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JCI early table of contents for Feb. 10, 2014

In this study, researchers identified a unique regulatory T cell population in human skin that plays a crucial role in dampening the immune response against self-antigens. However, in inflamed skin, such as in psoriasis, this population is dysfunctional and fails to suppress autoimmunity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 10, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 2, 2013

Researchers identified a distinct Treg cell population expressing ICOS that predicts better clinical outcomes in melanoma patients treated with high-dose IL-2 therapy. A SOD1 pharmacological inhibitor reduced tumor growth in mice, suggesting inhibition of antioxidants as a viable chemotherapeutic option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 2, 2013

Balancing T cell populations

Researchers found that loss of TSC1 in T cells disrupted the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, leading to severe inflammation. The study suggests that fine-tuning mTOR activity through regulators like TSC1 may be beneficial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Fatty acid produced by gut bacteria boosts the immune system

A new study found that butyrate, a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, induces the production of regulatory T cells in the gut, boosting the immune system. This discovery supports the use of butyrate as therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and may lead to personalized preventive medicine.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 25, 2013

Researchers found ionizing radiation exposure promotes formation of fusion oncogenes in papillary thyroid cancers. In another study, the origin of lethal prostate cancer was traced back to a small, low-grade focus in the primary tumor. Additionally, reduced reactive oxygen species production in diabetic kidneys may contribute to diseas...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Itch maintains regulatory T cell stability

Researchers found that Itch maintains the stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which promotes Th2 inflammatory responses and severe airway inflammation in mice. This study highlights the importance of Itch in regulating immune responses and preventing allergic diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Lymph nodes with location memory

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that lymph nodes in certain locations produce more regulatory T cells, which mediate tolerance to harmless substances. This 'location-specific memory' is crucial for maintaining the balance of the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateAug 14, 2013

Estrogen fuels autoimmune liver damage

Researchers found that estrogen and interleukin-6 collude to cause immune cell misconduct and fuel autoimmune liver damage. Female mice with intact ovaries developed worse liver damage than those without ovaries, suggesting a key role for estrogen in the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2013

Targeting T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

A subset of regulatory T cells has been identified that can remove pathogenic T cells, inhibiting disease progression in RA-like conditions. Small proteins have also been found to induce more of these beneficial T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2013

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