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Solving the puzzle of IgG4-related disease, the elusive autoimmune disorder

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has made a breakthrough in understanding the inflammation mechanism in IgG4-related disease. They found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are necessary for pancreatic inflammation, and propose Janus kinase (JAK) as a suitable therapeutic t...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Immunology·DateDec 18, 2019

Could cytotoxic T-cells be a key to longevity?

Scientists have discovered that supercentenarians, people over 110, have an excess of cytotoxic CD4 T-cells, which may be key to their immunity. This finding could provide new insights into the mechanisms of healthy aging and immunosurveillance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

Clues to improve cancer immunotherapy revealed

A new study reveals that helper T cells play a vital role in cancer immunotherapy, and activating them alongside killer T cells can lead to more effective treatments. The research suggests that combining immune checkpoint therapy with vaccines targeting both types of T cells may be the key to improving treatment outcomes for patients

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2019

A new path to cancer therapy: developing simultaneous multiplexed gene editing technology

Researchers developed a new gene editing system that simultaneously suppresses proteins inhibiting the immune system in lymphoma cells and activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The technology, based on improved CRISPR gene editing, shows promise for treating various diseases including cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions.

Heating up cold tumors

Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism by which cold tumors can be made susceptible to immunotherapy. The study found that inducing UCP2 expression in tumor cells prompts an anti-cancer immune response, drawing killer T cells and conventional type 1 dendritic cells into the microenvironment.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 22, 2019

Immune response of Ebola survivors

Researchers identified cytotoxic T cell responses to Ebola-specific proteins in 26 Sierra Leonean survivors, suggesting a vaccine targeting both viral nucleoprotein and glycoprotein could elicit cell-mediated immunity. The study provides insights into the immune response of Ebola survivors and potential strategies for vaccine development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Helmholtz researchers get to grips with a herpesvirus

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified 16 virus structures that can be attacked by killer T cells, which could lead to new therapies for immunocompromised individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases. The researchers discovered these targets using an algorithm and verified them in a large group of patients.

Do germs cause type 1 diabetes?

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that certain bacteria can activate killer T-cells, which destroy insulin-producing cells and lead to type 1 diabetes. This discovery sheds light on the potential external factors contributing to the disease's development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2016

Towards elimination of HIV reservoirs

Researchers develop 'kick and kill' strategy using Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecules to target HIV-infected cells and killer T cells. The study shows that the molecules can induce killing of infected cells and reduce detectable HIV expression in blood cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 5, 2015

Key findings to develop a vaccine against Toxoplasma

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new role for p62 in the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, paving the way for the development of an inactivated vaccine. The study found that p62 plays a crucial role in activating killer T cells in infected cells stimulated by interferon-γ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2015

Immune system: Help for killer cells

Scientists discovered that helper T cells boost killer cell reproduction and provide memory, enabling them to remember previous infections. This understanding could lead to the development of new vaccines that activate killer cells with harmless fragments of disease pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateAug 21, 2015

Broad immune response may be needed to destroy latent HIV

A team of Yale and Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strategy to stimulate killer T cells to target and destroy infected cells harboring dormant viruses. The study suggests that directing CTL responses to unaltered pieces of virus may be the future direction for developing a therapeutic vaccine to clear HIV.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2015

Mature T cells can switch function to better tackle infection

Researchers have discovered that mature CD4+ helper T lymphocytes can reprogram into killer-like CD8+ T lymphocytes, gaining killing functions. This unexpected plasticity expands the functional capabilities of CD4+ T cells, suggesting they may play a direct protective role in immune responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 20, 2013

La Jolla Institute identifies molecular switch enabling immune cells to better fight disease

The study found that CD4 helper T cells can transform into killer cells by overcoming a suppression mechanism triggered by a transcription factor. This transformation enables the helper cells to take on the role of killer cells in mounting an immune attack against viruses, cancerous tumors, and other damaged or infected cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 20, 2013

How does the immune system fight off threats to the brain? New research yields fresh insight

Researchers have discovered that immune cells in the brain use a two-tier approach to combat infections, sending signals to neighboring cells while focusing their attack on infected cells. This finding may help researchers develop new treatments for brain tumors and autoimmune diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012