All cells showed very strong STAT1 activation upon stimulation with porcine interferon-gamma. Porcine ocular cells also respond to human cytokines; IFN-alpha induced strong activation of STAT1 in EMSA, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence experiments whereas activation of STAT3 was less strong in EMSA, but strong in flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Human recombinant IL-6 activated STAT3 and human IL-4 activated STAT6. With the help of immunofluorescence

assay and flow cytometry we observed nuclear localization of STAT proteins after activation of porcine ocular cells with cytokines and interferons. Human IFN- had an inhibitory effect on porcine ocular cells in proliferation assays.\n\nConclusionOur study demonstrated that some types of human cytokines and interferon activate intracellular selleck compound JAK-STAT signaling pathways in porcine AZD1152 molecular weight ocular cells. We hypothesize

that direct stimulation of the JAK-STAT pathway in porcine cells in response to human cytokines will lead to complications or failure, if pig-to-human ocular tissue xenotransplantation were to be carried out. For successful xenotransplantation among other obstacles there must be new approaches developed to regulate signaling pathways.”
“Background. Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) is only recommended during some periods after renal transplantation. Recent advances in immunosuppressive therapy have considerably reduced acute rejection. However, the reported PCP outbreaks are increasing in renal transplant recipients.\n\nMethods. Only three sporadic

PCP cases had occurred since DZNeP datasheet 1976 in our Renal Transplant Unit until the index case in July 2004. A PCP outbreak of 27 cases occurred mainly in the outpatient clinic within I year, followed by six additional cases during the next 3 years. Molecular analysis of P. jiroveci and surveys of reservoir were performed.\n\nResults. Molecular analysis documented that all cases were caused by the same strain. Among 27 cases of the outbreak, human-to-human transmissions were traceable in 22 cases based on dates of outpatient clinic visits and in four cases during hospitalization. Based on the confirmed cases, airborne transmission was suspected with an estimated median PCP incubation period of 53 days (range 7-188 days). Surveys for reservoir of P. jiroveci identified asymptomatic carriers and environmental contamination. Some sporadic cases might be caused by reservoirs. Among the 33 cases, none had received PCP prophylaxis, 22 cases had PCP over 12 months, and six cases over 10 years after renal transplantation.\n\nConclusion. On documentation of a PCP case, we recommend PCP prophylaxis for a maximum period of 6 months (upper limit of incubation period) in all renal transplant recipients including those on regular maintenance immunosuppressive therapy.