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JCI early table of contents for Nov. 19, 2012

Researchers identify new therapeutic approaches for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), find immune cells defective in Huntington's disease, and discover signaling pathways contributing to muscle weakness in myotonic dystrophy. Targeting C/EBPG and C/EBPA, or normalizing GSK3β activity may help treat these conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2012

Advantage flu virus

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that the influenza virus reduces immune system-regulating protein production in human cells by activating specific microRNAs. This discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of viral immune evasion and may lead to the development of therapeutics to preserve the immune response.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2012

Relationship between social status and wound-healing in wild baboons

A study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues found that high-ranking male baboons recover more quickly from injuries and are less likely to become ill than other males. Social status is a better predictor of wound-healing than age, highlighting the complex interplay between social context, physiology, and im...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2012

New study examines relationship between social status and wound healing in wild baboons

A new study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues reveals that high-ranking male baboons have better wound healing rates. The researchers found that factors associated with high rank, such as chronic stress and age, suppress immune function in low-ranking males, making them more susceptible to illness.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Vaccination may be key for true elimination of HIV-1

Scientists discovered an effective way to eliminate a persistent form of HIV-1 through vaccination strategy. The research found that heightened immune response prior to virus reactivation facilitates the elimination of latent viral reservoir, paving the way for true eradication.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateMar 8, 2012

Fruit flies use alcohol as a drug to kill parasites

A recent study by Emory University found that fruit flies infected with blood-borne parasites consume alcohol to increase their survival rate. The researchers discovered that the toxic effects of alcohol can be protective against infectious disease and raise an important question about whether other organisms, including humans, could c...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Why bad immunity genes survive

A recent study from University of Utah biologists found that the diversity of immune-system MHC genes is maintained through an 'arms race' between genes and germs, where pathogens evolve to evade the immune response, but also create new opportunities for other variants to emerge. This phenomenon helps explain why some disease-susceptib...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Sexual healing? Not likely

Research by Monash University reveals that producing high-quality sperm comes with significant health costs for males. The study found a negative correlation between sperm quality and immune function, suggesting males invest energy strategically to produce better sperm.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 12, 2011

Researchers have identified a protein that contributes to brain tumor resistance to chemotherapy, while also developing a way to predict which liver transplant patients can be weaned off immunosuppressive drugs. High levels of APNG in GBM cells correlated with poorer survival rates, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for treatment ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2011

Drunk behavior -- a question of immunity

A University of Adelaide study found that an immune response in the brain contributes to how people respond to alcohol, influencing behavioral changes such as difficulty walking or talking. Blocking toll-like receptors may help reduce these effects and potentially treat alcohol dependence.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateSep 29, 2011

Modified vaccine shows promise in preventing malaria

Researchers at Michigan State University have created a new malaria vaccine that combines an immune-stimulating gene with a disabled cold virus, increasing the immune response against the parasite. The vaccine was found to be more effective than previously developed systems in animal models, paving the way for human clinical trials.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2011

Scientists find candidate for new TB vaccine

Researchers identified a protein called EspC that triggers a stronger immune response in people infected with TB bacteria, making it a promising new vaccine candidate. The protein could also be used to improve diagnosis of TB and underpin next-generation diagnostic blood tests.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2011