PURPOSE To extend our knowledge concerning immunotolerance against autologous lens crystallins, transgenic (Tg) mice that express a foreign antigen in their lens were generated, and the immune response against the antigen in these mice was analyzed. METHODS Conventional techniques were used to generate lines of Tg mice that express soluble (S-) or membrane-bound (M-) hen egg lysozyme (HEL) un...

The endothelium maintains a vascular barrier by controlling platelet and immune cell interactions, capillary tone and interendothelial cell (EC) adherence. Here we suggest common elements in play during viral infection of the endothelium that alter normal EC functions and contribute to lethal hemorrhagic or edematous diseases. In viral reservoir hosts, infection of capillaries and lymphatic ves...

Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the diagnosis of bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) are described: CHEKIT-BVD-VIRUS and CHEKIT-BVD-SERO. The first test detects virus antigen in leucocytes, resulting in identification of persistently-infected animals, while the second detects antibodies to BVD virus (BVDV). It is well known that even persistently-infected animals may have antibodie...

We review key aspects of what is known about limb regeneration in urodele and anuran amphibians, with a focus on the early events of the process that lead to formation of the regeneration blastema. This includes the role of the nerves and wound epithelium, but also covers the inflammatory effects of the amputation trauma and their importance for regenerative growth. We propose that immunotolera...

Over the past few decades, connexin hemichannels have become recognized as major players in modulating the inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is documented to promote tumorigenesis and is a critical component of tumor progression. Furthermore, inflammation is strongly linked to angiogenesis, immunotolerance, invasiveness, metastasis, and resistance in breast cancers. In this review, th...

Asthma is one of the most common chronic medical conditions that may complicate pregnancy. Asthma influences the outcome of pregnancy and, vice versa, pregnancy affects asthma severity, but the underlying immunological mechanisms of this interaction are not fully understood. As a sign of pregnancy-induced immunotolerance, attenuation of allergic responses can be detected in controlled asthmatic...