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Higher rate of COVID-19 death before vaccination linked to certain common inflammatory immune conditions

A study analyzing 17 million patient GP records in England found that people with certain inflammatory immune conditions were at higher risk of dying or needing hospital care from COVID-19. The analysis suggests that targeting prevention strategies and early interventions towards those most at risk can help inform evidence-based policy.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateJun 8, 2022

Stromal cells, maestros of the intestine

In a mouse model, stromal cells developed before weaning age promote the maturation of the intestinal barrier by forming a specialized niche. Absence of these cells induces defect in postnatal growth and increases susceptibility to intestinal inflammatory diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 2, 2022

World-first: A biomarker that can diagnose Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at Kobe University and Hiroshima University have developed a biomarker that can diagnose Parkinson's disease from blood serum samples. The 'P450 inhibition assay' uses 12 different human P450s to detect changes in metabolites, allowing for accurate diagnosis with an accuracy rate of 85-88%. This breakthrough could lead to f...

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

‘Sting’ protein’s efforts to clean up brain cell damage may speed Parkinson’s disease progress

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a tool for studying inflammatory diseases related to COVID-19

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

"Growing end" of inflammation discovered

Researchers find NLRP3 protein forms filament that grows in one direction, allowing for targeted treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The discovery could potentially stop inflammation at the 'growing end', bringing relief to those suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Recurrent UTIs linked to gut microbiome, chronic inflammation

A new study reveals that recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can lead to chronic inflammation and increased risk of future UTIs. Antibiotics given to treat UTIs can disrupt the microbiome, making it easier for disease-causing bacteria to spread.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

Illumination of immune checkpoint LAG3 ‘black box’ could yield new cancer and autoimmune therapies

Researchers have shed light on how immune checkpoint protein LAG3 modulates T cell activity, providing crucial information for the development of new LAG3-blocking therapies. The study found that LAG3 suppresses T cell activation by disrupting coreceptor-Lck association, even in the absence of MHC Class II molecules.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Quantum dots shine bright to help scientists see inflammatory cells in fat

Researchers at the University of Illinois created quantum dots to visualize macrophages in fat tissue, shedding light on chronic inflammation's role in diseases. The new technology enables accurate cell counting and tracking over time, offering a potential diagnostic tool for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Bacteria in the bile duct may provide a new clue for treating liver disease

Researchers discovered a link between the immune system and microbiome in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease. MAIT cells activated by bile-derived pathogens could play an important role in PSC pathophysiology, offering potential new treatment implications.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Small molecule targets Achilles' Heel of AML, kills cancer cells

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a protein crucial to AML cell survival and found a small molecule that blocks its function, killing cancer cells in lab dishes and mouse models. This potential breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for AML and other conditions.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Toxin-producing yeast strains in gut fuel IBD

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that certain Candida albicans yeast strains produce a potent toxin called candidalysin, which damages immune cells and triggers pro-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a possible way to personalize treatments for IBD patients by targeting these high-damaging strains.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2022

Researchers identify a promising drug for treating serious COVID-19 complication in children

Researchers have identified larazotide acetate as a promising treatment for multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but severe condition. The study showed rapid improvement in symptoms and faster resolution of gastrointestinal issues among children treated with the drug, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCritical Care Explorations·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2022

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist identifies mechanism underlying ‘inflammaging’

Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that age-related chronic inflammation is caused by disruption of chromatin architecture. This leads to misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands, resulting in inflammation and loss of cellular function. The findings provide a unifying theory for the age-related degenerative diseases.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

Researchers identify protein complex critical in helping control cell death

A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Study shows high prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after COVID-19

A study tracking 425 patients post-COVID-19 found high prevalence of cognitive deficits, psychiatric impairments, and significant memory decline. Researchers observed no correlation between the severity of the disease or socio-economic factors with psychiatric alterations, suggesting a possible link to delayed inflammatory processes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateFeb 15, 2022

Researchers discover repair properties of a protein critical for wound-healing in gut diseases

A team led by Case Western Reserve University discovered the novel repair properties of Gasdermin B protein, promoting restoration of epithelial layers and effective wound-healing. The findings have significant implications for designing therapeutics to enhance wound repair in various organs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 7, 2022

Immunotherapy with house dust mite extract reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Researchers found sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extract to be effective in reducing signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The treatment, administered over 18 months, resulted in significant improvements in pruritus and lesions, with rare side effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

Asthma may reduce risk of brain tumors -- but how?

Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Ubiquitous food additive alters human microbiota and intestinal environment

A recent study found that carboxymethylcellulose, a widely used food additive, alters the intestinal environment of healthy individuals by reducing beneficial bacteria and nutrients. The research suggests that long-term consumption of this additive may promote chronic inflammatory diseases, highlighting the need for further study.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalGastroenterology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2021

Immune cell receptor and ligand regulation: A therapeutic avenue for inflammatory diseases

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity, suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms and bone loss. They discovered DCIR binds to glycoproteins on macrophages and osteoclasts, reducing inflammation and immune responses.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021