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Huddersfield scientists first to show how coronavirus triggers immune response in brain

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have identified a key mechanism by which the coronavirus causes inflammation in the brain's immune cells, potentially explaining some symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that adequate funding is needed to further develop this research and its potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2022

Countering gut inflammation

Research identifies three bacterial metabolites and corresponding genes that affect immune cell activity, providing a novel mechanistic insight into gut immunity. The findings suggest restoring these compounds or bacteria could lead to therapeutic treatments for inflammatory diseases.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

New detailed immune-profiling method uses only DNA from blood

A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Immune cells leave fingerprints on tumors metastasized to the brain offering clues to future therapies

Scientists analyzed over 100,000 cells from 15 human brain metastases and identified two functional archetypes of metastatic cells, each containing both immune and non-immune cell types. These archetypes work together within single cells to shape inflammatory and proliferative processes co-existent in each metastatic tumor.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Important step towards fasting-based therapies

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a crucial link between the immune system and metabolic response to fasting. By examining liver cells and immune cells, they found that immune cells can directly influence the effect of fasting on metabolism through a key molecule called the glucocorticoid receptor.

T cells: No time to die

Scientists at the University of Basel have discovered a new signaling pathway that enables T cells to survive for decades. Coronin 1 regulates this pathway, which suppresses T cell death by maintaining PI3Kdelta activity. This finding has significant implications for understanding and controlling immune function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 22, 2021

Fibroblasts could serve as new key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients

A new study identifies three functional subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in lung cancer, which correspond to patients' treatment responses. These subtypes have distinct biological functions and therapeutic implications, suggesting that CAFs could serve as a key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

How highly processed foods harm memory in the aging brain

A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateOct 14, 2021

Fat ‘shield’ protects immune cells—and some cancers—from destruction

A newly discovered fat 'shield' protects natural killer cells from their own deadly biological weapons, but also allows some cancer cells to evade an immune system attack. The shield is made of lipids and reinforces the cell membrane before an attack, preventing the toxic substances from penetrating the membrane.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

International project provides definitive data on how key cancer drugs work

Researchers analyzed patient specimens and clinical trial data from thousands of patients to assess the importance of immune cell molecules called Fc gamma receptors (FCGRs) in the therapeutic efficacy of two antibody drugs. High levels of FCGR2B on tumor cells were found to prevent rituximab efficacy, while obinutuzumab was not impact...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBlood Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

How does the immune system keep tabs on the brain?

The immune system surveils the brain from a distance and only enters when it finds a problem. This finding explains why the brain was thought to be immunoprivileged. Targeting immune cells at surveillance sites may lead to new treatments for conditions driven by brain inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 27, 2021

The immunomodulatory activity of a drug would improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in breast cancer

A new study suggests that targeting the RANK signaling pathway can enhance antitumor immune responses, making breast cancer more responsive to immunotherapy. The findings come from a clinical trial and preclinical research, demonstrating the potential of this approach to convert 'cold' tumors into 'warm' ones.