Articles tagged with Helper T Cells
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a subset of immune cells called T-regulatory (Treg) cells in human colon cancer that can either protect against or promote tumor growth. The presence of the protein RORγt is key to this differentiation.
A study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the HIV-positive partner in a serodiscordant couple significantly reduces HIV transmission rates, with a 26% relative reduction. However, the protective effect of ART seemed to only last for one year.
Research reveals IkBNS promotes formation of Foxp3, key feature of regulatory T cells, and influences NFkB family of transcription factors. Manipulating IkBNS could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
A growing body of literature suggests that alterations in regulatory T cell function may contribute to the development of sepsis. Manipulating these cells may offer a promising approach to treating patients with septic shock. The Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research reviews the current understanding of this complex immune response.
A new approach to HIV vaccine development is underway, aiming to induce protective antibodies without increasing HIV-specific T helper cells. The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to build on earlier studies showing that certain antibodies can protect against HIV infection.
Researchers have identified a novel type of T cell that can selectively target and destroy melanoma tumors. The discovery involves combining cyclophosphamide, an antibody that activates OX40 on T cells, with adoptive T cell transfer to eradicate advanced melanoma tumors in mice.
Researchers found vitamin D supplementation improved SLE symptoms by increasing beneficial CD4+ cells, Treg cells, and decreasing effector Th1 and Th17 cells. Vitamin D also reduced memory B cell and anti-DNA antibodies in patients.
Renowned immunologist Dan R. Littman, MD, PhD, has been elected a member of the Institute of Medicine for his seminal contributions to immune recognition, HIV pathogenesis, and commensal bacteria in immune system development. His work has major impact in both immunology and virology.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that normalizing the population of protective T regulatory cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes can regenerate insulin-producing beta cells and normalize blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. The study suggests a new approach to confront local autoimmune reactions in type 1 diabetes.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has identified a crucial signaling molecule involved in counterbalancing the immune system attack. Regulatory T cells, or Tregs, play a key role in suppressing inflammatory responses and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Researchers discovered that a protein called SAMHD1 protects resting T helper cells from HIV replication by degrading genetic information. The study provides new insights into the immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS and could lead to new treatments for HIV.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered a novel predictor for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) progression risk by analyzing changes in the physical characteristics of effector memory regulatory T cells. This finding could improve prognostication and inform therapeutic decision-making.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that the cell surface molecule OX40 induces the production of IL-9, leading to airway inflammation. This discovery may impact the treatment of chronic inflammation, such as allergic reactions and organ transplant rejection.
A recent study published in JAMA found that HIV-infected women with normal cervical cytology and negative oncogenic HPV DNA had a similar risk of cervical precancer and cancer to uninfected women over a 5-year period. The study's findings suggest that current screening guidelines may need to be revised for HIV-infected women.
The new guidelines recommend that all adults with HIV infection be treated, with no CD4 cell count threshold for initiating therapy. Initial regimens include a combination of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Researchers reprogrammed asthma-promoting immune cells in mice, reducing airway damage and inflammation. The discovery identifies a potential target for new treatments of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that a subtype of CD4-positive immune cells called Th17 cells in the gut could influence disease outcome and help control HIV growth. Increasing these cells may promote an environment with more anti-viral capabilities, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that rhesus macaques with more Th17 cells in their gut are better able to control SIV and live longer after infection. This finding may shed light on why some people infected with HIV live longer and have fewer health problems than others.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that daclizumab improved the survival of breast cancer patients taking a cancer vaccine by 30%, compared to those not taking daclizumab. The drug depletes regulatory T cells, allowing immune cells to fight tumors more effectively.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that a diverse array of regulatory T cells is necessary to prevent the immune system from generating tissue-specific inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. This diversity provides a cumulative protective effect against the disease.
A study found that CD4 cell count is associated with AIDS risk in HIV-infected adults on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with a suppressed viral load. Patients with higher CD4 counts have lower AIDS risk, even at counts above 500 cells/μL.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers has found that disruptions in the immune system's regulation may play a role in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly disease affecting premature infants. The findings suggest a new target for therapeutic interventions to prevent NEC.
Researchers discovered a subpopulation of HIV-specific CD4 T cells that can directly kill HIV-infected cells, suggesting a role in controlling viral loads. Elevated expression of the cell-death protein granzyme A distinguishes these cells from those unable to control viral replication.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham discovered a new mechanism that explains how infections can trigger multiple sclerosis relapses. Regulatory T cells, which regulate immune responses, become less inhibitory when stimulated by bacterial or viral molecules, leading to increased inflammation.
The discovery highlights a mechanism for regulatory T-cell accumulation in lymphoid tissue, which could lead to a treatment strategy that slows the production of this type of T cell. Regulatory T cells normally tamp down immune-system attacks, but high numbers might prevent an immune response against HIV.
Researchers found that Th17 cells, a specialized immune cell group, can confer immunological advantage against infectious organisms. The approach uses protein complexes in the cell membrane as antigens, offering potential for simplified vaccination and broader coverage against diverse bacterial strains.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) downregulate helper T cell activity, suppressing immune response. This can lead to cancer progression and escape from immune defense. The study aims to understand Treg mode of action and develop immune therapies against cancer.
Researchers at Emory Vaccine Center found that infusing immune cells back into patients after a period of conditioning can revive exhausted cells. This cell-based treatment, combined with an antibody against PD-1, reduced viral levels by a factor of four and made the virus undetectable in some mice.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found a way to 'expand' regulatory T-cell (Treg) cells to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious risk in many cell transplants. The new method uses dendritic cells to activate Tregs, offering a potential breakthrough in preventing GVHD while sparing beneficial immune responses.
Researchers found that a gene called CCR2 and an immune system cell called Th17 cell play key roles in rheumatoid arthritis. A missing type of monocyte may also contribute to the disease's progression.
A team of researchers has identified a way to accelerate the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves in mice, enabling full muscle function recovery. Clinical data suggests that strategies increasing nerve growth rate may enhance functional recovery in patients after peripheral nerve damage.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care identified genetic underpinnings of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells, crucial for preventing autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The study sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for diseases like type I diabetes, arthritis, and lupus.
A new study published in Immunity sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying immune tolerance and regulatory T cells. Researchers discovered that GATA-3 controls Foxp3 expression, revealing a crucial role for this transcription factor in regulating Treg function and immune response.
A novel sensory pathway modulates Th17 cell responses, revealing a potential anti-inflammatory mechanism for PI-3K and Akt inhibitors. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new treatments.
A specialized regulatory T cell that expresses three specific genes has been discovered to shut down the mass production of antibodies in the immune system. This finding has potential implications for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The research identified phosphatase MKP-1 as a crucial regulator of immune balance and a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. The findings suggest that MKP-1 controls the production of specialized T cells, including Th1, Th17, and regulatory T cells.
Researchers identify VIP signaling pathway key for normal brain development, finding that environmental factors can influence final brain size. A new approach to treating Parkinson's disease is also suggested with T-type calcium channel blockade.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which green tea's EGCG compound increases regulatory T cells, improving immune function and potentially treating autoimmune diseases. This natural approach may provide a long-term, sustainable solution without toxicity, offering hope for disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new approach using immune cells to prevent organ rejection. The 'specific' Tregs can regulate only the activity of effector cells that would target a transplanted organ, leaving the remaining effector cells to function normally.
Researchers have identified GM-CSF as a driving force behind autoimmune diseases like MS. Blocking its activity may lead to new treatments for the disease. Dr. Abdolmohamad Rostami and his team found that GM-CSF is responsible for disease manifestation in an experimental animal model.
Researchers found that beneficial gut bacteria like Bacteroides fragilis hijack immune cells to prevent inflammation. The bacteria produce a molecule that tricks the immune system into activating regulatory T cells, preventing autoimmune reactions.
Researchers found that off-label use of rFVIIa for various conditions had no mortality benefit and increased risk for thromboembolism in patients. Routine monitoring of troponin levels may be warranted to identify perioperative MI in asymptomatic patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery.
A newly developed compound, SR1001, has been shown to effectively suppress the severity of multiple sclerosis in animal models with minimal side effects. The discovery holds promise for treating other autoimmune diseases and targets a specific cell type involved in autoimmunity.
Scientists have identified a distinct group of effector regulatory T cells responsible for suppressing immune responses. The discovery has significant repercussions for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and cancer, as well as how the efficacy of newly developed drugs is measured.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers has identified a regulatory defect that drives lupus. Correcting this defect may represent an effective therapeutic approach to systemic lupus erythematosus-like autoimmune disease.
Researchers found that early infusion of donor T cells prevented GVHD in 26 patients who achieved full-donor engraftment, with no chronic GVHD development. The study also showed improved immune system recovery and reduced CMV reactivation.
Research suggests that Tregs are involved in immune evasion of tumors and may be used as disease markers for gastric cancer. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing a vaccine to protect against plague and bacterial pneumonias. The new discovery involves the stimulation of Th1-17 cells, which provide partial protection against pneumonic plague.
Researchers found plasma cells regulate immune response by negatively impacting follicular helper T cells. The discovery has implications for vaccine administration and autoimmunity.
High-throughput DNA sequencing of gut bacteria confirmed that antibiotic treatment disrupts bacterial patterns, which precedes VRE colonization and bloodstream invasion. Monitoring fecal bacteria content could identify patients at high risk of life-threatening infections.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to harness the power of a 2-sided immune cell to shrink tumors. The study found that targeting a specific protein pathway could lead to improved treatment outcomes for cancer and some autoimmune diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to air pollution suppressed immune system regulatory T cells, leading to increased severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. The research suggests a potential long-term effect of polluted air on children's health.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a new pathway that helps control the immune balance through reciprocal regulation of specialized T lymphocytes. The mechanism offers a promising target for new drugs against autoimmune disorders and could lead to new anti-rejection drugs.
Researchers found that interferon blocks the development of immune cells causing asthma, providing proof-of-principle for a potential therapy. The protein targets the transcription factor regulating Th2 cell function, potentially stopping asthma-causing chemicals from being released.
Researchers found that female immune cells actively produce specific T regulatory cells in response to fetal antigens, protecting the fetus from rejection. This active immune tolerance is essential for successful pregnancies and may provide insights into pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia.
A recent study found that antiretroviral treatment (ART) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual couples, with a 92% lower rate of transmission among those on ART compared to those not on treatment. The greatest benefit was seen in individuals with CD4 counts below 200 cells per μL.
A new study suggests that T helper cells, previously thought to mediate autoimmunity, actually suppress the development of experimental immune encephalomyelitis in mice. The findings indicate that these cells can inhibit the growth of Th17 cells, which are believed to be responsible for causing multiple sclerosis.
HIV-infected patients have altered balance between Th17 and Treg cells, leading to endless cycle of inflammation and viral persistence. Pharmacological inhibitors of IDO1 may lead to new therapeutic approaches for controlling HIV disease.
A Barrow scientist has been awarded a major grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue his research on myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. The $450,000 grant will focus on Th17 cells, which may play a key role in causing or intensifying autoimmunity.
Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis halves mortality in severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected adults, with benefits lasting at least 72 weeks. It also reduces malaria incidence, with no significant effect on opportunistic infections.