Researchers identified two groups of follicular helper lymphocytes that produce different types of antibodies in response to virus infections and allergies. This discovery could lead to new treatments for allergy diseases without affecting immune responses to infections.
A study found that the host's immune response to Trypanosoma brucei infection triggers lipolysis, leading to weight loss and a protective effect against disease progression. This discovery opens up new treatment strategies targeting the infection in adipose tissue.
A new study led by Sandra Casimiro and Luís Costa found a promising molecular target, the RANK signaling pathway, that could be used in combination with standard care to avoid resistance to treatment in metastatic breast cancer. High levels of RANK in cancer cells are associated with resistance to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
A study identified a protein, UBE2C, present in brain metastases associated with worse disease prognosis. Researchers found that high levels of UBE2C increase the spread of tumor cells in the central nervous system.
A new study found a protein that regulates macrophage function, clearing residues from regenerating muscle and recovering regenerative capacity in aged mice. The discovery holds promise for regenerative medicine and aging, potentially improving the success of current stem-cell based therapies.
A new study discovered that maternal γδ T cells influence the transfer of microorganisms during birth and nursing, impacting lung immune response in newborns. This discovery highlights the role of gut microbiota in modulating lung immunity and has implications for understanding the first breath response.
Researchers discover piperlongumine (PL), extracted from long pepper, as a potent antiviral treatment for SARS-CoV-2. PL delays disease progression and reduces lung inflammation in mice infected with alpha, delta, and omicron variants, offering a potential solution to combat upcoming outbreaks.
A new study in Portugal's population shows that hybrid immunity from vaccination and previous SARS-CoV-2 infections confers up to 8 months of protection against omicron BA.5. The study found that protection remains high after 8 months, with a stable level of around 65%.
Researchers created an atlas of the malaria infection by Plasmodium parasites in the liver, revealing differences in infected cell localization and immune response. The study's findings hold promise for developing treatments targeting the asymptomatic liver stage of the disease.
Researchers discovered that the TERRA molecule, present at higher levels in ALT cancer cells, sets a damage threshold for these cells. Increasing TERRA levels causes DNA damage that is unsustainable for cancer cells, leading to their death.
A study published in NEJM found that individuals infected with previous SARS-CoV-2 variants have four times greater protection against the current Omicron BA.5 subvariant than those who were not infected. This hybrid immunity provides significant protection against future infections.
A new study led by Marc Veldhoen found that tissue resident white blood cells use glucose as an energy source and have a faster metabolism than circulating lymphocytes. This discovery highlights the importance of having a balanced diet for a healthy immune response.
Researchers have developed a new therapeutic agent from Brazilian lapacho tree bark that targets acute myeloid leukemia cells while minimizing toxic effects on healthy cells. The compound is attached to an antibody that binds specifically to cancer cells, delivering the drug directly to its target.
Researchers created patient-derived models of brain metastases that recapitulate human disseminated disease, reflecting clinical manifestations and biological characteristics. These models can be used to test therapeutic value of different treatments and explore new approaches tailored to each patient.
A new mechanism has been discovered that decorates the end tails of RNA molecules in a parasite causing sleeping sickness, preventing their degradation and potentially increasing virulence. This fundamental discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies for this disease, as well as other RNA-based infections/diseases.
Researchers found that mutations in IL-7R are sufficient to trigger acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common and aggressive cancer in children. The study suggests that drugs targeting this protein may offer new therapeutic options for patients.
A recent study reveals that muscle regeneration after physiological damage relies on the rearrangement of nuclei, accelerating repair of contractile units. Nuclei are attracted to injury sites and deliver mRNA molecules to initiate protein synthesis for muscle repair, offering a new insight into muscle biology.
A study published in Cell Reports has shown that administration of senolytic drugs targeting 'zombie cells' in the scar tissue surrounding spinal cord injuries improves functional recovery. The zombie cells are senescent cells with interrupted growth and division but not programmed cell death, which persist in mammals and contribute to...
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how the production of antibodies is regulated in human cells, using cutting-edge technologies to sequence genes in individual cells. This knowledge could lead to enhanced antibody production in vaccines and treatments for diseases such as autoimmunity and allergy.
Researchers discovered that gamma-delta T cells require glucose to eliminate tumor cells but consume cholesterol, promoting pro-tumor functions. This dichotomy in energy resources has implications for cancer immunotherapy and diet's impact on its effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites secrete the protein EXP2 to create pores in host cell membranes, facilitating entry. Blocking or decreasing liver infection can prevent malaria. The findings open a new pathway for prophylactic interventions and may lead to the development of treatments.
A new Portuguese study shows that 90% of subjects have detectable antibodies 40 days to 7 months post contracting COVID-19. Age is not a confounding factor in levels of antibodies produced, but disease severity is observed.
Researchers have discovered a region of viral protein LANA that is crucial for KSHV persistence in human cells, which could potentially be used to develop therapy for KSHV tumors. The study found that this LANA region interacts with p53 and other unacetylated proteins, allowing the virus to persist in tumor cells.
A new study has shed light on the development of tissue resident surveillance cells, a type of T-cell that protects against external invaders. The research found that regulatory T-cells play a crucial role in generating these cells by promoting the local availability of specific molecules, such as TGF-beta.
Researchers have designed a simple and efficient platform to discover new drugs treating spinal cord lesions using zebrafish, accelerating the translation period from discovery to clinics. The platform has identified a molecule with motor recovery properties in zebrafish larvae and showed efficacy in spinal cord injury models in rodents.
A human enzyme named FANCM is essential for the survival of cancer cells using an alternative telomere lengthening pathway. ALT tumor cells require FANCM activity to prevent telomere instability and cell death.
A team of scientists has discovered a unique genetic signature, or 'fingerprint', in cancer cells that can be targeted to selectively eliminate abnormal cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.
A new computational approach has been developed to analyze large databases of clinical and splicing information for thousands of tumors. The software detects patterns of similarities between cases and identifies molecular alterations associated with patient survival and resistance to therapy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry reveals that long-term use of cannabis or cannabis-based drugs impairs memory in mice, with significant effects on brain function and communication between learning and memory regions. The research highlights the potential negative side effects of long-term cannabinoid exposure.
Researchers identify myofibroblasts as key players in activating nucleus movement, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders. The discovery could improve understanding of muscle differentiation, functionality, and regeneration.
Researchers identified a new mechanism involved in age-related memory loss, where specific changes in brain circuit signaling lead to abnormal neuron responses. The study found that an adenosine receptor, A2A, is concentrated in neurons and its overactivation leads to increased glutamate release.
Researchers discovered that the mitochondria of gut-resident white blood cells have a different composition that reduces their energy production, keeping them in a controlled activated state. This knowledge can lead to new diagnostic markers and treatments for conditions like gut inflammations and infections.
Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular found that TERRA, a functional component of telomeres, must be constantly regulated to prevent telomeric and chromosomal instability. This study sheds light on the molecular basis of genome stability and may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Instituto de Medicina Molecular found a specific non-coding RNA molecule, Zeb2-NAT, which can be reduced to regenerate old cells. By manipulating this molecule, it's possible to induce cellular regeneration and potentially treat diseases associated with cellular aging.
Researchers at iMM found that certain molecular signals allow cancer cells to survive chemotherapy by altering mitochondrial metabolism. Using VEGF-blocking drugs, they were able to render these cells vulnerable to chemotherapy.
Portuguese researchers have identified a crucial defence mechanism used by the malaria parasite to survive inside its host's liver cells. The protein UIS3 binds to LC3, forming a protective shield against autophagy, allowing the parasite to evade the host's cellular defence mechanism.
A team of researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular used a pioneer method to modify proteins involved in infectious diseases. They identified a novel molecular mechanism that protects pathogenic bacteria from oxidative processes.
Researchers found that metabolism directly impacts malaria development and severity. A study by Instituto de Medicina Molecular revealed that dietary shifts can lead to a 90% reduction in parasite load.
Researchers have discovered a novel molecular pathway that interacts with prion protein, triggering neuronal dysfunction and cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease. The study provides new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular created a chimera virus that can test molecules to treat cancers caused by human herpes virus infection in mice models of disease. This finding preserves the functionality of LANA, a protein vital for Kaposi virus maintenance, allowing new cancer treatments to be developed.
Portuguese researchers have discovered how cellular nuclei reach their position within muscle cells, a process disrupted in most muscle disorders. This finding has important implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat muscular diseases and sport-induced muscle injuries.
Scientists have discovered a specific type of immune regulatory cell, T follicular regulatory cells (Tfr), in patients with Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease. Blood Tfr cells are immature and unable to suppress antibody production, but their levels increase in response to flu vaccine exposure.
A new study reveals that malaria parasites actively adapt to a host's nutritional status, with mice eating 30% fewer calories showing significantly lower parasite loads. The parasite's rate of replication depends on the host's calorie intake, potentially dictating the outcome of a malaria infection.
Research reveals that cellular stress enhances Th17 cell activation, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Inhibiting cellular stress may hold promise for reducing disease symptoms by preserving other T cell responses.
A research team has identified a key molecular target that regulates antibody production in both helper and regulatory T cells, which may lead to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
A team of researchers discovered that the parasite Trypanosoma brucei has an internal clock, enabling it to adjust its composition and functions according to the day-night cycle. This finding could lead to more efficient treatment with chronotherapy, a concept already applied in other diseases.
A group of mutations in the interleukin-7 receptor gene have been identified in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Researchers found that certain pharmaceutical drugs already in clinical use can eliminate these cells, providing a potential therapeutic approach against leukemia.
Vanessa Oliveira, Portuguese researcher, develops strategy to reprogramme immune system of hemophilia patients. Her project aims to improve treatment efficacy by inducing patient's immune tolerance towards therapeutic clotting factors.
Researchers found that a pre-existing malaria infection restricts iron availability in the liver, preventing a second infection. This discovery has implications for managing and preventing malaria, which affects millions worldwide.