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‘Off target’ metabolic effects of anti-inflammatory drugs used for autoimmune disorders needs better treatment strategy

A large-scale review of anti-inflammatory drugs used for autoimmune disorders suggests that current treatments can worsen lipid metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers propose the development of combination therapies targeting lipid metabolism to reduce immune complications and CVD risk in patients.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2022

Immune cell receptor and ligand regulation: A therapeutic avenue for inflammatory diseases

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity, suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms and bone loss. They discovered DCIR binds to glycoproteins on macrophages and osteoclasts, reducing inflammation and immune responses.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

How surviving cancer as a child affects lifelong health

A new UCL-led study found that people who survived childhood cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, infections, and disorders of the immune system by age 45. The study also suggests that cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy face greater long-term health effects.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2021

A decade after gene therapy, children born with deadly immune disorder remain healthy

Researchers report that 90% of patients who received gene therapy between 2009 and 2012 remain disease-free, with significant immune system differences observed among those treated. The therapy is most effective in younger children, but further work is needed to achieve high levels of gene correction in all patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBlood·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 2021

Study at molecular level finds IRL green sea turtles biologically stressed

Research at Florida Atlantic University found that green sea turtles in polluted environments have impaired immune systems, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The study suggests a positive feedback loop where pollution compromises immunity, making turtles more prone to Green Turtle Fibropapillomatosis.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

The earlier, the better

A team of researchers from FAU has investigated the timing of treatment in autoimmune diseases and found that early intervention can have a major impact on disease progression. By targeting B cells, which produce autoantibodies and influence other immune cells, researchers were able to prevent or delay severe organ damage.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournaliScience·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Getting under the skin: Tracing prevalence of skin diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus

A new study examining the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and skin diseases reveals a strong link between the two conditions. The research, published in Chinese Medical Journal, found that 93.5% of individuals with T2DM had skin problems, including over 47 types of comorbid skin diseases.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Immune failure can cause serious COVID-19

Research by University of Bergen scientists has found that patients with critical COVID-19 often have antibodies blocking interferons, a crucial part of the body's defense system. This finding may explain gender differences in severe COVID-19 cases and offer potential treatment options.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2020

Lab-on-a-chip delivers critical immunity data for vulnerable populations

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a portable, reconfigurable lab-on-a-chip diagnostic platform that can gauge immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases among vulnerable populations. The platform was validated at a refugee camp in Kenya and showed promising results in detecting measles and rubella.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 25, 2018

Within six families, a path to personalized treatment for an immune disorder

Researchers discovered a new class of common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) caused by IKAROS gene mutations, enabling definitive genetic diagnosis and potential personalized treatment. The study found six unrelated families sharing similar symptoms and changes in the same gene, highlighting the need for early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016

New genetic cause of a fatal immune disorder

Researchers have discovered a new genetic cause of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 5, a fatal immune disorder. The condition is caused by mutations in the Munc18-2 gene, leading to impaired release of death-inducing molecules from immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009