Science News for March 27, 2005

Novel therapy tested in mice could chase away cat allergies

Researchers develop injectable treatment that blocks release of histamine, a key chemical causing allergy symptoms. The treatment, GFD, successfully prevents immune cells from reacting to cat allergen in both passively and actively allergic mice.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 27, 2005

Vital step in cellular migration described by UCSD medical researchers

Researchers at UCSD have identified a vital step in cellular migration that could lead to new therapeutic interventions for autoimmune diseases. The study found that alpha4 integrins recruit enzymes to block Rac activity only at the rear of a crawling cell, maintaining directional movement.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 27, 2005