E-Board No. 58

Dear Members of ISDCI;

This issue of the ISDCI eboard has a variety of items and is being sent a little early because of some messages with time sensitive deadlines in early and mid November. Included is a request for nominations for the position of ISDCI vice president for Europe and Africa, a meeting announcement, a meeting report, several advertisements for positions that are open, and a publication alert for several comparative immunology papers in the August issue of Current Topics in Immunology.

The executive committee would also like to remind our members to send tributes for Rene Stet to Courtney Smith (csmith@gwu.edu) in the next few weeks. These will be published in the next eboard.


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Nomination for Vice President of ISDCI for Europe and Africa.

Due to the untimely death of Rene Stet we need to elect a new VP for Europe/Africa and this person will be a member of the organizing committee for the next ISCDI meeting. If you nominate a person please check that he/she is willing to be nominated as VP. Send nominations to President elect Valerie Smith (vjs1@st-andrews.ac.uk ) before November 20, 2007. Election of the new VP will take place as soon as possible after November 20 and will be done electronically by email.

Kenneth Söderhäll
President

Valerie J Smith
President- elect


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CURRENT TOPICS IN INNATE IMMUNITY FROM PLANARIANS TO MICE – A COLLOQUIUM REPORT

Ellen Kauschke a*, Michael M. Martin b, Andreas Vilcinskas c, Martina Trenczek a, Boran Altincicek c, Firat Gökcen a and Edwin L. Cooper d

a Institute of General Zoology and Developmental Biology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Stephanstrasse 24, 35390 Giessen, Germany
b Immunology FB08, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Winchesterstrasse 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany
c Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich Buff Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
d Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1763, USA
* Corresponding author

The Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU) is currently celebrating its 400th anniversary. It is a traditional place for research on innate immunity tracing back to Elias Metchnikoff who studied zoology here in 1864 and 1865. Today several JLU research groups are focusing their work on innate immunity in mammals but also in invertebrates as reflected by the colloquium “Current topics in innate immunity from planarians to mice”, organized by Ellen Kauschke for the Institute of Zoology and Developmental Biology August 28, 2007.

The opening lecture was presented by Edwin L. Cooper. He began his talk with the history of inflammation, focusing a bit on Metchnikoff and how we have advanced since the single discovery of phagocytosis and its fast dissociation from natural cell killing in earthworms and its broadened consequences on comparative immunology. He illustrated milestones in immunology including the discovery of cancer in Drosophila with respect to the presence of Professor Emeritus Elizabeth Gateff, University of Mainz and referred to recent publications demonstrating the innate immune repertoire in slime molds and cnidarians. He also pointed out the self not self view responsible for recognition and the alternative somewhat popular danger hypothesis.

Michael Martin highlighted new data of his group and collaborators at the University of Regensburg as well as the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg Germany about signal transduction in the TIR-domain containing subfamily of interleukin-1 receptors. They showed that the receptor for IL-33, the IL-33R chain (formerly known as ST2) also requires IL-1RAcP as co-receptor in order to initiate signaling. The murine T cell line EL-4 D6/76 does not express IL-1RAcP and hence neither responds to IL-1 nor to IL-33. Reconstitution with full length IL-1RAcP, but not a variant lacking the TIR domain, restores IL-1 and IL-33 responsiveness demonstrated by cytokine-induced IRAK-1 activation, JNK activation, activation of NF-B and induction of IL-2 synthesis. Moreover the IL-33 dependent interaction of the two receptor subunits was shown. Their results proved that the functional IL-33 receptor complex consists of IL-33R-chain and IL-1RAcP and identified IL-1RAcP as a common -chain used by several members of the subfamily of IL-1 receptors and not exclusively by IL-1 receptors, as the name implies.

All the following speakers referred to innate immune mechanisms in invertebrates. Tina Trenczek and Firat Gökcen gave new insights into complex interactions of humoral and cellular reactions in Manduca sexta. By using monoclonal antibodies generated against hemocytes they were able to follow up cellular defense reactions in precise detail and in correlation to the developmental status of the insect. In collaboration with M. Kanost (Manhattan, Kansas USA) they identified several immune components as HAIP, immunolectins, hemocytin and annexin B9. Moreover they showed that a knock-down of hemolin expression results in a less decrease of hemocytes after bacterial infection but a higher amount of injected bacteria was recovered from hemolymph as well as the number of melanotic nodules decreased after dsRNA treatment. Scolexin another immune-related hemolymph protein is expressed in hemocytes of M. sexta larvae and pupae, but not adult moths. First scolexin expression correlates with the appearance of larval specific structures on hemocytes, indicating differentiation. Both occur right after dorsal closure, which allows this event to appear as crucial in acquiring immuno-competence.

As explained by Andreas Vilcinskas, the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is gaining increasing attention as a mini-host model for medically important microbes as well as a reservoir of novel antibiotics, since its rearing temperatures suit human pathogens and is essential for the production of toxins and virulence factors by pathogens. His group purified and characterized a peptide of potential therapeutic value, the inducible metalloproteinase inhibitor (IMPI) that inhibits thermolysin-like metalloproteinases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae better than any others that have been tested. Metalloproteinases are prominent virulence/pathogenesis factors in human infectious diseases and their therapeutic inhibition becomes a novel strategy in developing second generation antibiotics. Moreover his group identified novel genes from G. mellonella that confer resistance against phytopathogens in transgenic plants.

Boran Altincicek presented data on two Lophotrochozoa model organisms, the marine polychaete Platynereis dumerilii and the platyhelminth Schmidtea mediterranea. Both were screened for immune-related genes by subtractive suppression hybridization. The profile of immune-inducible genes indicated for Platynereis homologues that mediate recognition and signaling but act also as bactericidal and increase permeability. Immune-inducible genes in Schmidtea encode proteins potentially involved in signaling, defense and matrix remodeling.

An overview of pore formation as strategy in innate immunity was given by Ellen Kauschke, referring especially to C9, perforin in mammals and Eiseniapore of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Signaling cascades triggered upon pore formation and promoting cell survival were reflected as well.

All talks were very well appreciated by the audience which included a considerable number of students, future comparative immunologists. The colloquium was inspiring and most motivating to continue and extend such exciting research.

Similar scientific events will certainly take place in Giessen. Next announced is dedicated to Metchnikoff and phagocytosis, October 25, organized by Robert Glaser, Department of Biology and Chemistry.


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Meeting Announcement

This is to announce a session that will be held at Experimental Biology 2008. The session is titled “Comparative Immunology: Using Non-Model Systems to Understand the Evolution of Immunity” and is sponsored by the APS Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Section. All are encouraged to submit abstracts that are broadly related to this topic for poster presentations (topic category: 1086-APS). In addition to the poster presentations, this Featured Topic will include two presentations by invited speakers and four 15-minute presentations selected from the submitted abstracts. The oral session will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 from 8:00-10:00 AM. Deadline for abstract submission is Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. Meeting information is available at http://www.eb2008.org.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Kendra J. Greenlee, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
North Dakota State University
317 Stevens Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

phone: 701.231.6270
fax: 701.231.7149
kendra.greenlee@ndsu.edu


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Positions Open

POSDOCTORAL POSITION IN AVIAN INFLUENZA
A postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the interactions between avian influenza and its natural host, the duck. Our laboratory uses a broad array of molecular and cellular techniques to analyze the immune responses of ducks. We have extensive resources for investigation of duck immunology, including arrayed cDNA, genomic and phage display libraries, FACS and fluorescence microscopy. Preference will be given to candidates who have a diverse background using many techniques and an interest in comparative immunology and host-pathogen interactions. This is a grant-funded position for 2 years. Candidates should send a c.v. and the names of three references to Dr. Kathy Magor (kmagor@ualberta.ca), CW405 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, T6J 2E9 (780)-492-5498. Additional information about the laboratory is available at http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/faculty/katharine_magor/
Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2007.


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Director, MDI Biological Laboratory
As seen in the 31 August issue of Science:

The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL), located on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, home of Acadia National Park, is a 109 year-old independent research institution. The Laboratory is known for its world-class seasonal scientific and educational programs, and an expanding year-round research program, that focus on marine physiology, epithelial transport, developmental biology and environmental toxicology.

MDIBL invites applications for the Position of Scientific Director. He/she will be responsible for articulating the scientific vision and overseeing the development, implementation, execution, and management of the scientific and educational agenda of the Laboratory. The Director, who reports to the Board of Trustees, serves as Chief Executive of the Institution to whom the senior administrative staff and year round investigators report. The candidate must be a seasoned, grant-supported academic scientist and administrator. Experience interacting with basic marine biologists, physiologists, biomedical investigators and/or environmental toxicologists is advantageous. Effective communication and interpersonal skills as well as successful dealings with private donors and government officials at all levels are important prerequisites for this position.

Please send a letter of interest, CV, and the names and addresses of three references to: Search Committee, MDIBL, Box 35, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672 or search_committee@mdibl.org. A detailed job description can be found at: http://www.mdibl.org/info/careers.shtml. Review of applications will begin October 15.
MDI Biological Laboratory is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.


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Junior Level Research Position

The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL), located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, home of Acadia National park, is a 109-year-old independent marine and biomedical research institution and an international center for comparative physiology, toxicology and marine functional genomic studies.

MDIBL invites applications for a junior level research position (equivalent to Assistant Professor) in developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, toxicology, or bioinformatics. Within the chosen research area there should be an emphasis on comparative functional genomics and marine model systems. Candidates must possess a PhD or MD. A strong record of continuous research productivity and clearly demonstrated potential for funding is required. This appointment is for a minimum of three years. Interest in collaboration with other scientists at MDIBL is essential. Salary, start-up resources and laboratory space are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Send cover letter, vitae, research plans, names and addresses of three references to Dr. Patricia Hand, Administrative Director, MDI Biological Laboratory, Box 35, Old Bar Harbor Rd., Salisbury Cove, ME 04672. Address electronic applications to phand@mdibl.org. Review of applications will begin November 1st and continue until the position is filled.

MDI Biological Laboratory is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
www.mdibl.org


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FACULTY POSITION IN VIROLOGY

The Department of Biology of the College of William & Mary (a state-supported university) announces its search for a tenure track ASSISTANT PROFESSOR in VIROLOGY.

Research
Research areas of particular interest include classical and molecular virology, viral genetics, marine virology, viral evolution and/or ecology, and plant virology. Applicants should consider whether their research is appropriate for work in a primarily undergraduate institution, with biosafety levels not to exceed BSL-2. Candidates must display scientific breadth and demonstrate the potential and motivation to achieve excellence in teaching in a broadly based biology department. Candidates must also maintain an active research program with both undergraduate and Masters-level students, and obtain external funding to support their research. Competitive start-up funds will be provided.

Teaching
The Department offers a moderate teaching load (typically one course a semester) in an environment that encourages high quality research. Teaching responsibilities include an upper division course in virology with laboratory, and another course for the second semester, to be negotiated with the Chair. Candidates must demonstrate the potential and motivation to achieve excellence in teaching. Previous experience teaching undergraduate courses would be viewed favorably, and postdoctoral research experience is expected. The first year’s teaching load is negotiable.

Information on the College of William and Mary may be obtained at http://www.wm.edu/.

Applications
Review begins November 1, 2007, and will continue until an appointment is made. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statements of research interests and teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information for three references, through the College's online recruitment system at http://jobs.wm.edu. The College is an EEO/AA employer.


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Publication Announcement

Publications on comparative immunology in the August 2007 issue of Current Topics in Immunology.

See: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VS1-4PGXF4Y-1&_user=1193445&_coverDate=10%2F31%2F2007&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000031558&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1193445&md5=8070d7732f51910deef24e584d6acde7

M.F. Flajnik. Immunogenetics: Alternative strategies in adaptive immunity and the rise of comparative immunogenomics. Current Opinion in Immunology

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