- Email: [email protected]
First IUIS conference on clinical immunology
taneous antibacterial activity exerted by human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Dr. Renate Urbaschek (Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, F.R.G.) pointed out the protective effect of some molecules such as IL-1, TNF, and CSF in animals injected with endotoxin. Dr. Suzanne M. Michalek (Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham) presented data on the protective effects of monoclonal antibodies directed to the three main regions of LPS. Dr. Eleanor S. Metcalf (Department of Microbiology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD) discussed the cellular mechanisms of immunity to S. typhimurium based on studies of the B cell repertoire specific for S. typhimurium. Dr. Elizabeth J. Ziegler (Department of Medicine, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA) evaluated the characteristics of a human monoclonal anti-lipid A antibody, while Dr. Theo N. Kirkland (The University of California, San Diego) discussed the spectrum of specificity and biologic activity of monoclonal antibodies to lipid A. The nature of the defects in LPS hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mice was discussed by Dr. Allison D. O'Brien (Department of Microbiology, Uniformed Services
First IUIS Conference on Clinical Immunology Herman Friedman University of South Florida Tampa, Florida The First International Union of Immunological Societies Conference on Clinical Immunology was held in Toronto, Canada, July 5 - 6 , 1986, immediately preceding the Sixth International Congress of Immunology. It focused on the important developments in clinical immunology as they affect not only immunologists but also biomedical scientists in general. The Conference was divided into two plenary sessions. The first one covered the important area of
62
97-1859/87/$0.00 + 02.20
University of the Health Sciences). Finally, Dr. Shigeyuki Hamada (Department of Dental Research, NIH, Toyko) presented data on the LPS from periodontopathic bacteria. Dr. Otto Westphal (Max Planck Institut fur Immunbiologie) elegantly summarized the findings presented at the meeting. He pointed out that novel data should arise from the production of LPS precursors and the synthesis of lipid A. These precursors and synthetic compounds could play an important role in clarifying the biology of the molecule. The immunobiologic effects of LPS have been extensively studied and some mediators stimulated by LPS, such as TNF, IL-1, IFN, are endowed with important protective activity for the same host against endotoxins. Besides mediators, serum or plasma factors, such as complement and LBP, can contribute to the clearance of LPS from the circulation. On the other hand, macrophages interact with LPS and produce mediators or engulf LPS where a partial modification of endotoxin structure occurs (lipid A deacylation). Another important issue of LPS biology is the effect of environmental LPS on the development of immune system. In particular, gut LPS, as demonstrated by McGhee et al., influ-
ences immunoregulatory cells in Peyer's patches in terms of lgA responses to oral antigens. In addition, an antibacterial activity mediated by IgA has been shown, and these data are in accordance with new concepts of spontaneous binding of Salmonella to human and murine T lymphocytes. Another interesting aspect of the meeting pertained to the studies with monoclonal antibodies against LPS. While anti-O monoclonal antibodies seem to protect mice against Gramnegative infections, anti-lipid A antibodies are rather effective on biologic effects exerted by bacteria. In addition, emphasis was given to the anti-J5 antibodies which are directed to the core of a mutant (Rc) of E. coli. Previously, this polyclonal antibody was shown to protect against toxic effects of LPS in humans, regardless of the bacterium involved since the core is a common structure for Enterobacteriaceae. Today, the J5 bacterium has been utilized for the production of monoclonal antibodies specific for lipid A. According to the highlights of the meeting on endotoxin held in Giovinazzo (Bari), it seems that the moment of applying experimental knowledge on endotoxin to conditions closer to clinical and pathologic reality has arrived.
receptor-antireceptor-mediated diseases and clinical immunology in general. It included discussions of receptor-antireceptor antibodies, antireceptor diseases, antireceptor interactions in organ-specific immune diseases, and specific discussions of myasthenia gravis and related disorders and receptor disorders in diabetes. Therapeutic approaches in receptor-antireceptor-mediated diseases were also presented. The secondary plenary session highlighted clinical molecular aspects of immunology and presented discussions on gene rearrangement and ontogeny in lymphoproliferative diseases, the role of lymphokines as immunoregulatory molecules, the clinical applications of immunotoxins, and new concepts in vaccination. Dr. P. Lachman of the United Kingdom presented the H. G.
Kunkel Memorial Lecture and discussed experiments of nature and the impact of these diseases on immunology. The remainder of the two-day meeting was divided into concurrent minisymposia on important topics in clinical immunology and nine poster sessions. The minisymposia covered a wide variety of topics, including receptor and antireceptor diseases as discussed in the plenary session, the management of autoimmune diseases, the AIDS-inducing viruses, new immunodiagnostic techniques, the use of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, the management of immunodeficiency diseases, allergies and hypersensitivity diseases, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Papers were presented in these minisymposia by
© 1987 Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.
Clinical Immunology Newsletter 8:4,1987
clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunologists from around the world. A large number of posters were presented, which corresponded to the minisymposia. All in all, it was the consensus of the organizers, the speakers, and the participants that this conference augured
well for clinical immunology as an integral part of international congresses. The great diversity of investigations underway worldwide concerning clinical immunology and the management of immunologic diseases and disorders suggests a resurgence of interest in this area of immunology. There were over
700 participants registered for this conference¢ and it is anticipated that future conferences sponsored by the IUIS on clinical immunology will continue to focus attention on the rapid developments in the area of clinical immunology as related to diagnosis and management of such diseases.
fungal, and parasitic infections by biologic response modifying agents. Those who are interested in participating in the meeting should write to Dr. K. N. Masihi, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, D100 Berlin 65, Federal Republic of Germany.
cerned with the influence of antibiotics on the immune system, as well as on nonspecific host defense mechanisms. The influence of antibiotics on virulence factors of microbes and the interaction of bacteria with the host defense mechanism will also be the central theme of the symposium. Those interested in participating should contact Dr. G. Peters or Dr. G. Pulverer, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Cologne, Goldenfelsstrasse 19-21, D-500 Cologne, 41 Federal Republic of Germany, or Dr. Herman Friedman, Department of Medical Microbiology, Box 10, 12901 N. 30th Street, Tampa, FL 33612.
Meeting Announcements
International Symposium on Immunomodulators and Nonspecific Host Defense Mechanisms against Microbial Infections, May 6-8, 1987, West Berlin, F.R.G. This meeting dealing with immunomodulation and host defenses against microbial infections is organized by the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Health Office of West Germany and is cosponsored by the International Society for Immunopharmacology. The objective of this symposium is to discuss stimulation of nonspecific resistance by defined natural and synthetic immunomodulators and to discuss the mechanism involved in nonspecific resistance as well as the feasibility for control of viral, bacterial,
The Third International Symposium on the Influence of Antibiotics and the Host-Parasite Relationship will be held in Cologne, West Germany, July 27-29, 1987. This symposium is organized under the auspices of the German Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology and the Paul Ehrlich Association for Chemotherapy. The main topics of this symposium will be con-
Meeting Notices International Symposium on Biotechnology in Clinical Medicine. April 13-15, 1987. Rome, Italy. Contact: Organizing Secretariat: Fondazione Giovanni Lorenzini, Via Monte Napoleone, 23, 20121 Milan, Italy. Phone: (02) 78-38-68 and 70-22-67.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory Intensive Hybridoma Workshop. May 18-21, 1987. Frederick, Maryland. Contact: Conference Office, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland 21701 (301) 663-3131.
Advanced Immunology: Laboratory Intensive Workshop. May 19-22,
Clinical Immunology Newsletter 8:4.1987
1987. Frederick, Maryland. Contact: Conference Office, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland 21701 (301) 663-3131.
The 1987 International Symposmm on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease. May 26-28, 1987. London, England. Contact: Dr. Ralph Kohn, Secretary of the Symposium, Advisory Services Medical Symposia Ltd., 79 Wimpole Street, London, W IM 7DD, England.
AAI Course in Advanced Immunology. May 31-June 7, 1987. St. Charles, Missouri. Contact: The American Association of lmmunolo-
~t~ 1987 Elsevier Science Pgblishing Co.. Inc,
gists, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Pathophysiology of Leukotrienes. June 29-July 1, 1987. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contact: Conference Department, The New York Academy of Sciences, 2 East 63rd Street, New York, New York 10021 (212) 838-0230. Lyme Disease and Related Disorders. September 14-16, 1987. New York, New York. Contact: Conference Department, The New York Academy of Sciences, 2 East 63rd Street, New York. New York 10021 (212) 838-0230.
Olq7-185 t) 87 SO.t~ + 02.20
(33
First IUIS Conference on Clinical Immunology Herman Friedman University of South Florida Tampa, Florida The First International Union of Immunological Societies Conference on Clinical Immunology was held in Toronto, Canada, July 5 - 6 , 1986, immediately preceding the Sixth International Congress of Immunology. It focused on the important developments in clinical immunology as they affect not only immunologists but also biomedical scientists in general. The Conference was divided into two plenary sessions. The first one covered the important area of
62
97-1859/87/$0.00 + 02.20
University of the Health Sciences). Finally, Dr. Shigeyuki Hamada (Department of Dental Research, NIH, Toyko) presented data on the LPS from periodontopathic bacteria. Dr. Otto Westphal (Max Planck Institut fur Immunbiologie) elegantly summarized the findings presented at the meeting. He pointed out that novel data should arise from the production of LPS precursors and the synthesis of lipid A. These precursors and synthetic compounds could play an important role in clarifying the biology of the molecule. The immunobiologic effects of LPS have been extensively studied and some mediators stimulated by LPS, such as TNF, IL-1, IFN, are endowed with important protective activity for the same host against endotoxins. Besides mediators, serum or plasma factors, such as complement and LBP, can contribute to the clearance of LPS from the circulation. On the other hand, macrophages interact with LPS and produce mediators or engulf LPS where a partial modification of endotoxin structure occurs (lipid A deacylation). Another important issue of LPS biology is the effect of environmental LPS on the development of immune system. In particular, gut LPS, as demonstrated by McGhee et al., influ-
ences immunoregulatory cells in Peyer's patches in terms of lgA responses to oral antigens. In addition, an antibacterial activity mediated by IgA has been shown, and these data are in accordance with new concepts of spontaneous binding of Salmonella to human and murine T lymphocytes. Another interesting aspect of the meeting pertained to the studies with monoclonal antibodies against LPS. While anti-O monoclonal antibodies seem to protect mice against Gramnegative infections, anti-lipid A antibodies are rather effective on biologic effects exerted by bacteria. In addition, emphasis was given to the anti-J5 antibodies which are directed to the core of a mutant (Rc) of E. coli. Previously, this polyclonal antibody was shown to protect against toxic effects of LPS in humans, regardless of the bacterium involved since the core is a common structure for Enterobacteriaceae. Today, the J5 bacterium has been utilized for the production of monoclonal antibodies specific for lipid A. According to the highlights of the meeting on endotoxin held in Giovinazzo (Bari), it seems that the moment of applying experimental knowledge on endotoxin to conditions closer to clinical and pathologic reality has arrived.
receptor-antireceptor-mediated diseases and clinical immunology in general. It included discussions of receptor-antireceptor antibodies, antireceptor diseases, antireceptor interactions in organ-specific immune diseases, and specific discussions of myasthenia gravis and related disorders and receptor disorders in diabetes. Therapeutic approaches in receptor-antireceptor-mediated diseases were also presented. The secondary plenary session highlighted clinical molecular aspects of immunology and presented discussions on gene rearrangement and ontogeny in lymphoproliferative diseases, the role of lymphokines as immunoregulatory molecules, the clinical applications of immunotoxins, and new concepts in vaccination. Dr. P. Lachman of the United Kingdom presented the H. G.
Kunkel Memorial Lecture and discussed experiments of nature and the impact of these diseases on immunology. The remainder of the two-day meeting was divided into concurrent minisymposia on important topics in clinical immunology and nine poster sessions. The minisymposia covered a wide variety of topics, including receptor and antireceptor diseases as discussed in the plenary session, the management of autoimmune diseases, the AIDS-inducing viruses, new immunodiagnostic techniques, the use of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, the management of immunodeficiency diseases, allergies and hypersensitivity diseases, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Papers were presented in these minisymposia by
© 1987 Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.
Clinical Immunology Newsletter 8:4,1987
clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunologists from around the world. A large number of posters were presented, which corresponded to the minisymposia. All in all, it was the consensus of the organizers, the speakers, and the participants that this conference augured
well for clinical immunology as an integral part of international congresses. The great diversity of investigations underway worldwide concerning clinical immunology and the management of immunologic diseases and disorders suggests a resurgence of interest in this area of immunology. There were over
700 participants registered for this conference¢ and it is anticipated that future conferences sponsored by the IUIS on clinical immunology will continue to focus attention on the rapid developments in the area of clinical immunology as related to diagnosis and management of such diseases.
fungal, and parasitic infections by biologic response modifying agents. Those who are interested in participating in the meeting should write to Dr. K. N. Masihi, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, D100 Berlin 65, Federal Republic of Germany.
cerned with the influence of antibiotics on the immune system, as well as on nonspecific host defense mechanisms. The influence of antibiotics on virulence factors of microbes and the interaction of bacteria with the host defense mechanism will also be the central theme of the symposium. Those interested in participating should contact Dr. G. Peters or Dr. G. Pulverer, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Cologne, Goldenfelsstrasse 19-21, D-500 Cologne, 41 Federal Republic of Germany, or Dr. Herman Friedman, Department of Medical Microbiology, Box 10, 12901 N. 30th Street, Tampa, FL 33612.
Meeting Announcements
International Symposium on Immunomodulators and Nonspecific Host Defense Mechanisms against Microbial Infections, May 6-8, 1987, West Berlin, F.R.G. This meeting dealing with immunomodulation and host defenses against microbial infections is organized by the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Health Office of West Germany and is cosponsored by the International Society for Immunopharmacology. The objective of this symposium is to discuss stimulation of nonspecific resistance by defined natural and synthetic immunomodulators and to discuss the mechanism involved in nonspecific resistance as well as the feasibility for control of viral, bacterial,
The Third International Symposium on the Influence of Antibiotics and the Host-Parasite Relationship will be held in Cologne, West Germany, July 27-29, 1987. This symposium is organized under the auspices of the German Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology and the Paul Ehrlich Association for Chemotherapy. The main topics of this symposium will be con-
Meeting Notices International Symposium on Biotechnology in Clinical Medicine. April 13-15, 1987. Rome, Italy. Contact: Organizing Secretariat: Fondazione Giovanni Lorenzini, Via Monte Napoleone, 23, 20121 Milan, Italy. Phone: (02) 78-38-68 and 70-22-67.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory Intensive Hybridoma Workshop. May 18-21, 1987. Frederick, Maryland. Contact: Conference Office, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland 21701 (301) 663-3131.
Advanced Immunology: Laboratory Intensive Workshop. May 19-22,
Clinical Immunology Newsletter 8:4.1987
1987. Frederick, Maryland. Contact: Conference Office, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland 21701 (301) 663-3131.
The 1987 International Symposmm on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease. May 26-28, 1987. London, England. Contact: Dr. Ralph Kohn, Secretary of the Symposium, Advisory Services Medical Symposia Ltd., 79 Wimpole Street, London, W IM 7DD, England.
AAI Course in Advanced Immunology. May 31-June 7, 1987. St. Charles, Missouri. Contact: The American Association of lmmunolo-
~t~ 1987 Elsevier Science Pgblishing Co.. Inc,
gists, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Pathophysiology of Leukotrienes. June 29-July 1, 1987. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contact: Conference Department, The New York Academy of Sciences, 2 East 63rd Street, New York, New York 10021 (212) 838-0230. Lyme Disease and Related Disorders. September 14-16, 1987. New York, New York. Contact: Conference Department, The New York Academy of Sciences, 2 East 63rd Street, New York. New York 10021 (212) 838-0230.
Olq7-185 t) 87 SO.t~ + 02.20
(33