Evaluating the effects of immunosuppressants on human immunity using cytokine profiles of whole blood

Indeterminate results of a tuberculosis-specific interferon- release assay in immunocompromised patients

“…The growing list of data existing on reliability of TIGRAs in immunocompromised patients show that the prevalence of indeterminate results may vary depending on the degree of immunosuppression and the TIGRA test used [3]. In addition, PHA and recall antigens use different IFN-c secretion pathways [4], which may be differentially affected by immunosuppressive conditions. Thus, an in-depth analysis of factors influencing PHA-associated IFN-c secretion is important for the assessment of TIGRAs in immunocompromised patients.…”

Association of C‐reactive protein with high disease activity in systemic sclerosis: Results from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group

“…One study showed a strong relationship of IL-6 with disease activity, but this was poorly correlated with an acute-phase response (46). Systemic glucocorticoids do decrease CRP concentration and IL-6, but it may be confounding by indication where only the few patients with high inflammatory features are prescribed steroids (51).…”

Targeting Tim-1 to overcome resistance to transplantation tolerance mediated by CD8 T17 cells

“…Co-stimulation blockade of either CD28-CD80/86 or CD154-CD40 pathways in transplantation is associated with dampened Th1 and intact/enhanced Th2 immunity (29,30). Interestingly, current immunosuppressive medications including glucocorticoids, CsA, and SRL inhibit both IFN␥ and IL-17 (31,32). However, the extent of inhibition of IL-17 needed to eliminate T17 responses is unknown, and there are conflicting data regarding IL-17 inhibition with tacrolimus (31,33), and both CsA and SRL had little impact on allograft survival in Tbet KO recipients.…”

“…Interestingly, current immunosuppressive medications including glucocorticoids, CsA, and SRL inhibit both IFN␥ and IL-17 (31,32). However, the extent of inhibition of IL-17 needed to eliminate T17 responses is unknown, and there are conflicting data regarding IL-17 inhibition with tacrolimus (31,33), and both CsA and SRL had little impact on allograft survival in Tbet KO recipients. Taken together with our observations of combined co-stimulation blockade-resistant rejection in Tbet KO recipients mediated by T17 immunity, these data indicate that in clinical transplantation where Th1 immunity is effectively suppressed, T17 immune responses may emerge and contribute to resistance to transplantation tolerance induction with current treatment protocols.…”