Does natural killer T cell dysfunction in CD39-null mice protect against concanavalin A-induced hepatitis?
CD39 and CD73 are novel phenotypic markers of NKT cells. In turn, CD39 expression [corrected] modulates nucleotide-mediated cytokine production by, and limits apoptosis of, hepatic NKT cells. Deletion of CD39 is protective in [corrected] Con A-induced hepatitis. This study illustrates a [corrected] role for purinergic signaling in NKT-mediated mechanisms that result in liver immune injury.
In this mouse model of paramyxoviral bronchiolitis, azithromycin attenuated acute and chronic airway inflammation. These findings demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of azithromycin that are not related to anti-viral activity. Our findings support the rationale for future prospective randomized clinical trials that will evaluate the effects of macrolides on acute viral bronchiolitis and their long-term consequences.