Role Of Helper Research Articles

The potential role of follicular helper T cells and helper T cells type 1 in Warthin tumour

Warthin tumour (WT) is a benign tumour of the salivary gland that proliferates in both glandular epithelial and lymphoid tissue components, and rarely exhibits cystic changes. T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are involved in the formation and maintenance of germinal centres, the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, and the maintenance of helper T cell type 2 (Th2)-dominant humoral immune responses. T-bet induces differentiation into helper T cell type 1 (Th1) by suppressing differentiation into Tfh and enhances cellular immune responses. The objective of this study was to enhance our understanding of the immune responses and relationship between Tfh and Th1 cells in patients with WTs. In this study, we classified WTs (n = 64) into solid-type (n = 25) and cyst-type (n = 39). We also performed immunostaining of the Tfh markers CXCR5 and CD40 L, and the Th1 marker T-bet for statistical analysis. The cyst-type exhibited significant atrophy of the germinal centre area (P = 0.0019), significantly fewer Tfh-positive lymphocytes in germinal centres (P < 0.0001), and significantly more T-bet-positive lymphocytes in the epithelium (P = 0.0017). We observed that Tfh were involved in the formation and maintenance of lymphoid follicles in WTs. In the cyst-type, Th2-dominant humoral immune responses were suppressed, and Th1-dominant cellular immune responses may have caused damage to tumour tissue.

Elucidating the Functional Roles of Helper and Cytotoxic T Cells in the Cell-Mediated Immune Responses of Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

In higher vertebrates, helper and cytotoxic T cells, referred to as CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, respectively, are mainly associated with adaptive immunity. The adaptive immune system in teleosts involves T cells equivalent to those found in mammals. We previously generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) CD4 T cells, CD4-1 and CD4-2, and used these to describe the olive flounder’s CD4 Tcell response during a viral infection. In the present study, we successfully produced mAbs against CD8 T lymphocytes and their specificities were confirmed using immuno-blotting, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis andreverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that these mAbs are specific for CD8 T lymphocytes. We also investigated variations in CD4 and CD8 T cells populations, and analyzed the expression of immune-related genes expressed by these cells in fish infected with nervous necrosis virus or immunized with thymus dependent and independent antigens. We found that both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte populations significantly increased in these fish and Th1-related genes were up-regulated compared to the control group. Collectively, these findings suggest that the CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes in olive flounder are similar to the helper and cytotoxic T cells found in mammals, and Th1 and cytotoxic immune responses are primarily involved in the early adaptive immune response against extracellular antigens.

The The Violence of Colonization and the Importance of Decolonizing Therapeutic Relationship: The Role of Helper in Centring Indigenous Wisdom

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Engaging existing literature and current mainstream frontline health and mental health practice, this article expands research on the impact of colonization and mainstream mental health practices on Indigenous clients. Through this process, it creates new ground on which decolonizing therapeutic responses to ongoing attempted genocide are introduced, described, and developed. I identify the brutality of historical and contemporary colonization as one of the major influences in undermining Indigenous clients’ health and wellbeing—a perspective that decentres and resists individualistic pathologizing that is the focal point of mainstream psychiatric diagnoses and treatment. I also illustrate the negative impacts of psychiatric assessment for Indigenous clients and demonstrate how mainstream mental health practices, in not acknowledging colonization as the context for Indigenous clients’ suffering, are implicated in ongoing enactments of colonial oppression. The mainstream assessment of Indigenous clients’ suicidality as an individualized mental health disorder is also problematized. I conclude by centring Indigenous ways of knowing and culture in the promotion of health and wellbeing for Indigenous clients.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Roles of follicular helper and regulatory T cells in allergic diseases and allergen immunotherapy

Allergic diseases are characterized by overactive type 2 immune responses to allergens and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity. Emerging evidence suggests that follicular helper T (TFH ) cells, rather than type 2T-helper (TH 2) cells, play a crucial role in controlling IgE production. However, follicular regulatory T (TFR ) cells, a specialized subset of regulatory T (TREG ) cells resident in B-cell follicles, restricts TFH cell-mediated help in extrafollicular antibody production, germinal center (GC) formation, immunoglobulin affinity maturation, and long-lived, high-affinity plasma and memory B-cell differentiation. In mouse models of allergic asthma and food allergy, CXCR5+ TFH cells, not CXCR5- conventional TH 2 cells, are needed to support IgE production, otherwise exacerbated by CXCR5+ TFR cell deletion. Upregulation of TFH cell activities, including a skewing toward type 2 TFH (TFH 2) and IL-13 producing TFH (TFH 13) phenotypes, and defects in TFR cells have been identified in patients with allergic diseases. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) reinstates the balance between TFH and TFR cells in patients with allergic diseases, resulting in clinical benefits. Collectively, further understanding of TFH and TFR cells and their role in the immunopathogenesis of allergic diseases creates opportunities to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Nonprofessional Peer Support to Improve Mental Health: Randomized Trial of a Scalable Web-Based Peer Counseling Course.

BackgroundMillions of people worldwide are underserved by the mental health care system. Indeed, most mental health problems go untreated, often because of resource constraints (eg, limited provider availability and cost) or lack of interest or faith in professional help. Furthermore, subclinical symptoms and chronic stress in the absence of a mental illness diagnosis often go unaddressed, despite their substantial health impact. Innovative and scalable treatment delivery methods are needed to supplement traditional therapies to fill these gaps in the mental health care system.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether a self-guided web-based course can teach pairs of nonprofessional peers to deliver psychological support to each other.MethodsIn this experimental study, a community sample of 30 dyads (60 participants, mostly friends), many of whom presented with mild to moderate psychological distress, were recruited to complete a web-based counseling skills course. Dyads were randomized to either immediate or delayed access to training. Before and after training, dyads were recorded taking turns discussing stressors. Participants’ skills in the helper role were assessed before and after taking the course: the first author and a team of trained research assistants coded recordings for the presence of specific counseling behaviors. When in the client role, participants rated the session on helpfulness in resolving their stressors and supportiveness of their peers. We hypothesized that participants would increase the use of skills taught by the course and decrease the use of skills discouraged by the course, would increase their overall adherence to the guidelines taught in the course, and would perceive posttraining counseling sessions as more helpful and their peers as more supportive.ResultsThe course had large effects on most helper-role speech behaviors: helpers decreased total speaking time, used more restatements, made fewer efforts to influence the speaker, and decreased self-focused and off-topic utterances (ds=0.8-1.6). When rating the portion of the session in which they served as clients, participants indicated that they made more progress in addressing their stressors during posttraining counseling sessions compared with pretraining sessions (d=1.1), but they did not report substantive changes in feelings of closeness and supportiveness of their peers (d=0.3).ConclusionsThe results provide proof of concept that nonprofessionals can learn basic counseling skills from a scalable web-based course. The course serves as a promising model for the development of web-based counseling skills training, which could provide accessible mental health support to some of those underserved by traditional psychotherapy.

Virgen, monarquía y predicador en Patrocinio de María Santísima de Juan Millán de Poblete

An analytical overview of the textual and paratextual elements of Patrocinio de María Santísima is presented, this sermon was written and preached by Juan Millan de Poblete in the city of Mexico in 1693. Therefore, this research adopts a Philological approach. The study starts from the premise that this text constitutes an example of the homiletics produced in New Spain at the end of the seventeenth century. This research pays particular attention to the role that Mariology plays within the text and how this Mariology is combined with motifs that enhance the importance of the Spanish monarchy, the Spanish authorities and the subjects of the Spanish King. The text highlights the supposed saving mission of Spaniards, new God’s chosen people, to spread the gospel. Lastly, this paper dives on the theotokos, Mary’s function of mediator between God and the human family, her role of helper of the Christians and her connection to the imperial theology.

The importance of advanced cytometry in defining new immune cell types and functions relevant for the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection.

: In the last years, novel, exciting immunological findings of interest for HIV research and treatment were identified thanks to different cytometric approaches. The analysis of the phenotypes and functionality of cells belonging to the immune system could clarify their role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection, and to elaborate key concepts, relevant in the treatment of this disease. Important discoveries have been made concerning cells that are important for protective immunity like lymphocytes that display polyfunctionality, resident memory T cells, innate lymphoid cells, to mention a few. The complex phenotype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells has been investigated, and relevant changes have been reported during chronic and primary HIV infection, in correlation with changes in CD4 T-cell number, T-cell activation, and with advanced disease stage. The search for markers of HIV persistence present in latently infected cells, namely those molecules that are important for a functional or sterilizing cure, evidenced the role of follicular helper T cells, and opened a discussion on the meaning and use of different surface molecules not only in identifying such cells, but also in designing new strategies. Finally, advanced technologies based upon the simultaneous detection of HIV-RNA and proteins at the single cell level, as well as those based upon spectral cytometry or mass cytometry are now finding new actors and depicting a new scenario in the immunopathogenesis of the infection, that will allow to better design innovative therapies based upon novel drugs and vaccines.

The role of helper T cell in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

To review and summarize the role of helper T cell (Th) in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and research progress of Th cell-related treatment for OA. The domestic and foreign literature in recent years was reviewed. The role of Th cells [Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and follicular helper T cell (Tfh)] and related cytokines in the pathogenesis of OA and the latest research progress of treatment were summarized. Th cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. Th1, Th9, and Th17 cells are more important than Th2, Th22, and Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of OA. Cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 17 can cause damage to articular cartilage significantly. At present, the role of Th cells in the pathogenesis of OA has been played in the spotlight. The specific mechanism has not been clear. Regulating the Th cell-associated cytokines, intracellular and extracellular signals, and cellular metabolism is a potential method for prevention and treatment of OA.

T follicular regulatory cells and IL-10 promote food antigen-specific IgE.

Food allergies are a major clinical problem and are driven by IgE antibodies (Abs) specific for food antigens (Ags). T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are a specialized subset of FOXP3+ T cells that modulate Ab responses. Here, we analyzed the role of Tfr cells in regulating Ag-specific IgE using a peanut-based food allergy model in mice. Peanut-specific IgE titers and anaphylaxis responses were significantly blunted in Tfr cell-deficient Foxp3-Cre Bcl6fl/fl mice. Loss of Tfr cells led to greatly increased nonspecific IgE levels, showing that Tfr cells have both helper and suppressor functions in IgE production in the germinal center (GC) that work together to facilitate the production of Ag-specific IgE. Foxp3-Cre Ptenfl/fl mice with augmented Tfr cell responses had markedly higher levels of peanut-specific IgE, revealing an active helper function by Tfr cells on Ag-specific IgE. The helper function of Tfr cells for IgE production involves IL-10, and the loss of IL-10 signaling by B cells led to a severely curtailed peanut-specific IgE response, decreased GCB cell survival, and loss of GC dark zone B cells after peanut sensitization. We thus reveal that Tfr cells have an unexpected helper role in promoting food allergy and may represent a target for drug development.

IL-15 in the Combination Immunotherapy of Cancer.

We completed clinical trials of rhIL-15 by bolus, subcutaneous, and continuous intravenous infusions (CIV). IL-15 administered by CIV at 2 mcg/kg/day yielded a 38-fold increase in 10- day number of circulating NK cells, a 358-fold increase in CD56bright NK cells and a 5.8-fold increase in CD8 T cells. However, IL-15 preparations administered as monotherapy were ineffective, due to actions of immunological checkpoints and due to the lack of tumor specific targeting by NK cells. To circumvent checkpoints, trials of IL-15 in combination with other anticancer agents were initiated. Tumor-bearing mice receiving IL-15 with antibodies to CTLA-4 and PD-L1 manifested marked prolongation of survival compared to mice receiving IL-15 with either agent alone. In translation, a phase I trial was initiated involving IL-15 (rhIL-15), nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with malignancy (NCT03388632). In rhesus macaques CIV IL-15 at 20 μg/kg/day for 10 days led to an 80-fold increase in number of circulating effector memory CD8 T cells. However, administration of γc cytokines such as IL-15 led to paralysis/depression of CD4 T-cells that was mediated through transient expression of SOCS3 that inhibited the STAT5 signaling pathway. This lost CD4 helper role could be restored alternatively by CD40 agonists. In the TRAMP-C2 prostate tumor model the combination of IL-15 with agonistic anti-CD40 produced additive effects in terms of numbers of TRAMP-C2 tumor specific Spas/SCNC/9H tetramer positive CD8 T cells expressed and tumor responses. A clinical trial is being initiated for patients with cancer using an intralesional anti-CD40 in combination with CIV rhIL-15. To translate IL-15-mediated increases in NK cells, we investigated combination therapy of IL-15 with anticancer monoclonal antibodies including rituximab in mouse models of EL-4 lymphoma transfected with human CD20 and with alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H) in a xenograft model of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). IL-15 enhanced the ADCC and therapeutic efficacy of both antibodies. These results provided the scientific basis for trials of IL-15 combined with alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) for patients with ATL (NCT02689453), with obinutuzumab (anti-CD20) for patients with CLL (NCT03759184), and with avelumab (anti-PD-L1) in patients with T-cell lymphoma (NCT03905135) and renal cancer (NCT04150562). In the first trial, there was elimination of circulating ATL and CLL leukemic cells in select patients.

Expression and significance of follicular helper T cells and galactose-deficient IgA1 in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura

To study the role of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) in the pathogenesis of childhood Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and the correlation between them. A total of 36 children with newly-diagnosed HSP were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: HSP nephritis (HSPN) group with 11 children and non-HSPN group with 25 children according to the presence or absence of HSPN. Another 15 children who underwent physical examination at the outpatient service were enrolled as the healthy control group. Flow cytometry was used to measure the proportion of Tfh cells (CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+) in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-21 (IL-21) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood and the serum levels of IgA1 and Gd-IgA1. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of serum Gd-IgA1 concentration with Tfh cells and related factors expression in the children with HSP. Both the HSPN and non-HSPN groups had significantly higher proportion of Tfh cells and expression levels of IL-21 and IL-6 in peripheral blood than the healthy control group (P<0.05). The HSPN group had significant increases in the above indices compared with the non-HSPN group (P<0.05). Both the HSPN and non-HSPN groups had significantly higher serum levels of IgA1 and Gd-IgA1 than the healthy control group (P<0.05). The HSPN group had significantly higher serum levels of IgA1 and Gd-IgA1 than the non-HSPN group (P<0.05). In the children with HSP, serum Gd-IgA1 level was positively correlated with Tfh cells proportion and IL-21 and IL-6 levels (P<0.05). Tfh cells and related cytokines and serum Gd-IgA1 are involved in the development of HSP/HSPN. Tfh cells may mediate the increased production of Gd-IgA1.

Psychological intervention for patients with oral disease during the pandemic period of COVID-19

Public health emergencies have an impact on the public mental health. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has affected the normal diagnosis and treatment services in stomatological institutions across the country. Delay of non-emergency dental service will have a potential impact on the experience, cognition, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with oral diseases. Through literature retrieving, this article reviewed the oral psychosomatic diseases closely related to a patient's psychological status, such as oral mucosal disease, temporomandibular joint disease, bruxism, periodontal disease and so on. It was believed that the patients with these disorders might be more susceptible to the impact of stress events, and need be paid more attention by dental specialists. At the same time, this article analyzes the possible psychological stress symptoms of patients with various oral diseases, and puts forward suggestions for remote consultation and emergency treatment of dentists. From the perspective of social role, dentist plays not only the role of expert for professional guidance in dentistry, but also the role of helper in psychological counseling for patients.

Advances in the role of helper T cells in autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are primary immune diseases in which autoreactive antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes destroy and damage tissue and cellular components, resulting in tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Helper T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases under certain conditions. This review summarizes recent research on the role of helper T cells in autoimmune diseases from two aspects, helper T cell-mediated production of autoantibodies by B cells and helper T cell-induced activation of abnormal lymphocytes, and provides ideas for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The abnormal expression of helper T cells promotes the differentiation of B cells that produce autoantibodies, which leads to the development of different diseases. Among them, abnormal expression of Th2 cells and T follicular helper cells is more likely to cause antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. In addition, abnormal activation of helper T cells also mediates autoimmune diseases through the production of abnormal cytokines and chemokines. Helper T cells play an essential role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and a full understanding of their role in autoimmune diseases is helpful for providing ideas for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

An assets-based intervention before and after birth to improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation: the ABA feasibility RCT

Background The UK has low levels of breastfeeding initiation and continuation, with evident socioeconomic disparities. To be inclusive, peer-support interventions should be woman-centred rather than breastfeeding-centred. Assets-based approaches to public health focus on the positive capabilities of individuals and communities, rather than their deficits and problems. The Assets-based feeding help Before and After birth (ABA) intervention offers an assets-based approach based on behaviour change theory. Objective To investigate the feasibility of delivering the ABA infant feeding intervention in a randomised controlled trial. Design This was an individually randomised controlled feasibility trial; women were randomised in a 1 : 1 ratio to either the intervention group or the comparator (usual care) group. Setting Two separate English sites were selected because they had an existing breastfeeding peer support service, relatively high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage and low rates of breastfeeding. Participants Women aged ≥ 16 years who were pregnant with their first child, irrespective of feeding intention (n = 103), were recruited by researchers in antenatal clinics. Interventions Proactive, woman-centred support, using an assets-based approach and including behaviour change techniques, was provided by an infant-feeding helper (a breastfeeding peer supporter trained in the ABA intervention) and delivered through face-to-face contact, telephone conversations and text messages. The intervention commenced at around 30 weeks’ gestation and could continue until 5 months postnatally. Main outcome measures The main outcome measures were feasibility of intervention delivery with the requisite intensity and duration; acceptability to women, infant-feeding helpers and maternity services; and feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial. Outcomes included recruitment rates and follow-up rates at 3 days, 8 weeks and 6 months postnatally, and outcomes for a future full trial were collected via participant questionnaires. A mixed-methods process evaluation included qualitative interviews with women, infant-feeding helpers and maternity services; infant-feeding helper logs; and audio-recordings of antenatal contacts to check intervention fidelity. Results Of the 135 eligible women approached, 103 (76.3%) agreed to participate. The study was successful in recruiting teenagers (8.7%) and women living in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage (37.3% resided in the most deprived 40% of small areas in England). Postnatal follow-up rates were 68.0%, 85.4% and 80.6% at 3 days, 8 weeks and 6 months, respectively. Feeding status at 8 weeks was obtained for 95.1% of participants. Recruitment took place from February 2017 until August 2017. It was possible to recruit and train existing peer supporters to the infant-feeding helper role. The intervention was delivered to most women with relatively high fidelity. Among the 50 women in the intervention group, 39 received antenatal visits and 40 received postnatal support. Qualitative data showed that the intervention was acceptable. There was no evidence of intervention-related harms. Limitations Birth notification delays resulted in delays in the collection of postnatal feeding status data and in the offer of postnatal support. In addition, the intervention needs to better consider all infant-feeding types and did not adequately accommodate women who delivered prematurely. Conclusion It is feasible to deliver the intervention and trial. Future work The intervention should be tested in a fully powered randomised controlled trial. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14760978. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 7. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Group formation and the evolutionary pathway to complex sociality in birds.

Group-living species show a diversity of social organization, from simple mated pairs to complex communities of interdependent individuals performing specialized tasks. The advantages of living in cooperative groups are well understood, but why some species breed in small aggregations while others evolve large, complex groups with clearly divided roles is unclear. We address this problem by reconstructing the evolutionary pathways to cooperative breeding across 4,730 bird species. We show that differences in the way groups form at the origin of cooperative breeding predicts the level of group complexity that emerges. Groups that originate through the retention of offspring have a clear reproductive divide with distinct breeder and helper roles. This is associated with reproductive specialization, where breeders invest more in fecundity and less in care. In contrast, groups formed through the aggregation of unrelated adults are smaller and lack specialization. These results help explain why some species have not transitioned beyond simple groups while others have taken the pathway to increased group complexity.

Bcl-6-directed follicular helper T cells promote vascular inflammatory injury in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by chronic retinal microvascular inflammation. The involvement of CD4+ T cells in retinal vascular inflammation has been considered, but the specific subset and mechanism of T cell-mediated response during the process remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the potential role of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, a newly identified subset of CD4+ T cells in retinal vascular inflammation in DR.Methods: Patients with DR were enrolled and the PD-1+CXCR5+CD4+ Tfh cells were detected in the peripheral blood by flow cytometry. The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR model and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model were established, and 79-6, an inhibitor of Bcl-6, was injected intraperitoneally to suppress Tfh cells. The Tfh cells-related genes were investigated in the spleen, lymph nodes, and retina of mice by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and qPCR.Results: The Tfh cells expanded in the circulation of patients with DR and also increased in circulation, lymph nodes and retinal tissues from the STZ-induced DR mice and OIR mice. Notably, inhibition of Bcl-6, a critical transcription factor for Tfh cells development, prevented upregulation of Tfh cells and its typical IL-21 cytokine, and ameliorated vascular leakage in DR mice or retinal angiogenesis in OIR mice, indicating that Bcl-6-directed Tfh cells could promote vascular inflammation and angiogenesis.Conclusions: Our results suggested that excessive Bcl-6-directed Tfh cells represent an unrecognized feature of DR and be responsible for the retinal vascular inflammation and angiogenesis, providing opportunities for new therapeutic approaches to DR.

Investment of group members is contingent on helper number and the presence of young in a cooperative breeder

In cooperatively breeding societies dominant breeders are assisted by other individuals in raising their young. In many of these species helping behaviours and their benefits for breeders have been studied by investigating the helpers' contribution to direct offspring care, even though a significant proportion of help is not targeted specifically to offspring. Here, we investigated how breeders and helpers share the effort in shelter maintenance and how their investment is influenced by the presence of dependent young in the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus savoryi. Shelters provide essential protection from predators, independently of a group's breeding status. Shelter maintenance is costly in terms of time investment and energy expenditure. In the field we manipulated the workload of groups that differed in the presence and number of helpers and the reproductive state of breeders by increasing the need for digging out the breeding shelter. Helper presence correlated with workload reduction of dominant females, even in the absence of dependent young. This emphasizes the importance of shelters for the whole group, independently of the current reproductive status of the breeding pair. The described benefits increased with the number and body size of the helpers. Additionally, breeding females and helpers visited the breeding chamber more often if young were present, and helper presence enhanced the reproductive success of breeders. These findings highlight the importance of studying the role of helpers and their benefits to breeders not only in the context of direct brood care, but also for other cooperative tasks, in order to understand the evolution of complex animal societies.

Effects of climate change on pup growth and survival in a cooperative mammal, the meerkat

Abstract Breeding systems in which group members help to raise the offspring of co‐members are associated with arid, unpredictable environments. Cooperative rearing may mitigate the effects of adverse environmental conditions on pup growth and survival. However, few studies have explored the relationship between environmental variation and breeding success, and the role of helpers. Here, we show that reductions in the growth and survival of meerkat (Suricata suricatta) pups have been associated with increases in daily maximum air temperatures (Tmax) in the southern Kalahari over the last 20 years. On days when Tmax was high, meerkat pups gained less body mass than on cooler days. Reductions in the diurnal body mass gain (ΔMb) of pups on hotter days were not a consequence of reductions in the frequency with which pups were fed by adults as feeding rate increased with Tmax, suggesting that the reductions in ΔMb by pups on hot days reflected a decrease in water content of the food items or an increased water and energy cost of thermoregulation. Reductions in pup ΔMb on hot days were smaller in larger groups, in which helper‐to‐pup ratios were relatively high. As increases in air temperature are predicted with climate change, further reductions in meerkat pup growth and survival seem inevitable. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Follicular CD4 T Cells Tutor CD8 Early Memory Precursors: An Initiatory Journey to the Frontier of B Cell Territory

SummaryThe early events of CD8 memory generation remain largely unknown. Here we report that as early as 2 days after antigen priming, very early memory precursors can be identified by their expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR5. These early precursors, which have an effector phenotype, expand and temporarily migrate to the T-B cell zone junction where they interact with follicular CD4+ T cells (Tfh). Remarkably, this interaction with Tfh, hitherto considered as exclusive B cell helpers, is required for CD8 memory precursors to become highly competent memory cells. CD40 and interleukin-21 signaling are involved in the help provided to CXCR5+CD8 memory precursors. This study thus unveils critical early steps in the generation of CD8 memory, identifies CXCR5 as the earliest known marker of CD8 memory precursors, suggests a major helper role for Tfh, and points to possible coordination between the pathways of CD8 and B cell memory generation at the T-B-cell zone junction.

Doing good, feeling good? The roles of helping motivation and citizenship pressure.

Drawing on self-determination theory, this research investigates whether the motivation behind employees' helping behaviors is associated with their positive affect and their subsequent help provision, and whether citizenship pressure moderates these relationships. A recall-based experiment and an experience-sampling study capturing helping episodes among fulltime employees found that when employees helped coworkers because of higher autonomous (controlled) motivation in a helping episode, they experienced higher (lower) positive affect, and they had stronger (weaker) helping intentions and helped coworkers more (less) subsequently. We further found that citizenship pressure enhanced the positive relationship between episodic autonomous motivation and positive affect. Overall, the results challenge the universality of the "doing good-feeling good" effect and explicate the joint roles of citizenship pressure and helpers' episodic motivation in influencing employees' positive affect and their subsequent helping behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).