Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1; AOC3) is the best characterized Y-27632 in vitro ectooxidase in terms of leukocyte traffic 3, 4. It belongs to the primary amine oxidases (also known as semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases). VAP-1 is expressed in vascular endothelial, smooth muscle and fat cells, and it catalyzes oxidative deamination of primary amines. Regarding endothelial cells, VAP-1 is expressed in most vessels intracellularly but, apparently, under normal (non-inflammatory) conditions it can be expressed on the luminal surface of only certain types of vessels such as high endothelial venules. In most other vessels such as flat-walled venules, VAP-1 is translocated

from cytoplasmic vesicles to the luminal surface only upon induction of inflammation. During

oxidative deamination of primary amines, the substrate (the primary amine) is converted into an aldehyde, and ammonium and hydrogen peroxide are released (Fig. 2). The aldehyde products are involved in non-enzymatic formation of advanced glycation end-products, which are aberrantly glycosylated proteins capable of triggering inflammation and vascular malfunction. The hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a powerful redox-signaling molecule at low concentrations. In particular, it can alter cellular responsiveness by inactivating phosphatases Crizotinib within the cells. The role of VAP-1 in leukocyte trafficking has been demonstrated by the use of function-blocking antibodies (which block the binding between leukocytes and endothelium but do not interfere with VAP-1′s enzymatic activity), small molecule enzyme inhibitors and gene-deficient mice 3, 4. Lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte binding to vessels in various lymphatic and non-lymphatic tissues has been shown to be inhibited by anti-VAP-1 antibodies in in vitro frozen section assays. In vitro flow chamber assays have revealed that blocking of VAP-1 by Amino acid mAbs or enzyme inhibitors reduces leukocyte rolling and adhesion on and, in particular, transmigration through the treated endothelial monolayer

4, 5. The contribution of VAP-1 in leukocyte extravasation under physiological shear has been confirmed in multiple in vivo assays. In intravital videomicroscopy, inhibition of VAP-1 by mAbs or enzyme inhibitors, results in increased rolling velocity, reduced adhesion and reduced transmigration 4, 6. The same alterations are also seen in VAP-1-deficient mice 7 (Table 1). Finally, inflammatory reactions can be alleviated in multiple in vivo models, such as those for peritonitis, arthritis, hepatitis, autoimmune diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, ischemia-reperfusion injury, transplant rejection and colitis, by anti-VAP-1 mAbs or enzyme inhibitors 3, 4, 6, 8–12. In malignancies, VAP-1 inhibition results in a decreased influx of immune-suppressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells into the tumors 13.

4B). Moreover, we did not detect a significant change in the frequency, absolute

number or phenotype of B cells during colitis development (Supporting Information Fig. 1). While these observations do not exclude a possible role for B cells in this process, Selleck RG7422 they also do not exclude a potential contribution for resident γδ T cells during T-cell-induced immune pathology in the gut. Flow cytometric analysis of draining mesLN of colitic mice showed a two-fold increase in accumulation of donor CD4+ TEFF cells in TCR-β−/− compared with RAG2−/− recipient mice; however, CD4+ TEFF cells accumulated at a similar rate in the LP of either recipients (Fig. 4C). Interestingly, when we examined frequencies of IFN-γ- and IL-17-secreting donor CD4+ T cells, we observed that RAG2−/− recipient mice harbored significantly fewer IL-17+ TEFF cells compared with TCR-β−/− mice, despite a slightly more elevated frequency in IFN-γ-secreting

TEFF cells. Over 50% of donor CD4+ T cells isolated from mesLN and LP of RAG2−/− recipients secreted IFN-γ, and only 10% were positive for IL-17, which is three times less compared with TCR-β−/− recipient Small molecule library mice (Fig. 4D and E). Thus, γδ T cells resident in mesenteric sites of TCR-β−/− mice fuel Th17 responses and actively participate in intestinal inflammation. Our results show that TREG cells potently inhibit the expansion and accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine secreting donor CD4+ TEFF and host γδ T cells in T-cell-induced intestinal inflammation in TCR-β−/− mice. Interestingly, by 21 days post CD4+ TEFF cell transfer, co-transfer of TREG cells resulted in a two-fold reduction in the proportion of γδ T cells in mesLN compared with colitic mice receiving only TEFF cells (Fig. 5A and B). Furthermore, this decrease was more profound in the LP and reached an eight-fold reduction in the proportion of γδ T cells (Fig. 5B), suggesting that TREG cells impair the

accumulation of γδ T cells in the inflamed gut. To examine the proliferation of donor and host T cells in the presence and absence of TREG cells, the proportion of cycling Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase cells was determined by intracellular Ki-67 expression. Co-transfer of TREG cells significantly decreased the frequency and absolute numbers of cycling donor CD4+ TEFF and resident γδ T-cell populations in lymphoid organs as well as in the LP in recipient TCR-β−/− mice (Fig. 5C and D). Thus, TREG-cell transfer suppresses the expansion and accumulation of resident γδ T cells in the inflamed colon during development of T-cell-induced colitis. In order to show a direct inhibitory effect of TREG cells on γδ T cells, we performed an in vitro suppression assay where anti-CD3 pre-activated FACS sorted responder populations were co-cultured with titrated numbers of freshly isolated CD4+CD25+ TREG cells. At the highest 1:1 TREG to T responder ratio, TREG cells inhibited γδ T-cell proliferation by 75%, with a similar effect on control CD4+CD25− T responder cells (Fig. 6A).

[53, 54] It is interesting to note that the average murine pMHCI–CD8 interaction is substantially stronger (KD = 49–69 μm) (Table 1b,c) than the equivalent human interaction (KD = 145 μm) (Table 1a) [15] but does not result

in non-cognate CD8+ T-cell activation. Despite differences in TCR and CD8 binding (the average murine TCR–pMHCI and pMHCI–CD8 binding affinities are KD = 3·3 μm[17, 55-59] and KD = 59 μm, respectively, compared with the average human TCR–pMHCI and pMHCI–CD8 binding affinities of KD = 8·7 μm[45, 59-65] KD = 145 μm did, respectively[37, SCH772984 molecular weight 45, 66]) the ratio of TCR and CD8 binding affinity is maintained between the two species (murine = 1 : 17, human = 1 : 18), so that the TCR binds with around 17–18 times stronger affinity than CD8. Therefore, the relationship between the binding affinity of the CD8 co-receptor compared with the TCR could represent a fundamental mechanism by which T cells maintain peptide antigen specificity through the TCR while retaining the required level of antigen sensitivity via CD8. Thus, pMHCI–CD8 interactions may have evolved in a highly constrained manner dictated by the need to balance high levels of T-cell cross-reactivity with non-specific T-cell activation, of which the latter could instigate auto-immunity. It

should also be noted that the ratio of TCR : CD8 binding affinity may be different in the thymus because positively selecting pMHC ligands have been shown to have a very weak binding affinity for cognate TCRs.[55, 67] Hence, CD8 has been implicated as an important player selleck products during thymic selection of immature thymocytes.[19] Although the weak binding affinity of the pMHCI–CD8 interaction excludes the possibility that CD8 plays a major role during T-cell/target cell adhesion, experiments using mutated pMHCI tetramers with altered CD8 binding properties have shown that CD8 can Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase profoundly affect TCR–pMHCI avidity.[11, 23, 53, 68] Accordingly, mutations in the α3 domain of HLA-A*0201 (D227K/T228A) that abolish CD8 binding (CD8-null) decreased both

tetramer association rate and tetramer half-life compared with wild-type HLA-A*0201 tetramers[23] (Fig. 5a,b). Furthermore, the shift in mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) using weakly binding pMHCI variants was substantially reduced using CD8-null tetramers compared with wild-type reagents (Fig. 5c,d). These data show that, although the interaction is weak, pMHCI–CD8 binding has an important role in stabilizing the TCR–pMHCI complex at the cell surface. In support of this notion, two-dimensional binding affinity measurements have shown that the TCR and CD8 bind pMHCI co-operatively to modulate T-cell antigen discrimination.[69] Disrupting the pMHCI–CD8 interaction clearly impacts the ability of T cells to recognize antigen.

The prevalence of IgAN varies across different geographical regions. According to the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J-RBR)1, which was started in 2007, about one-third of patients who undergo renal biopsy are diagnosed with IgAN. Most patients with IgAN in Japan are discovered from asymptomatic urinary abnormalities, because annual urinary screening is frequently selleck kinase inhibitor performed. The majority of patients

with IgAN may thus be diagnosed in the early stage of the disease. Global consensuses in both diagnosis and treatment of IgAN have recently been reached. The Oxford classification of IgAN defined pathological features predicting risk of progression of renal disease in IgAN2,3. The Oxford classification is

useful for Japanese patients with IgAN4; however, due to its complexity, it has not been widely accepted in clinical practice. Version 3 of the Clinical Guideline for IgA Nephropathy has recently been published in Japan5, and histological classification based on a multicenter case-control study of IgAN in Japan has been suggested6. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) published a clinical practice guideline for glomerulonephritis in 2011. For the management of IgAN, few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been undertaken and the sample sizes of those RCTs have been very small. Most advice relating to IgAN in the KDIGO guideline is thus based on a low quality of evidence7. Major potential treatment modalities for adult IgAN in Japan include renin-angiotensin system blockers, corticosteroids, non-steroidal immunosuppressive

agents, buy Palbociclib antiplatelet agents and n-3 fatty acids (fish oil), and tonsillectomy with corticosteroid pulse therapy (TSP). Notably, TSP was widely used in patients at risk of progressive disease before consensus was established. An RCT comparing TSP with steroid pulse therapy alone was recently completed, and preliminary results were reported at the 2011 annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Nephrology. With the accumulation of recent advances, guidelines for Japanese clinical practice need to be established. The IgAN guideline working group supported by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has compiled the first comprehensive Japanese guideline for ADAMTS5 IgAN using an evidence-based methodology as defined in Medical Information Network Distribution Service (Minds). This guideline only focuses on IgAN and covers the definition, pathogenesis, diagnosis, renal pathology, classification, epidemiology, prognosis, treatment, and adverse events of immunosuppression therapy. The working group created 14 clinical questions (CQs) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with IgAN. All statements and CQs were carefully reviewed by Japanese nephrologists, pathologists, pediatric nephrologists, and other specialists.

44 The nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NO

system and increased Rho-kinase activation are well-known factors leading to ED and may contribute to the pathophysiology of DO in hypercholesterolemia. The NOS/NO theory attempts to explain the link between ED, BPH and OAB by the reduced production of NOS/NO in the pelvis, which includes the penis, prostate and bladder.39 The theory suggests that the reduced production of NOS/NO results in smooth muscle cell proliferation, which, in turn, may result in structural changes in the bladder and simultaneously increased spontaneous contractions. The Rho-kinase pathway is thought to be a major calcium-sensitizing check details mechanism in smooth muscle, so an increase in Rho-kinase activity consequently Selleck Talazoparib increases calcium sensitivity of the contractile machinery.45 Increased Rho-kinase activity was reported in the detrusors of rabbits with partial bladder outlet obstruction.46 The NOS/NO theory and Rho-kinase activation theory are possible mechanisms for OAB in hypercholesterolemia, as both systems regulate smooth muscle contraction, although there is insufficient evidence to support these assumptions. As OAB is closely related to BPH and ED; the assumption that OAB has a connection with hypercholesterolemia is based on the link between BPH and hypercholesterolemia, as well as that between

ED and hypercholesterolemia. Recent animal models have demonstrated that DO is presented more frequently in SHRs and FFRs than in normal rats, and especially in high-fat diet rats. Such DO may be affected not just by a single factor like hypercholesterolemia, but rather by all components of see more metabolic syndrome. An array of multiple mechanisms, including autonomic nervous system overactivity, atherosclerosis, chronic ischemia, the NOS/NO system and increased Rho-kinase activity may have a role in the relationship between DO and hypercholesterolemia. The authors declare

no conflict of interest. “
“Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of low (0.2 mg) and intermediate (0.4 mg) dose tamsulosin in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: Patients were treated with low-dose tamsulosin for an initial run-in period of 12 weeks, then divided into two groups based on their clinical improvement. Patients were measured for objective parameters of peak flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume, as well as subjective symptom scores and perceived patient benefit of treatment. The items were then integrated as the LUTS Outcome Score to determine dose increase or maintenance. Overall outcome was determined at 36 weeks. Results: One hundred and seventy-four patients were enrolled and started on 0.2 mg tamsulosin treatment. One hundred and fifty-five patients completed the 36-week study. Sixty patients required dose increase to 0.4 mg at the 12th week.

Due to their increased lifespan compared to CD8 DCs, the preCD 8DCs displayed an increased capacity to prime CD8+ T cells [64]. In contrast to preCD8 DCs, mcDCs do not convert into CD8 DCs upon transfer in vivo and CX-4945 concentration have a similar lifespan as CD8 DCs [24]. Moreover, their type I IFN production upon uptake of apoptotic material and generation

of antigen depots in non-acidic organelles are characteristic features of mcDC that are essential for their T cell priming capacity [24]. Based on these functional data, mcDC seem to represent a distinct DC population, but further elucidation of their developmental pathways and lineage commitment may demonstrate a close relationship to other

DC populations with cross-priming capacities. Given the therapeutic potential of the mcDC, it will be of extreme interest to identify the human equivalent Galunisertib in vivo of this population. Recent publications discussing the capacity of human pDC and CD141+ DC to present cell-associated antigens in the presence and absence of infection [18,65–69] indicate that novel human DC subpopulations or new functions within existing populations remain to be discovered. Collectively, our data suggest that FLT3L expands DC populations with capacity to (cross)-present cell-associated antigens while having a limited effect on DC populations that are associated with the induction of tolerance (such as CD11b DCs). The

expansion of CD8 DCs will be beneficial in the induction of CD8+ T cell responses, whereas mcDC will increase both CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses. Selective targeting to especially mcDC or instilling mcDC ‘traits’ into conventional DC populations could enhance tumour IKBKE vaccine efficacy significantly. We would like to thank Amgen for the rhFLT3L and Dr K. Prilliman for critical reading of the manuscript. This work is supported by NIH/NIAID grant AI079545 and NIH/NCI grant CA138617 to EMJ. None. “
“Tacrolimus (FK-506) has been found to exhibit potent inhibitory effects on spontaneously developed dermatitis. We previously showed that glucosamine prevents the development of Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. The aims of our study were to investigate the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of combination of glucosamine plus FK-506 in dermatophagoides farina (Df)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice and to determine the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. The Df-induced NC/Nga mice with a clinical score of 8 were used for treatment with glucosamine (500 mg/kg) alone, FK-506 (1.0 mg/kg) or in combination. The synergistic effects of combination therapy were evaluated by dermatitis scores, skin histology and immunological parameters such as IgE, Th2-mediated cytokines and chemokines, CD3+ T cells and CLA+ T cells.

One small pseudo-randomized controlled study indicates that oral phosphate supplementation in the early post-transplant period may help to normalize serum phosphate concentration and muscle phosphate content after transplantation without affecting calcium or parathyroid hormone (PTH) metabolism. Oral phosphate supplementation appears

to prolong phosphaturia, increasing renal net acid excretion thus helping to correct metabolic acidosis.1 One small before and after trial suggests that oral phosphate supplementation in the late post-transplant period (mean time since transplantation, 41 months) www.selleckchem.com/products/pexidartinib-plx3397.html may increase PTH levels, potentially worsening hyperparathyroidism.5 In the absence of additional studies it is not possible to determine whether or not increased dietary phosphate intake may have a role in prevention or treatment of hypophosphataemia. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative: No recommendation. UK Renal Association: No recommendation. Canadian Society of Nephrology: No recommendation. European Best Practice Guidelines: No recommendation. International click here Guidelines: No recommendation. No recommendations. 1 Prospective, controlled studies are required to answer whether or not particular increased dietary phosphate intake is effective in preventing or treating hypophosphataemia in adult kidney transplant recipients. Steven Chadban, Maria Chan, Karen

Fry, Aditi Patwardhan, Catherine Ryan, Paul Trevillian, Fidye Westgarth Depsipeptide concentration have no relevant financial affiliations that would cause a conflict of interest according to the conflict of interest statement set down by CARI. These guidelines were developed under a project funded by the Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce, New South Wales. “
“Aim:  This study was performed to address the bone injury and the early molecular responses of bone to obstructive nephropathy induced by unilateral ureteral

obstruction in mice. Methods:  The male mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO, n = 10) or sham operation (n = 10). All mice were killed on day 7 after the surgical operation. Hematoxylin and eosin and tartate-resistant acid phosphatase staining were performed on paraffin-embedded bone sections. Expression of genes and proteins was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. Results:  The serum calcium level was significantly reduced in UUO mice compared with that of Sham mice. The proximal tibia of UUO mice exhibited the increased expansion of chondrocytes zone, the reduction of osteoid content, and the increased separation and disconnection of woven bones. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results showed the downregulation of Cbfa1 and Col mRNA expression and the upregulation of Tgf-β, CtsK, CaII, Opg and Rankl mRNA expression in tibia of UUO mice compared to those of Sham mice.

The population of Treg clones comprised both FOXP3− and FOXP3+ T-cell clones, consistent with the previously reported populations of HPV and HIV-specific Treg 5, 28 as well as with the observation that the population of influenza-specific CD4+ T cells detected by MHC-class II tetramers comprises a small but discernible population of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells 7. This underscores the notion that the measurement of Treg solely through the expression of FOXP3 might underestimate the total contribution of virus-specific Treg 1. Previously,

we have shown that virus-specific Treg could be isolated from patients suffering from human papilloma virus-induced lesions 5, 8. The absence of sufficient concentrations of live HPV virus prohibited us to study the find more suppressive function of the HPV-specific Treg when their antigen was presented in the natural context. Fortunately, influenza virus is readily available and allowed us to use influenza-infected APC to stimulate M1-specific Treg in order to show that they were able to suppress the proliferation of effector cells. Indeed our current study shows that pathogen-specific Treg are fully capable of exerting their effector function when stimulated with selleck inhibitor influenza-infected APC resembling the natural context in which these T cells would detect their cognate antigen in vivo.

Highly pathogenic influenza infections are characterized by a cytokine storm, which contributes to the lethality of these viruses 29–31. The observed cytokine storm includes several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are

also increased after IL-10 blockade during sublethal influenza infection 32. In mice, the population of IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells is activated early during influenza infection in order to peak 2–3 days after the virus is cleared from the lung 13, suggesting that the produced IL-10 limits collateral damage. Our data showed that the majority of IKBKE Treg were among the population of IL-10-producing T-cell clones. Consistent with other reports on Treg 5, 20, 33–35, blocking of IL-10 produced by these Treg could not alleviate their suppression of the capacity of effector T cells to proliferate or produce IFN-γ in the assays used (data not shown). Probably, this was not to be expected as it has been shown before that IL-10 production by Treg was not required for the control of systemic T-cell reactivity but essential for keeping immune responses in check at environmental interfaces such as the colon and lungs 36. Our study shows that one of the mechanisms likely to be involved to control systemic immunity to influenza is the reduction of the amount of IL-2 produced by helper T cells as well as partial prevention of IL-2 receptor upregulation by T cells (Fig. 6), thereby directly interfering with the sustainment of the influenza-specific CD4 and CD8 effector cell subsets 37, and as such allowing the contraction of the immune response.

In the rodent this DC network develops fastest in the nasal turbinates, which represent the collection point for the bulk of see more inspired particulate antigen, including microbial agents [42]. This suggests

that postnatal maturation of the airway DC network may be driven by stimulation from environmental irritants, including those associated with microbial pathogens, and data from infants who succumb to infections which demonstrate markedly increased AMDC density in the airway mucosa [43] are consistent with this possibility. Moreover, kinetic studies in a rat model of respiratory parainfluenza infection, which demonstrate rapid expansion of the AMDC network during early infection [44], provide further support for this idea, and similar findings are available for inhalation of bacterial stimuli [45]. Intriguingly, in the case of viral infection, the AMDC network does not return to baseline for several weeks post pathogen FK228 in vivo clearance [44], suggesting long-term effects of viral infection (related possibly to covert persistence of low levels of virus) on homeostasis of this DC population. These findings have prompted

us to add a specific AMDC component to the ‘two-hit’ model for asthma development [36]. In particular, we point to the possibility that viral infection may enhance the pathogenicity of nascent aeroallergen-specific Th2 immunity in the airway mucosa of recently sensitized children by expanding the population of available APCs which are necessary for local T memory cell activation

[36]. It is generally assumed that the triggering of wheezing attacks in humans sensitized to perennial ‘indoor’ allergens occurs directly via inhalation of supra-threshold levels of the relevant allergens. This can undoubtedly Molecular motor occur, and the phenomenon can be reproduced readily in murine models; however, it is by no means the only route via which asthma attacks can be triggered in atopics. This is particularly the case with respect to asthma exacerbations of sufficient severity to require hospitalization, which appear to be triggered instead by lower respiratory tract viral infection (reviewed in [36]). Our recent studies have identified a pathway by which host–anti-viral immunity can recruit allergen-specific Th2 recall responses into the inflammatory response at the airway mucosal infection site. The key element in this process is up-regulation of IgE-FcR expression on the myeloid precursors of AMDC, thus arming these cells optimally for subsequent presentation of activating signals to Th2 memory cells [46]. The resulting Th2 milieu in the airway mucosa is likely to blunt Th1 polarized anti-viral defences, and as such may represent an example of successful viral invasion of sterilizing immunity.

Preparation of cell suspensions from liver, lung and bone marrow was as described

previously 13. To enumerate cell number, cytometric bead-based counting assays were performed as described previously 13. Intracellular cytokine staining was performed according to standard procedures 4 using stimulation with OVA323-339 (16–18 h) or PMA/ionomycin (3 h, Merck Biosciences, Darmstadt, Germany; Fluka, Switzerland). Cytometric data were collected using a FACSCalibur or FACSCanto cytometer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) and analyzed with CellQuest or FACSDiva software. The total number of IFN-γ-producing OT-II cells was calculated based on the intracellular cytokine staining and absolute OT-II cell number determined using a bead-based counting assay. To assess proliferation in vivo, OVA-specific OT-II T cells were labeled with CFSE as described previously 46 and used for Maraviroc datasheet culture or injected i.v. Three days later, recipient spleens or LN were harvested and CFSE dilution (CD45.1+/CD4+ gated cells)

assessed by flow cytometry. To determine responsiveness to antigen challenge, mice were immunized s.c. at the tail base with OVA (100μg) emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant. In vitro peptide restimulations were performed on splenocyte single-cell suspensions plated at 2×106/mL (1 mL, 24-well plates) in Cell Cycle inhibitor complete RPMI with or without added OVA323–339 (10 μg/mL). Culture

www.selleck.co.jp/products/AG-014699.html supernatants were harvested after 3 days and ELISA assays were performed using standard procedures with the following capture and detection antibodies (capture/detection IFN-γ: R4-6A2/XMG1.2, IL-2: JES6-1A12, JES6-5H4, IL-4:11B11/BVD6-24G2) or kits purchased from eBioscience and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (IL-10 and TGF-β). Comparison of means was performed using Student’s t-test and multiple comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Newman–Keuls post-test (GraphPad Prism). This study was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (R. J. S.) and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (R. J. S.). Conflict of interest: The authors declare no financial or commercial conflict of interest. “
“Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is one of the bacterial products tested for modulation of unwanted immune responses. Of all the staphylococcal enterotoxins, SEA is the most potent stimulator of T cells. When administered orally, SEA acts as a superantigen (SA), producing unspecific stimulation of intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the intestinal mucosa. This stimulation results in amplification of the normal local immunologic responses, which are mainly regulatory. This amplification is based on increased local production of IFN-γ by IELs, which acts on the nearby enterocytes.