 |
|
Chronic Infection Now Clearly Tied to Immune-System Protein
May 15, 2009BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The reason deadly infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C never go away is because these viruses disarm the body's defense system. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have discovered that a key immunity protein must be present for this defense system to have a chance against chronic infection.
Research up to now has tried but failed to decipher the cross-talk between 'killer T-cells' and 'helper T-cells' in the fight against viruses. The new UAB study finds this cross-talk can only happen in the presence of interleukin-21, a powerful immune system protein. If interleukin-21 is missing for whatever reason, then the immune system's anti-viral efforts fail, said Allan Zajac, Ph.D., an associate professor in UAB's Department of Microbiology and lead author on the study.
The findings are published in the journal Science through its Science Express service.
"Adding interleukin-21 back in stimulates the immune response and controls the infection," Zajac said. "We demonstrate that the loss of this protein prevents the control of the infection and diminishes the function of the killer T-cells, specifically CD8 T-cells."
The study mice were treated for lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a viral infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Measurements were taken for two types of T-cells, CD4 and CD8 T-cells, before and after the mice were treated with interleukin-21.
"Interleukin-21 served as the key messenger between the T-cells, whereas before we didn't know exactly how the two types of cells communicated with each other," Zajac said. The CD4 T-cells help the immune system do its job by boosting CD8 T-cells' ability to fight and kill viruses.
Co-authors on the study include John Yi and Ming Du, Ph.D., both of UAB's Department of Microbiology. Research funds came from the National Institutes of Health.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
"Adding interleukin-21 back in stimulates the immune response and controls the infection," Zajac said. "We demonstrate that the loss of this protein prevents the control of the infection and diminishes the function of the killer T-cells, specifically CD8 T-cells."
The study mice were treated for lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a viral infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Measurements were taken for two types of T-cells, CD4 and CD8 T-cells, before and after the mice were treated with interleukin-21.
"Interleukin-21 served as the key messenger between the T-cells, whereas before we didn't know exactly how the two types of cells communicated with each other," Zajac said. The CD4 T-cells help the immune system do its job by boosting CD8 T-cells' ability to fight and kill viruses.
Co-authors on the study include John Yi and Ming Du, Ph.D., both of UAB's Department of Microbiology. Research funds came from the National Institutes of Health.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Chronic Infection Current Events and Chronic Infection News RSSNew insight in the fight against the Leishmania parasite
Professor Albert Descoteaux's team at Centre INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier has gained a better understanding of how the Leishmania donovani parasite manages to outsmart the human immune system and proliferate with impunity, causing visceral leishmaniasis, a chronic infection that is potentially fatal if left untreated.
Updated Guidelines Highlight Primary Care Needs of Those Living With HIV
With HIV patients living longer thanks to advances in treatment, the primary care needs of those living with HIV have never been more important.
Immune exhaustion driven by antigen in chronic viral infection
A main reason why viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C persist despite a vigorous initial immune response is exhaustion. The T cells, or white blood cells, fighting a chronic infection eventually wear out.
UCLA scientists identify how key protein keeps chronic infection in check
Why is the immune system able to fight off some viruses but not others, leading to chronic, life-threatening infections like HIV and hepatitis C?
Vitamin A signals offer clues to treating autoimmunity
Distributed around the body, dendritic cells act as the security alarms of the immune system. After sensing the presence of intruders, dendritic cells can transmit the alarm to white blood cells or tell them to relax, depending on the signals they send out.
Chronic infection may add to developing-world deaths
Worldwide, nearly 2 million people per year die from diarrhea, the vast majority of them in poor countries in Africa and Asia. The disease accounts for 18 percent of all deaths among children - and yet is almost always preventable with proper treatment.
Poor people suffer disproportionately from chronic infections
Kids from low-income families are much more likely to suffer from serious infections such as herpes or hepatitis A than their counterparts in wealthier households.
Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles
Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative, flagellated, microaerophilic bacterium, can selectively colonize in the human stomach. Its infection is widespread throughout the world, and is present in about 50% of the global human population with 80% in developing countries and 20-50% in industrialized countries.
Wistar scientists find key to keeping killer T cells in prime shape for fighting infection, cancer
Like tuning a violin to produce strong, elegant notes, researchers at The Wistar Institute have found multiple receptors on the outside of the body's killer immune system cells which they believe can be selectively targeted to keep the cells in superb infection- and disease-fighting condition.
Engineered killer T cell recognizes HIV-1's lethal molecular disguises
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and colleagues in the United Kingdom have engineered T cells able to recognize HIV-1 strains that have evaded the immune system.
More Chronic Infection Current Events and Chronic Infection News Articles
 |
Chronic Infection, Chlamydia and Coronary Heart Disease (Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine) by S. Gupta (Author), A.J. Camm (Author) Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a major cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide. Classical risk factors for atherosclerosis fail to account fully for the wide variations in CHD prevalence and/or severity between differing populations. The search for hitherto unrecognised risk factors has recently focused on the potential role of chronic inflammation and common infections. Chronic Infection, Chlamydia and Coronary Heart Disease is the first book to review the wealth of evidence linking various infective agents with CHD, focusing particularly on the proposed pathogenetic role of the main candidate microorganism, Chlamydia pneumoniae. Written by two leading investigators in the field, the book provides a concise, clearly written and up-to-date account of the... |
 |
Hear No Evil 1/2 oz Ear Drops. Chronic Ear infections. Child Safe. Strep, colds, flu. Essential Oils. Alcohol free. by Trilight,Inc. If your ear is sensitive or has small abrasions use around the ear instead of in the ear for relief. Lyle's Note:I also wiill use Lympah Rub on the sides of my neck and take Scout Out if I have an ear ache. If you have product questions we can be reached by calling 530-292-1236 from 9-3:30 PST M-F. Herbs are processed in Trilight's CA FDA approved facility, a licensed Organic food handler. Complete list of formulas at: http://www.trilighthealth.com/store.php Trilight Herbs just celebrated over 17 years providing Liquid Light Alcohol free herbal extracts for children and the entire family. |
 |
Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone, 8-Ounce by Pet King Brands ZYMOX Otic is used in dogs and cats for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation of the external ear caused by bacterial, viral and yeast infections. Treat once a day for 7 days for acute infection and once a day for 14 days for chronic infection. Do not use in conjunction with other topical ear medications or cleaners. |
|
Medical Biofilm Microbiology: The Role of Microbial Biofilms in Disease, Chronic Infections, and Medical Device Failure CD-ROM Starring: Bill Costerton Directed By: Ryan Jordan | |
 |
Chronic Infection Legion Of The Damned (Primary Contributor) |
 |
PetAlive Ear Dr. - Ear Drops for Pets (30ml) by PetAlive PetAlive Ear Dr. contains a blend of natural, herbal ingredients in a medicinal olive oil base, all specially selected to treat and prevent ear infections and ear mites without the side effects of prescription drugs or the health and environmental risks associated with commercial synthetic pesticides. Ear Dr. can provide safe yet effective relief from your pet's ear problems and helps to prevent the spread of mites from one pet to another. Ear Dr. treats ear infections in dogs, cats and other pets; treats ear mite infestation; reduces inflammation of the ears and reduces pain, itching and discomfort and prevent constant scratching of ears. |
 |
Earcheck Middle Ear Monitor by Quest Products The EarCheck Monitor accurately detects the presence of middle ear fluid (i.e. otitis media with effusion) which may be associated with acute ear infection. It is clinically proven to be safe and reliable and provides accurate results in seconds. The EarCheck Monitor for home use is based on the same technology available for doctor's offices. This technology uses sound waves to detect middle ear fluid. The EarCheck Monitor sends a pleasant chirping sound into the ear canal. Some of this sound bounces off the eardrum and travels back to the instrument's built-in microphone. Sophisticated electronics inside the monitor analyze the reflected sound to determine if the eardrum is working normally. If there is fluid in the ear, the eardrum's vibrations may be restricted. The more fluid present,... |
 |
FiveLac KIT ~ 1 BOX (60 Packets per box) of FiveLac Candida Probiotic Defense & 1 Bottle of Active Digestive Enzymes (90 Capsules) ~ by Global Health Trax by Global Health Trax FiveLac: This incredible new product is the basic PROVEN ThreeLac formula with two additional intestinal good flora bacteria ingredients to make it even more effective. FIVELAC is Threelac with 2 Extra strains. Threelac has been arguably the most effective candida defence product in the market place. This proprietary formula is teeming with live bacteria that start to work immediately helping rid the body of resilient candida organisms. The secret behind FIVELAC & ThreeLac's effectiveness is the micro-encapsulation process that gets the candida-fighting live bacteria safely past the acidic environment in the stomach. To assist the process for general health reasons, use common sense - avoid processed sweets & soft drinks and reduce processed foods. Eat your sweets "raw" (fruit) and enjoy... |
 |
Why Your Toothbrush May Be Killing You Slowly: How Chronic, Silent Infections From Toothbrush Germs Cause Damaging, Long-term and Selinet Inflammation Throughout the Body by American Health Conferences (Publisher) |
|
Support for Chronic Vaginal Infections - 90 Cap Bottle by Universal Naturals This formulation provides numerous herbal ingredients that have an abilityto boost the immune system, restore vaginal pH balance and support the body's fight against vaginal infections. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |