(F) MFI of CD86 PE on CD19+ cells. Data are depicted as mean ± standard error of the mean, *P < 0·05, **P < 0·01 and ***P < 0·001. ‘Grey box' : Isotype control-treated mice (hIgG1) (25 mg/kg);

‘black box’ : CTLA-4-Ig-treated mice (25 mg/kg). Figure S2. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)-immunoglobulin (Ig) treatment during challenge phase mediates a reduced release of interleukin (IL)-4 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2). Donor mice were sensitized to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in the presence or absence of CTLA-4-Ig. After 5 days, cells from the draining lymph node were transferred to recipient mice which were treated with CTLA-4-Ig 24 h earlier where indicated. Mice learn more were challenged Selleckchem LY294002 5 h later with DNFB and ear swelling measured 24 and 48 h later; 48 h after challenge homogenates of inflamed ear tissue were analysed for their content of IL-1β, IL-4, interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10 and MIP-2 (a). Ear swelling in the groups is shown in (b) after 24 h (upper) and as area under the curve (lower). +/−: CTLA-4-Ig treatment during sensitization phase alone; −/+: CTLA-4-Ig treatment during challenge phase alone; −/−: no treatment with CTLA-4-Ig. Data are depicted as mean ± standard error of the mean, *P < 0·05, **P < 0·01 and ***P < 0·001. "
“β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides with an essential role in the innate immune response. In addition β-defensins can also chemoattract cells involved in adaptive immunity. Until now, based

on evidence from dendritic cell stimulation, human β defensin-3

(hBD3) was considered pro-inflammatory. We present evidence here that hBD3 lacks pro-inflammatory activity in human and mouse primary Mϕ. In addition, in the presence of LPS, hBD3 and the murine orthologue Defb14 (but not hBD2), effectively inhibit TNF-α and IL-6 accumulation implying an anti-inflammatory function. hBD3 also inhibits CD40/IFN-γ stimulation of Mϕ and in vivo, hBD3 significantly reduces the LPS-induced TNF-α level in serum. Recent work has revealed that hBD3 binds melanocortin receptors but we provide evidence that these are not involved in hBD3 immunomodulatory activity. This implies a dual role for hBD3 in antimicrobial activity and resolution of inflammation. β-defensins are broad spectrum, cationic, antimicrobial peptides. They are expressed predominantly at mucosal surfaces and DNA ligase believed to be important components of innate immunity although their precise in vivo role has not been clarified 1. Human β-defensins are a multigene family and the main cluster on chromosome 8p23 has been shown to be copy number variable 2. Increased copy number in humans is associated with psoriasis and decreased copy number with Crohn’s disease, suggesting involvement in these autoimmune diseases 3, 4. Human β defensin-3 (hBD3) is one of the most cationic of the β-defensins with broad spectrum, salt insensitive, antimicrobial activity 5. It is highly expressed in psoriatic skin and the reproductive tract 6, 7.