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How to rescue the immune system

Researchers developed a novel technique to turn immune system killer T cells into more effective weapons by delivering DNA into instructor cells. The method proved effective in jumpstarting defective immune systems in immuno-compromised mice and human killer T cells, paving the way for potential cancer therapy.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2012

MIT study: Driving the green

A new MIT study suggests that electric vehicles can cost 9 to 12 percent less to operate than diesel engines for urban deliveries, leading to potential savings of $900 to $1,400 per truck per year. The study also explores the viability of vehicle-to-grid systems, which could provide additional revenue streams through power services.

HIV's disguises no match for 'bionic assassins'

Researchers have engineered killer T-cells with a receptor that can recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells, regardless of the virus's disguise. This technology may lead to a powerful therapy for HIV treatment and could also be applied to other infectious agents.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 9, 2008

Pores open the door to death

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology found that tiny pores on the cell surface allow granzymes to enter cells, providing a new target for therapeutic methods. The discovery could lead to improved treatments for chronic virus infections and cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2008

Immune cell communication key to hunting viruses, Jefferson immunologists show

Researchers created a biosensor using quantum dots to mimic the clustering of MHC proteins on target cells, revealing strong contributions from non-viral peptide-MHC interaction with co-receptors. This cooperativity suggests that a single virus-MHC complex recognized in self-MHC complexes can activate a T-cell response.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2006

Inefficient immune killer cells abet HIV infection

Researchers found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) kill only a fraction of infected cells, with most deaths attributed to other factors. The study suggests that CTL-based vaccines may not prevent or clear HIV infection and could control the number of infected cells instead.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2006

Cancer vaccines: A two-pronged attack?

Researchers found that a cancer vaccine can stimulate the production of CTLs against specific antigens and also reactivate spontaneously produced CTL populations against multiple cancer antigens in about 10% of patients with metastatic melanoma. This non-specific process could potentially eliminate bulk of tumor cells.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 17, 2005

Understanding celiac disease

Researchers found that IL15 induces a series of biochemical changes in NKG2D signaling pathway converting CTL cells into Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells. MICA molecules are present in elevated amounts in celiac patients' intestinal cells, providing a target for immune cell attacks

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 14, 2004

JCI table of contents, January 2, 2004

A traditional herbal medicine enhances bilirubin clearance by activating the nuclear receptor CAR, potentially improving pharmaceutical treatments for neonatal jaundice. Additionally, a viral cure for type 1 diabetes has been discovered, where infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus completely abolishes the diabetic process i...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2004

JCI table of contents, November 4, 2002

Researchers found that HIV-specific killer T cells in asymptomatic individuals can recognize and kill both laboratory strain and autologous virus-infected target cells. However, these cells in symptomatic patients with AIDS are no longer effective against their own mutated virus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 5, 2002

How HIV outmaneuvers the immune system

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that HIV-specific killer T cells in AIDS patients are remnants of a once-effective response early after infection. The high number of these cells can no longer recognize mutated autologous virus, leading to disease progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 5, 2002

Optimizing antiviral peptide vaccines

Researchers have developed optimized antiviral peptide vaccines that exhibit enhanced efficacy against various viral infections, including HIV and SARS-CoV-2. These improvements are attributed to the incorporation of specific amino acid sequences that enhance immune responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2001

Salmonella's molecular mimics may spark arthritis

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune system cells can attack normal cells carrying mimic molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases like arthritis. The study suggests subtle changes that could underlie many autoimmune diseases and offers a starting point for investigating environmental or genetic triggers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 31, 2000