Immune Cells
Articles tagged with Immune Cells
Study may help predict response to chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer
Combination therapy with stem cell-derived immune cells boost anti-cancer response
A recent study reveals that combining iNKT cell therapy with antigen-presenting cells activated by a lipid compound triggers effective antitumor immunity. The therapy generates memory-phenotype T cells that can recognize and respond to specific threats, offering a promising personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Your nose is a battlefield
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that FluMist can trigger an immune response directly in nasal tissue, training immune cells to recognize and fight influenza virus infection. This response stays in the upper airways and cannot be detected via blood samples.
An unprecedented view of the immune system’s killer cells
Researchers visualize immune synapse and cytotoxic granules with unprecedented level of detail, revealing new perspectives in immuno-oncology. The study uses cryo-expansion microscopy to provide a near-native view of T lymphocyte mechanisms.
Anxiety regulated by key signal in brain immune cells
Researchers identify calcium as a key chemical signal that triggers immune cells during obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors. This discovery establishes a new framework to study how anxiety arises and persists through calcium signals in microglia, potentially leading to targeted therapies.
How immune cell networks drive liver disease
A study published in Nature Communications reveals how immune cell networks contribute to liver damage and fibrosis. The research team identified a key interaction between dendritic cells and γδ T cells, triggering pro-inflammatory signals that amplify inflammation.
Scientists identify a “protective switch” in the most common blood cancer, opening new doors for diagnosis and treatment
Researchers discovered that HDAC7 plays a dual role in immune system development and cancer progression. Restoring HDAC7 in cancer cells can slow or stop tumor growth, offering new hope for diagnosis and treatment.
First-in-human trial primes immune system to accept donor livers
A first-in-human trial shows that an infusion of immune cells derived from a donor's blood can prime the recipient's immune system to accept a donor liver, potentially reducing lifelong immunosuppression. Eight out of 13 participants achieved complete withdrawal of immunosuppression and remained off for more than three years.
Researchers develop high-precision human immune aging clock, identifying RUNX1 as key target for T-cell senescence
A high-precision Human Immune Aging Clock (HIAC) has been developed to quantify immunosenescence and identify actionable intervention targets. The study identified RUNX1 as a functional 'brake' on T-cell senescence, and found that individuals with decelerated immune aging displayed a more youthful immune profile.
New sequencing method exposes hidden gaps in immune signaling
Researchers have developed a new single-cell technology called CIPHER-seq that captures the timing of cytokine activity with greater accuracy. This allows for a clearer view of immune cell behavior and strengthens the foundation for understanding cancer, inflammation, and treatment resistance.
Scientists discover how key immune cells protect the prostate
Researchers reveal that immune system's T cells travel to the prostate to provide long-term protection against infections. Harnessing these disease-fighting cells could lead to new therapies for prostate cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Characteristics of CD4+T-cell reduction and pulmonary infections in critically ill immunocompromised patients
A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Chaos in lymph nodes promotes cancer
Researchers find that rare stromal cells are responsible for maintaining immune cell organization in healthy lymph nodes. However, in aggressive lymphomas, this process breaks down due to a self-reinforcing inflammatory cycle, leading to tissue collapse and poorer outcomes.
New lipid nanoparticle design improves precision of mRNA vaccine delivery
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
New mechanism for kidney repair discovered: Immune checkpoint VISTA protects against acute injury and prevents fibrosis
Researchers discovered VISTA as a critical immune checkpoint that balances immune activation and inflammation resolution during kidney injury. Administering exogenous VISTA protein shows potent protection against acute kidney injury and its progression to chronic disease.
Why some people naturally control HIV even after stopping therapy — and how we can leverage that to treat others
A new study reveals two specific genes that act like security locks to keep the virus asleep in some individuals who naturally control HIV even after stopping therapy. Metformin, a common diabetes drug, can activate one of these locks to keep the virus in its dormant state.
Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
A new method produces CAR-T cells to keep fighting disease longer
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a new strategy to engineer immune cells that prolong their effectiveness, addressing a major limitation of current treatments. The new method generates longer-lasting immune cells that provide more sustained control of human blood cancers and suppression of HIV-infection.
Building protection against infectious diseases with nanostructured vaccines
Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.
Dual targeting approach improves immunotherapy response in glioblastoma
Blocking two key 'don't eat me signals' in cancer cells heightens the immune response and sensitizes tumors to immunotherapy in glioblastoma models. Researchers found that simultaneously blocking CD47 and CD24 improved immunotherapy response, allowing macrophages to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Why does the body deem some foods safe and others unsafe?
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
Immune cells link lactation to long-lasting health
Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Novel cellular phenomenon reveals how immune cells extract nuclear DNA from dying cells
Immune cells have been found to selectively extract nuclear DNA from dying cells, a regulated cellular function that challenges traditional views of the nucleus. This discovery, known as nucleocytosis, may hold implications for understanding autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer, as well as informing drug development strategies.
Unveiling powerful synergies between plant compounds that dramatically reduce inflammation
Researchers discovered that pairing familiar plant-derived compounds can suppress inflammatory signals more effectively than using each compound independently. The study found that certain combinations increased the anti-inflammatory effect several hundred-fold compared to single ingredients alone.
Critical crosstalk between blood vessels and immune system, showing shared pathways in major diseases
The review outlines how vascular-immune crosstalk affects various diseases, revealing novel therapeutic opportunities. It highlights the shared embryonic origin of blood vessel cells and immune cells, as well as coordinated immune cell trafficking mechanisms.
The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Carl June and Michel Sadelain for revolutionizing cancer treatment using immunotherapy based on the patient’s own genetically modified cells
Researchers have developed a breakthrough technique to transform a patient's own T cells into soldiers trained to recognize and kill cancer cells, benefiting tens of thousands of individuals with blood cancers. The approach is now being explored for solid tumors and other diseases.
UNC-Chapel Hill researchers reveal how chronic inflammation breaks the immune system’s repair crew
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill discovered that chronic inflammation fundamentally alters macrophages, immune cells that drive both inflammation and tissue repair. Chronic inflammation triggers a breakdown in the ability of macrophages to adapt, trapping them in dysfunctional hybrid states.
New study: Immune cells linked to Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in MS
Researchers found that certain types of CD8+ killer T cells are more abundant in people with MS and target the EBV virus, indicating the virus may trigger an immune response leading to progressive neurological damage. The study suggests that interfering with EBV could have a significant impact on other autoimmune diseases.
Immune 'hijacking' predicts cancer evolution
Scientists at UNIGE discovered that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, undergo reprogramming to produce chemokine CCL3, promoting cancer growth. This mechanism appears to be a major variable in tumour biology and could serve as an indicator of disease progression.
Yeast cells can be used for rapid testing of cancer immunotherapy
Engineered yeast cells can mimic real cancer cells and be used to test new cancer immunotherapies much faster and cheaper than before. This new technology enables researchers to assess which CAR T variants are most promising much more quickly, leading to safer and more targeted cancer treatments.
Metallic markers make direct measurement of protein activity possible
Researchers developed new chemical probes to track individual enzymes, enabling direct measurement of protein activity and correcting prior limitations. This allows for a clearer picture of molecular logic in cells undergoing programmed cell death, potentially informing drug discovery.
Targeting the gut's immune system could tackle early stages of Parkinson's
A new study reveals how Parkinson's spreads from the gut to the brain via immune cells, identifying a key role for gut macrophages in transporting toxic proteins. Reducing these cells can slow disease progression and improve motor symptoms in mice.
Inflammation and autoimmune-like dysfunction may play a role in heart failure
A recent study from Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that helper T cells, typically involved in fighting infections, become overly activated in failing human hearts, causing damage. The activation of these T cells highlights the impact of inflammation and immune dysfunction in heart failure.
How do nature and nurture shape our immune cells?
Researchers at Salk Institute debut an epigenetic catalog that shows genetic inheritance and life experiences have distinct effects on various types of immune cells, shedding light on individual differences in immune responses and potential new personalized therapeutics.
Discrimination linked to diminished immune system function
Researchers found that people experiencing everyday discrimination have elevated levels of "exhausted" white blood cells, indicating chronic stress may hamper the immune system. This study suggests social experiences like discrimination shape immune health at the cellular level and contribute to biological aging.
Antibodies targeting immunoglobulin E Cε2 region as potential rapid anti-allergy therapy
Researchers identified Fab antibody fragments that target the IgE Cε2 domain, effectively stripping IgE from mast cells. The most potent Fab clones showed rapid efficacy in cellular assays and in vivo anaphylaxis models, demonstrating potential as a next-generation anti-allergy therapy.
A research redefines the role of neutrophils and opens new avenues for cancer and inflammation therapies
Researchers propose a new conceptual framework for neutrophils, highlighting their dynamic and adaptable nature. The study reveals neutrophils' functional diversification and immunological memory capabilities, opening avenues for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Reversing immune suppression in pancreatic cancer could lead to novel therapies
Pancreatic cancer cells use specific microRNA molecules to reprogram nearby immune cells called macrophages, helping tumors grow. By blocking this communication, researchers found a potential way to reverse the process and restore macrophage function to fight cancer.
“Recipe book” for reprogramming immune cells
Researchers have created a library of over 400 immune-related factors to reprogram rare immune cell populations. This technique allows for the systematic discovery of 'recipes' for specific immune cells, offering hope for unresponsive patients and advancing immunotherapy.
Sequestered in immune cells, barium titanate nanoparticles stimulated by ultrasound launch inflammatory response
Boston College researchers used piezoelectric nanoparticles to trigger macrophages, a key part of the body's immune response. The study suggests that this method could be used to activate immune cells specifically at an infection or tumor site, avoiding side effects associated with systemic administration of drugs.
Genetic risk factor and viral infection jointly contribute to MS
Research reveals molecular interaction between environmental and genetic risk factors triggers MS. EBV and gene variants HLA-DR15 haplotype play key roles in disease onset.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of immunotherapy before and after surgery in improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Additionally, a new study shows promise in using CAR T cell therapy to treat large B-cell lymphoma, reducing relapse rates.
Night shifts aren’t just tiring, they can be deadly
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
University of Houston researchers identify new target to counteract muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a potential therapeutic strategy for counteracting muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer by blocking a specific cell pathway. Muscle wasting, also known as cachexia, is a debilitating syndrome affecting 60-85% of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Anxiety and insomnia may lower natural killer cell count, potentially repressing immune function
Research found that anxiety symptoms reduce circulatory NK cells and sub-populations, while insomnia symptoms decrease total NK cells. This could lead to impaired immune function and increased disease susceptibility.
USC researchers develop next-generation CAR T cells that show stronger, safer response in animal models
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine have developed a new type of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell that elicits a more controlled immune response to cancer. The engineered CAR T cells may offer a way to more safely treat blood cancers and reduce the chance of relapse.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant discoveries in the treatment of rare bile duct cancers, with zanidatamab showing promising results. Additionally, a study identified RASH3D19 as a target to overcome treatment resistance in KRAS-mutant cancers.
Leveraging Chemistry42, Insilico nominates ISM3830 as preclinical candidate targeting CBLB for advanced tumors immunotherapy
Insilico Medicine has nominated ISM3830, a highly selective CBLB inhibitor, as a preclinical candidate for advanced tumor immunotherapy. ISM3830 showed robust anti-tumor activity in multiple murine models and induction of long-term tumor immunity.
A type of immune cell could hold a key to preventing scar tissue buildup in wounds
A study by University of Arizona researchers reveals a previously unknown population of circulating immune cells that play a critical role in fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue. Blocking signals from these cells during wound healing can reduce scar tissue formation and promote normal healing.
LJI scientists discover how T cells transform to defend our organs
Researchers at LJI have discovered a cellular driver that leads to the development of tissue-resident memory T cells, which specialize in defending specific organs. The study found that GPR25 sustains TGF-\u00b2 signaling, promoting differentiation and transformation into these specialized immune cells.
Researchers reveal intricate control system for key immune gene
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have identified the genetic switches that regulate FOXP3 levels in human and mouse cells. In humans, multiple enhancers work together to keep FOXP3 active, while a repressor keeps it off in conventional T cells. This discovery has important implications for developing immune therapies.
University of Ottawa medical scientist leads pioneering cancer immunotherapy research with $3 million grant
A team of researchers led by Dr. Michele Ardolino is bridging scientific fields to unlock the mechanisms behind effective immune responses in cancer patients. They will study the interactions between the immune system, nervous system, and gut microbiome to design more personalized treatment strategies.
Research in mice reveals brain cells that drive—and prevent—anxiety
Researchers have identified two groups of brain cells in mice that regulate anxiety - a 'gas pedal' that accelerates anxiety and a 'brake pedal' that prevents it. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for anxiety disorders by targeting these microglia.
Protective microglia subtype offers potential new therapeutic pathway in Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers have identified a distinct population of neuroprotective microglia that may point to a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. Microglia with reduced expression of PU.1 and co-expression of CD28 limit neuroinflammation and slow amyloid plaque build-up.
Insight into how sugars regulate the inflammatory disease process
Scientists have discovered that immune cells shed their glycocalyx layer to move into tissues, changing the understanding of inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. This finding may lead to new approaches in developing drugs targeting immune cell movement and treating infections and inflammatory diseases.
Immune cell phenotypes, inflammatory proteins and epilepsy
This study found 32 immune cell phenotypes associated with epilepsy risk, including B cells and regulatory T cells. Inflammatory proteins also played a role, with some increasing and others decreasing the risk of epilepsy.
Fibroblasts: Hidden drivers of heart failure progression
Researchers discovered that cardiac fibroblasts use a signaling pathway to promote harmful changes in the heart, weakening its ability to pump blood efficiently. Blocking this pathway in mice models improved heart function, suggesting that fibroblasts could be a potential target for new therapeutic strategies.
New study reveals how immune cells help defend against candida infections
A new study shows that eosinophils, typically linked to allergies, play a protective role against Candida infections by recognizing the fungus and releasing proteins that stop its growth. This discovery opens the door to new therapies that could strengthen natural defenses against life-threatening fungal infections.
UCLA scientists develop one-product-fits-all immunotherapy for breast cancer
Researchers at UCLA have developed CAR-NKT cell therapy, which can attack tumors from multiple fronts while dismantling their protective shields. The therapy uses engineered immune cells that can be mass-produced from donated blood stem cells and stored ready-to-use, offering a potentially life-changing treatment option.