive season.
A baía Babitonga vem sofrendo forte especulação imobiliária, incluindo a construção de grandes empreendimentos, o que vem reduzindo significativamente os ambientes naturais na região. Esta ocupação necessita de esforços que busquem a gestão integrada destes impactos. O presente artigo foi elaborado seguindo um roteiro proposto pelo Grupo de Pesquisa Babitonga. Desta forma, foram abordados os assuntos: 1) principais iniciativas e projetos de pesquisa e ação em andamento ou realizados; 2) diversidade de espécies nativas, exóticas/invasoras; 3) diversidade e heterogeneidade de ecossistemas e habitats importantes para o componente na área de estudo; 4) as pressões sobre estas espécies e habitats e; 5) a relevância das populações de espécies-chave em nível regional e/ou nacional. Foram identificados 50 estudos já realizados, que tratam principalmente do levantamento de espécies (53,1%), da reprodução (28,6%), do comportamento (8,16%), da ocorrência de patógenos (6,1%), da dieta e de aspectos relacionados à história natural (2,04%). A riqueza estimada para este para a região da Babitonga foi de 474 espécies, o que representa 70% da avifauna de Santa Catarina. Devido à complexidade de ambientes o a região abriga pelo menos 40 espécies ameaçadas de extinção, assim como espécies migrantes de origem neártica e do extremo sul do Hemisfério Sul. Devido a esta grande riqueza da região, é importante a continuidade dos estudos, principalmente em municípios onde a avifauna é pouco conhecida. Vários aspectos biológicos ainda carecem de informações mais precisas para grande parte destas espécies. Ações que visem garantir a manutenção destas populações, incluindo estudos que possam ampliar o conhecimento sobre avifauna local e acompanhar as alterações a longo prazo são de grande importância. Alguns aspectos são apresentados e precisam ser considerados diante de novas intervenções na região.
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