Researchers discovered that combining a tumor-boosting drug with radiation therapy can effectively shrink large tumors, but not small ones. The treatment works by increasing the expression of vessel proteins required for killer T cells to target the tumor.
Researchers have created a new source of platelets that can be used for transfusions, addressing the risk of blood infections and improving clotting function. The innovative approach involves using a stem cell population already committed to becoming platelets, and blocking enzymes that cause clotting defects.
Scientists discovered that HIV depletes functional B cells, which produce antibodies. The fatigued B cells overexpress the protein FCRL4, dampening their response to infection.
A recent study found high levels of IL-6 in affected individuals over a decade before nervous system symptoms began to manifest. This discovery challenges current understanding of the physiological basis of Huntington's disease and may lead to new early intervention strategies.
The study demonstrates that CNI-1493 protects nerve cells against amyloid beta-induced damage in culture and improves memory and cognitive function in mice prone to developing an Alzheimer's-like disease. The drug may provide a faster and more effective treatment for Alzheimer's, offering a promising alternative to current therapies.
New study identifies IKK(beta) protein as key driver of pro-tumor switch in macrophages, which halts production of anti-tumor genes. Inactivating IKK(beta) reprograms macrophages into tumor killers, attracting professional immune cells to shrink tumors.
Activating OX40 protein in mice eliminates existing tumors and prevents new ones from forming, suggesting its potential as an anti-cancer therapy. The approach may mitigate the risk of autoimmune disease, as the mice showed no signs of autoimmunity.
Recovery from flu leaves lungs vulnerable to pneumonia-causing bacteria due to immune system suppression. This 'protection mechanism' may also affect response to environmental allergens.
A new study reveals that Avastin's side effects may be caused by the blockage of VEGF, which normally protects brain cells from fluid leakage. In mice, this blockage led to brain swelling and cell death.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx trigger life-threatening side effects by stimulating blood clotting. The researchers propose a solution by administering TF-reducing drugs alongside Cox-2 inhibitors to treat people safely
A study found that feeding mice copper relieved heart disease and restored proper heart function, even when the animals' hearts were continually stressed. Increasing copper intake, especially in those pre-disposed to heart disease, might reduce mortality rates associated with this condition.
Malaria infection hampers red blood cell production, leading to severe anemia. A new study reveals MIF as the key immune player in this process.
Researchers challenge widely accepted opinion on probucol's protective effect against heart disease, revealing that a different part of the molecule is responsible for its benefits. The study also found no relationship between oxidized cholesterol and heart disease severity.
A mutation in the EAAT2 gene, which regulates glutamate levels in the brain, is associated with elevated plasma glutamate and increased risk of post-stroke neurological problems. Stroke patients with the mutated allele had higher plasma glutamate levels and more severe neurological outcomes than those with the normal allele.
A genetic mutation, CCR5delta32, makes individuals more susceptible to West Nile virus infections. Research suggests that this lack of a protein can prevent protective immune cells from reaching the brain, increasing the risk of severe disease.
Research suggests that low-dose carbon monoxide can act as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the production of interleukin-12 and short-circuiting disease-causing inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Non-smokers with inflammatory bowel disease should not rely on smoking to alleviate symptoms.
A recent scientific study found that a specific gene variation on chromosome 17 is associated with an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis. The MCP-1 protein, which attracts immune cells to sites of infection, was found to play a crucial role in the early immune response to TB-causing bacteria.
Researchers have found that mice lacking iNOS live twice as long and develop fewer brain lesions than those with iNOS. This could lead to a new treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease, which currently only temporarily improves cognitive function.
Researchers have discovered that eating fatty foods can dampen inflammation in the gut by stimulating the production of cholecystokinin, a hormone that sends signals to the brain and immune cells. This process may provide a way to reduce inflammatory complications after surgery.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes by targeting natural killer T cells. The study shows that multiple doses of alpha-galactosylceramide can reduce the production of interferon-gamma, which helps destroy transplanted islet cells.
Exposing cells to chloroquine prevents acidification of compartments, allowing proteins to escape and be broken down into smaller pieces displayed to cytolytic T cells. This boosts hepatitis B virus-specific T cell responses in up to 70% of vaccine recipients.
A new vaccine made of a sugar-like molecule called beta-glucan protected rodents from fatal fungal infections by triggering the production of anti-beta-glucan antibodies. The vaccine, combining beta-glucan with diptheria toxin, showed promising results in rodent trials.
A study by Bernhard Nieswandt and colleagues reveals that mice lacking factor XII cleared blocked arteries after injury, unlike humans who develop coronary artery disease with elevated factor XII levels. The findings suggest drugs inhibiting this protein may be useful for treating certain heart diseases without increasing bleeding risk.
Gold-colored bacteria, protected by pigmented carotenoids, evade immune attack and become vulnerable when synthesizers are inhibited. This finding suggests potential new treatments for antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections.
Researchers discovered a virus-like bacteriophage inserted into genetic material of hyperinvasive N. meningitidis strains, making them more likely to cause disease. The stowaway may help bacteria enter bloodstream, disrupting immune response.
Research suggests that individuals with more inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) have a decreased risk of developing cervical cancer. Activation of NK cells is thought to contribute to cancer progression by increasing local inflammation, which has been linked to the development of other types of cancer.
Asthma sufferers experience worsened symptoms when infected with the common cold virus, as their cells replicate more extensively and fail to produce interferon-beta, a potent anti-viral protein. This defect leads to increased pro-inflammatory molecule secretion, recruiting asthma-inducing cells into the lungs.
Researchers identified a new class of aspirin-triggered bioactive lipids called resolvins, which inhibit inflammatory cell migration and activation. Omega-3 fatty acid consumption may reduce inflammation by promoting the production of these anti-inflammatory compounds.
Scientists discovered that birch pollen extracts inhibit a protein that normally blocks allergic reactions, leading to increased sensitivity in allergy-prone individuals.
Researchers discover viral DNA sequence in MMTV Env protein that transforms mouse breast cells. The study suggests a potential new mechanism for virus-induced breast cell transformation.
Researchers found that vaccination against tumor-specific proteins can reinvigorate existing T cells, allowing them to attack tumors. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to treating skin cancer by targeting the immune system's natural defense mechanisms.
Autoantibodies disrupt calcium ion fluctuations, leading to toxic build-up and cell death in heart cells. Researchers are searching for the binding target of these antibodies to develop a new way to identify women at risk for congenital heart block.
A new study links higher MBL protein levels to reduced risk of heart attack, particularly in individuals with diabetes. The protein's role in clearing oxidized cholesterol from arteries may be a key factor.
Researchers found that old T cells weaken the immune system in older mice, causing impaired B cell activation and antibody production. However, infusing young T cells into old mice restored B cell function, suggesting a key role for helper T cells in maintaining immune capacity with age.
Researchers found that mice lacking integrin have impaired rod cell uptake, but can still collect debris; a protein trigger is needed to initiate digestion. Synchronizing timing scavenging may be key to maintaining proper cellular function and preventing age-related blindness.
T cells activated during IBD found in PSC livers, re-routed by aberrant attractant protein. Long-lived memory cells may explain delayed liver disease onset after IBD resolution.
Researchers find that blocking annexin 2 or eliminating it from cell surfaces can prevent HIV infection in macrophages. Annexin 2 helps the virus deliver its genetic material into cells by binding to a surface component on the virus.
Researchers have discovered VAR2CSA, a protein that enables malaria parasites to infect the placenta during pregnancy. Women with high levels of antibodies against this protein experience fewer complications and give birth to healthier babies.
Researchers found a genetic connection between preeclampsia and the interaction between trophoblast cells and natural killer cells. The study suggests that a specific protein combination may be responsible for suppressing the NK cells' ability to stimulate vessel remodeling, leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus.
Researchers used mouse models to study how Rituximab removes human B cells, revealing that antibodies allow recognition by macrophages, which carry antibody receptors. This discovery may lead to the development of better therapies for lymphoma and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have identified a new protein target for a universal childhood malaria vaccine, which causes infected red blood cells to stick inside blood vessels. This protein is expressed on the surface of red blood cells during severe childhood malaria but not during adult infections, making it an ideal candidate for vaccination.
Researchers found that NKT cells are attracted to tumors producing the chemokine CCL2, leading to better patient outcomes. Neuroblastomas with abnormally high levels of the cancer-causing gene MYCN contained fewer NKT cells and produced less CCL2.
Researchers found that patients with autoimmune disease have higher levels of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which cause heart disease. Additionally, atherosclerosis worsens autoimmune symptoms, implying that low-fat diets may benefit patients with autoimmune disease.
Researchers discover HIV mutations that prevent immune system from recognizing protein fragments, allowing virus to replicate and increase in number. This finding highlights the importance of considering nearby regions not recognized by the immune system when designing vaccines.
Researchers found that ES cell lines can restore blood cells, including immune systems, in mice without being rejected. This breakthrough has potential advantages over traditional bone marrow or blood donations, offering a renewable source with low risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Type I diabetics experience bone loss due to insufficient amylin production, which reduces osteoclast cell activity. Amylin injection or pathway activation may help correct this issue and alleviate osteoporosis.
Researchers found that cancer cells can migrate through protein matrices by reverting to a more rounded shape, allowing them to continue moving even when inhibitors are present. This 'salvage' pathway could be targeted by new drugs to combat cancer spread.
A glycolipid called a-GalCer enhances long-lasting CTL mediated immunity against malaria in mouse models. It interacts with NKT cells to bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
Researchers demonstrate that Ebola and Marburg viruses rely on lipid rafts in the cell membrane to gain entry and assemble. This finding opens up potential therapeutic avenues against these deadly pathogens.