 |
|
Brain Structure Assists in Immune Response, According to Penn Vet Study
January 29, 2009PHILADELPHIA -- For the first time, a team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have imaged in real time the body's immune response to a parasitic infection in the brain.
The complete findings, published in the current issue of the journal Immunity, provide unexpected insights into how immune cells are regulated in the brain and have implications for treatment of any inflammatory condition that affects the brain.
Toxoplasma, a common parasite of humans, is found in the brains of approximately 30 percent of the population. Yet, because the brain lacks its own lymphatic system for localized immune response and the blood brain barrier limits antibody entry, researchers have found it provides unique challenges for the immune system to control local infection. Therefore, little is known about the processes by which T cells access the central nervous system during toxoplasma infection or how the immune system keeps this parasite in check.
In this Penn study, researchers aimed to better understand how the immune system is able to control infection in the brain. Using recent advances in two-photon microscopy that allow the visualization of T-cell populations in the brain, Chris Hunter's lab focused on the visualization of effector CD8+ T cells during toxoplasmic encephalitis.
"We found, quite unexpectedly, that the movement of infiltrating T cells was closely associated with an infection-induced reticular system of fibers in the brain," lead author Emma Wilson said. "These structures were not present in normal brain tissue."
"This observation suggests that in the brain, specialized structures are induced by inflammation that guide migration of T cells in this immune-privileged environment and allow them to perform a search-and-destroy type of mission required to find abnormal cells or microbes with the brain," Hunter, professor and chair of the Department of Pathobiology at Penn Vet, said.
The study was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The study was performed by Wilson of Penn, now at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of California, Riverside; Tajie H. Harris, Beena John, Elia Tait, Marion Pepper and Hunter of the Department of Pathobiology at Penn Vet; Wolfgang Weninger, Paulus Mrass and E. John Wherry of The Wistar Institute (Weninger and Mrass are now at the Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology in Sydney); Florence Dzierzinski of the Institute of Parasitology at McGill University; Philip G. Haydon of the Department of Neuroscience at Tufts University; Gregory F. Wu and Terri M. Laufer of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; and David Roos of the Department of Biology at Penn.
University of Pennsylvania
In this Penn study, researchers aimed to better understand how the immune system is able to control infection in the brain. Using recent advances in two-photon microscopy that allow the visualization of T-cell populations in the brain, Chris Hunter's lab focused on the visualization of effector CD8+ T cells during toxoplasmic encephalitis.
"We found, quite unexpectedly, that the movement of infiltrating T cells was closely associated with an infection-induced reticular system of fibers in the brain," lead author Emma Wilson said. "These structures were not present in normal brain tissue."
"This observation suggests that in the brain, specialized structures are induced by inflammation that guide migration of T cells in this immune-privileged environment and allow them to perform a search-and-destroy type of mission required to find abnormal cells or microbes with the brain," Hunter, professor and chair of the Department of Pathobiology at Penn Vet, said.
The study was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The study was performed by Wilson of Penn, now at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of California, Riverside; Tajie H. Harris, Beena John, Elia Tait, Marion Pepper and Hunter of the Department of Pathobiology at Penn Vet; Wolfgang Weninger, Paulus Mrass and E. John Wherry of The Wistar Institute (Weninger and Mrass are now at the Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology in Sydney); Florence Dzierzinski of the Institute of Parasitology at McGill University; Philip G. Haydon of the Department of Neuroscience at Tufts University; Gregory F. Wu and Terri M. Laufer of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; and David Roos of the Department of Biology at Penn.
University of Pennsylvania
Immune Response Current Events and Immune Response News RSSCommon pain relief medication may encourage cancer growth
Although morphine has been the gold-standard treatment for postoperative and chronic cancer pain for two centuries, a growing body of evidence is showing that opiate-based painkillers can stimulate the growth and spread of cancer cells.
New culprit for viral infections among elderly -- an overactive immune response
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found that exaggerated responses of the immune system explain why the elderly succumb to viral infections more readily than younger people.
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
Researchers mobilizing global resources to test new treatments for severe H1N1 infection
An important, ground-breaking initiative is unfolding in the global critical care community in response to the H1N1 pandemic.
People with less education could be more susceptible to the flu
People who did not earn a high school diploma could be more likely to get H1N1 and the vaccine might be less effective in them compared to those who earned a diploma, new research shows.
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.
UCI embryonic stem cell therapy restores walking ability in rats with neck injuries
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries - a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.
Hundreds of genes distinguish patients likely to survive advanced melanoma
Although the chances of surviving advanced melanoma aren't very good with current therapies, some patients can live for years with cancer that has spread beyond the skin to other organs.
New Notre Dame study provides insights into the molecular basis of tumor cell behavior
A new study by a team of researchers led by Crislyn D'Souza-Schorey, associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, sheds light on the molecular basis by which tumor cells modulate their surroundings to favor cancer progression.
New Synthetic Molecules Trigger Immune Response to HIV and Prostate Cancer
Researchers at Yale University have developed synthetic molecules capable of enhancing the body's immune response to HIV and HIV-infected cells, as well as to prostate cancer cells. Their findings, published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
More Immune Response Current Events and Immune Response News Articles
 |
Immune Response and the Eye (Chemical Immunology) by Jerry Y. Niederkorn (Editor), Henry J. Kaplan (Editor) In memory of J. Wayne Streilein, the pioneer in ocular immunology The second edition of Immune >Response and the Eye' highlights recent insights into the >dangerous compromise' between the immune system and the eye, which protects the eye against pathogens while limiting inflammation and immune-mediated injury to ocular tissues with little or no regenerative potential. It discusses the broad spectrum of physiological, immunological, anatomical, and biochemical adaptations that conspire to closely regulate the tone and tenor of immune responses in the eye. This volume further describes immune-mediated diseases that occur when the compromise between the immune system and the eye is breached. This breakdown in immune privilege threatens the vision of millions each year. Finally, recent... |
 |
Source Naturals Aller-Response, Tablets, 90 tablets (Pack of 2) by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. Quercetin, Ginkgo & Synephrine. Aller-Response is a seasonal formula featuring quercetin. Human cell culture studies with quercetin demonstrated its capability to inhibit the release of histamines. Ginkgolide B, in human cell culture s |
|
Understanding Hereditary Angioedema: A Mysterious Out-Of-Control Immune Response Directed By: Information Television Network | |
 |
Understanding Hereditary Angioedema: A Mysterious Out-of-Control Immune Response (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Its called Hereditary Angioedema and its so rare popular television shows have used it as one of their mystery diagnoses. But for the people who suffer with this condition the drama associated with an episode of hereditary angioedema is anything but entertaining. It can be harrowing and horrifying because a person's face or knees or other parts of the body that once looked normal suddenly takes on grotesque proportions due to an unusual amount of swelling. This condition baffled scientists and researchers for many years but today there are new treatments for hereditary angioedema that are helping people with this condition live healthy normal lives. In this program we'll hear what the experts have discovered... |
 |
Chlamydia pneumoniae immunology: Innate Immune Responses induced by Chlamydia pneumoniae infection by Vjera Magdalenic (Author) Chlamydiae are common pathogens that cause a number of serious but preventable diseases in both humans and animals. In the recent years, Chlamydia pneumoniae has emerged as a major cause of human respiratory disease and more importantly, it has been linked to the establishment and exacerbation of serious chronic diseases including atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease, multiple sclerosis and reactive arthritis. There has been a lot of research into host responses to chlamydial infections and the development of immunopathology; but considerable gaps in our knowledge remain. The work described here aimed to analyse the early innate immune responses in the lung following C. pneumoniae infections with a view to better understanding host-pathogen interactions and the... |
 |
Vetri-DMG Tablets for Dogs & Cats (90 Tabs) by vetri science Vetri-DMG Tablets for Dogs & Cats (90 Tabs) (Supports Performance and Immune System Function) Vetri DMG is recommended to help support proper immune response, cardiovascular and skin health, glucose metabolism and proper nerve and brain functions. |
 |
Metabolic Maintenance L-Glutamine 500 mg 100 caps by Metabolic Maintenance L-Glutamine 500 mg 100 caps |
 |
Selected Aspects of Cancer Progression: Metastasis, Apoptosis and Immune Response (Cancer Growth and Progression) by Hans E. Kaiser (Author), Hans E. Kaiser (Editor), Aejaz Nasir (Editor) The processes of tumor metastasis, apoptosis and anti-tumor immune response are among the most complex yet rapidly advancing fields in the area of cancer research. This monogaph presents a comprehensive coverage of the recent advances in the various key concepts in these fundamental aspects of human cancer. It would be of particular interest to members of the cancer research community, especially those who are actively involved in the study of basic and translational aspects of human cancer. Specifically, this volume includes authentic subject reviews by leading experts on the following aspects: Control of tumor cell motility Role of tumor-cell adhesion and migration in organ-selective metastasis-formation Tumor heterogeneity in relation to invasion and metastasis and its... |
 |
Bedside Emergencies: Anaphylactic Shock (Volume 3) Also With: Concept Media (Primary Contributor) Describes the body's normal immune response and how it responds physiologically to allergens. Differentiates between anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, describing signs and symptoms. Describes initial interventions to slow down or prevent reaction from becoming life-threatening, as well as more aggressive therapy for severe, progressive reactions. |
 |
Primer to The Immune Response by Tak W. Mak (Author), Mary Saunders (Author) Primer to The Immune Response is an invaluable resource for college students, university undergraduates and students in medicine and other health professions who need a concise but complete and understandable introduction to immunology. This book is written in the same engaging conversational style as the published reference book The Immune Response: Basic and Clinical Principles and conveys the same fascinating appeal of immunology. The authors bring clarity, readability and continuity of voice to an audience that requires only a brief survey of the most fundamental concepts in basic and clinical immunology. Primer to The Immune Response is beautifully illustrated with over 200 superb figures and 36 full color plates, and further enhanced by the inclusion of 60 tables and 6... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |