Systemic sclerosis with pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is a debilitating and frequently lethal disease of unknown cause lacking effective treatment options. Lymphocyte anomalies and autoantibodies observed in systemic sclerosis have suggested an autoimmune character. Here we study the clonal structure of the B-cell repertoire in SSc-PAH using immunoglobulin heavy-chain sequencing bef...

There are three major immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes in salmonid fish: IgM, IgD and IgT, defined by the heavy chains μ, δ and τ, respectively. As a result of whole genome duplication in the ancestor of the salmonid fish family, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) possess two highly similar Ig heavy chain gene complexes (A and B), comprising two μ genes, two δ genes, three intact τ genes and five τ pseu...

In vivo experiments were performed to determine whether the cross-linking of membrane immunoglobulin (mIg) D on mature B cells, in the absence of T cell help, leads to B cell death. Mice were injected with either a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that cross-links mIgD effectively or a mAb that binds to mIgD avidly but cross-links it to a limited extent, and effects on B cell number and B cell Ia, mIg...

The mature, resting immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgD+ B lymphocyte can be induced by T cells to proliferate, switch isotype, and differentiate into Ig-secreting or memory cells. Furthermore, B cell activation results in the de novo expression or loss of a number of cell surface molecules that function in cell recirculation or further interaction with T cells. Here, a novel fluorescent technique revea...

A crucial role for CD1-responsive, MHC class II-unrestricted T cells in the generation of T cell IL-4 responses is suggested by the: 1) requirement for IL-4 to prime in vitro IL-4 responses by naive CD4+ T cells; 2) ability of TCR cross-linking to induce CD1-responsive T cells, but not conventional naive T cells, to produce IL-4; 3) failure of anti-IgD Ab to induce an IL-4-dependent IgE respons...

Although the IGD amino acid motif (iso-gly-asp) is a highly conserved feature of the fibronectin type I module, no biological activity has as yet been ascribed to it. We have previously reported that the gelatin-binding domain of fibronectin stimulates the migration of human skin fibroblasts into native, but not denatured, type I collagen substrata. Two IGD-containing type I modules are present...

Background and aims Since the inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the latest (fifth) edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a tentative disorder, a few psychometric screening instruments have been developed to assess IGD, including the 9-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) - a short, valid, and reliable instrument. Meth...

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has become a serious mental health issue worldwide. Evaluating the benefits of interventions for IGD is of great significance. Thirty-six young adults with IGD and 19 healthy comparison (HC) subjects were recruited and underwent resting-state fMRI scanning. Twenty IGD subjects participated in a group craving behavioral intervention (CBI) and were scanned before an...