Scientists at Scripps Research engineered a synthetic protein that can bind to TLR4 within cell membranes, reducing inflammatory signals. The study advances understanding of TLR4's membrane-embedded region, which is critical for cross-membrane signaling, and outlines new computational tools for targeting proteins within membranes.
Bone complications in sickle cell disease include early-onset osteoporosis, compression fractures, and avascular necrosis. Research aims to investigate how inflammation leads to bone complications and identify if bone cells drive musculoskeletal pain.
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) form tight anatomical associations with sensory, autonomic, and enteric nerve fibers, receiving neural regulation through activating and inhibitory pathways. ILC2s also secrete cytokines that can act back on neurons, forming positive feedback loops that modulate allergic and anti-infective immunity.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses routine chest CT scans to identify patients at risk of pneumonitis, a potentially life-threatening form of lung inflammation. The model, called CIPHER, achieved high predictive power and maintained strong performance despite differences in patient populations and imaging protocols.
A preliminary study led by UC San Francisco found that reducing ultra-processed food intake significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants, who reduced their intake by over 85%.
A new study by UC Riverside scientists has identified MAPK14, a brain protein, as the driving force behind neuroHIV damage, which causes dementia, neuropathy, and memory problems. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop a treatment for neuroHIV, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers have mapped cellular differences between two similar bowel diseases, identifying hidden immune activity that may explain why one carries a much higher risk of colon cancer. The study found that patients with PSC-associated IBD had a distinct microbiome and higher levels of immune activity even in the absence of inflammation.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF8 hijacks immune cells to cause hyperinflammation, leading to severe lung damage. Blocking ORF8 reduces lung inflammation and damage in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, offering a promising new path for developing treatments.
Researchers discovered PECAM-dependent mechanism for immune cell traffic in the retina, identifying neutrophils as proresolving mediators. Targeting PECAM controlled white blood cell traffic, leading to improved clinical outcomes in uveitis model.
Researchers at the University of Münster have found that using biomarkers to identify high-risk patients can significantly reduce the risk of kidney damage after major surgery. The approach has great potential to help sepsis patients too, and the team is working to incorporate these findings into international guidelines for the treatm...
Researchers discovered a link between chronic pain and altered skull bone marrow activity, indicating a potential therapeutic target for this debilitating health problem. The study suggests that elevated translocator protein in skull bone marrow may be a key factor in chronic pain development.
Researchers found that GLP-1 treatment improved muscle and cognitive function, and reduced hallmarks of natural aging in older mice. The treatment also extended lifespan by nearly 100 days, suggesting a potential therapeutic route for slowing physiological aging.
Researchers have created a detailed map of childhood Crohn's disease before and after treatment, identifying specific cell signatures that predict disease severity and treatment outcomes. The study suggests that anti-TNF therapy may push the pediatric cell ecosystem towards more resistant disease.
A recent study published in Cell Death & Differentiation highlights the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins in osteoarthritis, revealing their contribution to inflammation and tissue remodeling. The research identifies a promising protein, PDIA4, which may serve as a therapeutic target for limiting disease progression.
Cyclin D1, a protein linked to cancer, paradoxically promotes chronic inflammation in non-proliferating senescent cells, which can lead to age-related disease. Research suggests that targeting cyclin D1 may be a promising strategy to reduce inflammation and promote healthier aging.
Txn1 mutant rats exhibit severe kidney deterioration, with hallmarks of human CKD, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. The study identifies a link between chronic thioredoxin deficiency and CKD progression, suggesting promising therapeutic approaches.
A protein that sticks cells together has been found to also help engulf dead cells, a discovery that could lead to new clues for understanding chronic inflammatory conditions. The study found that the 'tissue glue' helps cells adapt to swallow dead cells, which are a major cause of inflammation.
A new study has discovered a molecular navigation system that precisely directs neutrophils to sites of infection, allowing them to fight off disease-causing microbes without damaging healthy tissue. This finding represents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
A review highlights how reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence multiple inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB, Nrf2, HIF-1, and the NLRP3 inflammasome, and how their effects depend on biological context. ROS not only cause damage but also act as signaling molecules under physiological conditions.
Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.
A Bar-Ilan University study reveals that directing attention toward bodily sensations reduces inflammation and accelerates recovery in healthy volunteers. The study found that nearly 90% of participants showed smaller inflammatory responses when focusing on the affected area, with faster return to baseline.
Pregnant women with a history of child abuse experienced increased inflammation when exposed to mild stress, associated with greater pregnancy complications, including premature birth. Mindfulness exercises may help pregnant women improve their health and reduce harm from childhood trauma.
A coral-inspired 3D-printed scaffold reprograms immune cells to promote angiogenesis and bone regeneration, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 state to reparative M2 state. The scaffold also enhances angiogenesis, new bone formation, and reconstruction of bone defects.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University finds that men who consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods have increased risks of prostate cancer. Men with the highest UPF intake had a possible 34% higher risk, although the finding did not reach statistical significance.
Researchers have discovered that proteins released from mitochondria can activate the immune system in a similar way to invading bacteria. Elevated levels of mitochondrial proteins were found circulating in the bloodstream even when no live bacteria were present, leading to excessive inflammation.
Researchers found that exercise-induced molecular changes contribute to neuronal health, improving movement and quality of life in PD patients. Exercise types such as aerobic exercises, resistance training, balance training, and multimodal exercise were found to be helpful in reducing falls, disabilities, and improving brain function.
Researchers have uncovered a key mechanism explaining how allergic inflammation in the skin can progress to a body-wide allergic response. IL-13 acts on dendritic cells, enhancing their ability to present allergens and promoting immune responses that produce antibodies.
Researchers found the nucleocapsid protein amplifies inflammatory pathways in macrophages, fueling tissue-damaging immune responses. The study suggests a possible mechanism for cardiac injury seen in severe COVID-19 cases and points to targeted treatments
Researchers developed a new approach to eliminate pathogenic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontitis without harming healthy tissue. This therapy preserves beneficial oral microbes, reducing bone loss and improving oral microbiota in mouse models.
A team of scientists has identified a multi-step process where neutrophils are guided to specific tissue sites to confront infecting microbes or viruses. The study found that a signaling complex formed by TRPV2 and CB2R directs migration selectively toward sites of infection.
Researchers found that a single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved symptoms in adult mice with autism-like changes, reversing abnormal brain signaling and behavior within two hours. The study suggests the adult brain's functional circuitry, not just its physical structure, as a target for future treatment approaches.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers reveals a hidden communication network between the skin and bone marrow that drives psoriatic inflammation. This pathway highlights a crucial role for neutrophils in fueling psoriatic flare-ups, suggesting a promising new target for future therapies.
Researchers discover a previously unknown mechanism of action for a synthetic peptide that mitigates excessive inflammatory responses in allergic asthma. The peptide inhibits a key inflammatory switch in the immune system, opening up new avenues for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
A study published in Cancer Research identified an immune pathway that promotes the progression of oral precancerous lesions into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers found that targeting a key inflammation signal known as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) could help restore immune surveillance and prevent high-risk lesions...
A clinical trial showed semaglutide improved liver scarring in patients with advanced fatty liver disease and early-stage cirrhosis. Non-invasive blood tests reflected treatment-related improvements more clearly than liver biopsies, which could reduce reliance on invasive procedures.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.
Researchers have found that stimulating a nerve in the external ear may help to ease inflammation in the lungs of mice. The study suggests a novel device could be developed to target inflammatory pathways and treat diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have identified a protein called vitronectin that triggers the scarring in lungs leading to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This discovery opens up a new potential treatment pathway using the vitronectin-macrophage pathway to inhibit scar tissue growth.
The study found associations between mitochondrial heteroplasmy and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome. Intermediate heteroplasmic mutations were associated with the degree of vascular stenosis and lipid metabolism parameters.
A new study reveals that macrophages, a key immune cell type, age differently across tissues and between sexes. The researchers found that aging macrophages become more focused on responding to stress and cellular damage, but lose some molecular programs involved in maintaining healthy tissue structure.
The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a central role in pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of immunological diseases. Dysregulation underpins many conditions, making it a crucial target for treatment. Emerging concepts like ubiquitin code editing and spatial immunology hold promise but require experimental validation.
A pilot clinical trial assessed ibuprofen's safety and efficacy as an adjunct to standard TB treatment in patients with pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB. Participants showed a reduced inflammatory response, indicating potential benefits for host-directed therapies.
Macrophages are critical drivers of chronic allograft failure, with emerging strategies targeting key macrophage signaling pathways providing an important conceptual shift. Targeted therapies, such as inhibiting the purinergic pathway and mTOR/NF-κB pathway, show promise in preventing chronic rejection.
A new study found that specific gut bacteria from children with stunted growth can be passed to their offspring, causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. The researchers identified Campylobacter concisus as a key contributor to this process, which may hold promise for future treatment and prevention strategies.
Glial cells play critical roles in determining brain recovery after TBI, and researchers have identified ways to selectively modulate their functions. The study highlights the importance of coordinated cellular behavior and suggests that targeting glial responses could lead to effective therapies.
Researchers have found that oyster meat extract can effectively reduce TNF-α-induced intestinal inflammation by interrupting NF-kB signalling pathways and decreasing COX-2 enzyme expression. This natural supplement has potential as a sustainable solution for managing chronic inflammatory diseases.
A USC interdisciplinary team has identified a promising pathway to turn off brain inflammation before it does its damage, increasing the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's. The Norman and Mary Pattiz Foundation funding will support research on novel drug discovery, early detection, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
A study by IBEC researchers found that dynamic protein usage, measured by endocytic turnover rate (ETOR), plays a critical role in blood–brain barrier function and is disrupted under inflammatory conditions. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for restoring neurovascular health.
Researchers identified a previously unrecognized immune system pathway that connects cigarette smoking to cardiovascular disease. Cigarette smoke activates immune cells, triggering widespread inflammation throughout the body and accelerating plaque buildup in arteries.
Researchers discovered biomarkers indicating overactivity and dysfunction in the immune system, which can lead to chronic critical illness. Identifying these markers could allow doctors to intervene earlier, leading to shorter ICU stays and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed epigenetic drugs that can reprogram perivascular fat cells to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health. By targeting specific gene-expression regulators, these drugs aim to prevent vascular damage in people with obesity and metabolic disease.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have achieved high response rates in patients with hard-to-treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using an all-oral combination therapy. The study also provides insights into the origins of cancer, revealing that tumors evolve rapidly through bursts of genetic changes.
A study from the University of Oklahoma reveals that microplastic exposure can exacerbate fatty liver disease, especially in high-fat dietary conditions. Researchers used advanced mapping technology to pinpoint specific regions of liver damage caused by polyethylene exposure.
A new study has identified a two-protein complex involved in exporting R-loops, which triggers an immune response causing harmful inflammation. The study tested an approved drug called KPT-330 and found significant improvements in inflammation, liver damage, fat gain, muscle loss, and lifespan in preclinical models.
Researchers at UC Riverside link immune signaling to disrupted brain function and cognition after concussion, finding a crucial link between TLR4 and MMP-9. Blocking these pathways may limit changes in brain circuits and improve long-term neurological outcomes.
Researchers from Kyushu University discovered that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 drives macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 state by activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This mechanism links the body clock to intracellular metabolism and immune function, offering new insights into treating inflammatory diseases.
Researchers at IGTP identify N-glycosylation as essential for preserving immunomodulatory function of extracellular vesicles. The study found that intact N-glycosylation can reduce monocyte recruitment to inflamed endothelium, contributing to a better understanding of these vesicles' therapeutic potential.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have identified a key immune pathway that appears to drive damaging inflammation in Huntington disease. Blocking this pathway reduced brain inflammation, protected neurons, and improved movement in a humanized mouse model of the disease.
Research in flies shows that tumor cells with chromosomal instability can become senescent and release signals altering neighboring tissue behavior. This process promotes tumor growth by inducing the death of nearby healthy cells.
A study led by Northwestern University identified a new biological culprit behind cognitive decline in people with HIV: the degradation of protective sugar molecules. Flu drugs preserved these sugar molecules and protected the brain in lab and mouse studies.