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A gene mutation associated with a rare neurological disorder and increased susceptibility to viral infections may be treatable with oleic acid

Researchers identified a gene mutation associated with impaired natural killer cell function, leading to increased susceptibility to viral infections in people with a rare genetic condition. Oleic acid supplementation shows promise as a potential therapy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Ageing reduces the ability of regulatory T cells to enhance myelin regeneration, study finds

Researchers found that ageing reduces the ability of regulatory T cells to enhance myelin regeneration, which can have profound consequences for neurological functions. The study suggests that the loss of function may be reversible, and two new molecules, ITGA2 and MCAM, have been identified as potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Gut bacteria can process dietary fiber into an anti-allergy weapon, finds new study

Scientists found that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria suppress allergic reactions by modulating mast cell activation and epigenetic modifications. This study provides new insights into the relationship between diet and immune system regulation, with potential applications in allergy treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Using the body’s own cells to treat traumatic brain injury

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have created a new treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that leverages macrophages to deliver localized anti-inflammatory treatment. The approach reduced lesion size by 56% and significantly decreased local inflammation levels in pigs, offering a promising new direction for TBI treatment.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Novel therapeutic target overcomes resistance to radiation therapy

Researchers discovered a novel therapeutic target BAMBI that suppresses immune cells, reducing the effectiveness of radiation therapy and inducing therapy resistance in cancer patients. BAMBI's expression is associated with improved survival rates, suggesting it as a promising approach to overcome radiation therapy resistance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

A novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

AG5, a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, has been developed by a multidisciplinary team to inhibit the cytokine storm like corticosteroids but preserve innate immunity. It has shown promise in animal models of inflammation and is expected to be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 28, 2023

UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering Faculty boost vaccines and immunotherapies with machine learning to drive more effective treatments

Researchers used machine learning to guide high-throughput experimental screening of small molecules, finding ones that improve vaccine response and reduce inflammation. The team discovered a molecule that outperforms the best immunomodulators on the market, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 17, 2023

Transplant researchers develop vaccine in preclinical models to regulate immune responses to prevent kidney and heart transplant rejection

A team of researchers developed a vaccine that stimulates regulatory T cells to suppress harmful immune cells, prolonging allograft survival in mice. This discovery identifies an analogous pathway in humans, suggesting potential treatment for autoimmune disorders and organ transplant patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Timing is key

Researchers have deciphered a biochemical mechanism explaining how cortisone preparations mediate inflammation-resolving effects in human immune cells. Cortisone influences enzymes involved in the formation of inflammation-resolving messenger substances, inducing resolvins early but impairing function later.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

How the brain detects and regulates inflammation

A multidisciplinary team of scientists has revealed the existence of a brain circuit involved in sensing and regulating inflammation. The circuit detects inflammatory hormones in the blood and organizes the immune response through the vagal complex and parabrachial nucleus.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Why we lose fat and muscle during infection

Researchers found that CD4+ T cells initiate fat wasting, while CD8+ T cells induce muscle wasting, which surprisingly helps the mice fight infection and survive. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between immune cells and wasting responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 24, 2023

Mutant KRAS regulates Y chromosome gene in colorectal cancer, driving metastasis and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity

A preclinical study has uncovered the role of Y chromosome gene KDM5D in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and promoting metastasis in male patients with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer. The study reveals that mutant KRAS drives upregulation of KDM5D, leading to reduced cell adhesion and immune recognition by the immune system.

Getting around muscle aging

A new study found a protein that regulates macrophage function, clearing residues from regenerating muscle and recovering regenerative capacity in aged mice. The discovery holds promise for regenerative medicine and aging, potentially improving the success of current stem-cell based therapies.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

An extra X chromosome-linked gene may explain decreased viral infection severity in females

A study published in Nature Immunology found that female mouse and human NK cells have more of a specific epigenetic regulator called UTX, which boosts anti-viral function while repressing NK cell numbers. This suggests that therapies need to be tailored to individual differences, including sex.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

A common metabolite may help treat autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered itaconate's modulatory effect on T helper and T regulatory cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found that itaconate inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell development, reducing disease symptoms in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

β-damascone: Aroma component of rose fragrance as a novel immunomodulator

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Tobacco and e-cigs may put healthy young people at risk of severe COVID illness, new UCLA research suggests

New UCLA research finds that tobacco smoking and vaping can predispose healthy young people to increased inflammation and severe COVID-19. The study, published in Journal of Molecular Medicine, found higher levels of key proteins in plasma from smokers and vapers compared to non-smokers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Salt cuts off the energy supply to immune regulators

A new study found that excessive salt intake disrupts the energy metabolism of regulatory T cells, leading to dysfunction. This may have implications for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. The research suggests that sodium can alter gene expression and trigger malfunctions in mitochondrial energy generation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Vitamin D deficiency increases risk of losing muscle strength by 78%

Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of dynapenia, an age-associated loss of muscle strength, by 70-78%. Vitamin D supplementation was shown to reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals aged 50 and over, highlighting the importance of vitamin D for maintaining muscle strength.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateDec 13, 2022

Racism takes its toll on brain and body

A new study finds that discrimination influences the central and enteric nervous systems, altering the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut microbiome. This leads to changes in systemic inflammation, emotional arousal, and psychological symptoms across different racial and ethnic groups.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2022

Scientists reveal the role of immune progenitor cells in the repair of inflamed intestinal tissue

Researchers from Kumamoto University reveal how hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells orchestrate intestinal tissue repair through microbial signals. The study found that acute gut inflammation triggers the activation and expansion of immune progenitor cells, which migrate to lymph nodes to promote tissue repair.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Fighting cancer is more efficient at dawn

Researchers at UNIGE and LMU discovered that immune system's anti-tumour activity peaks in the morning. Tumours implanted at night grew faster than those implanted in the afternoon. Administering immunotherapy treatments early morning significantly enhanced their effectiveness, suggesting a new strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateDec 6, 2022