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The immune system’s moonlighters

Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis by identifying an overlooked sequence in the IκBζ protein. This sequence, known as the OCA peptide, can activate key proteins in immune cells and may help reeling in immune cells gone haywire.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2024

Researchers uncover on/off switch for breast cancer metastasis

A Stanford University study reveals that ENPP1 is produced by both cancer cells and healthy cells around tumors, with high levels linked to immunotherapy resistance and metastases. Researchers found that targeting ENPP1 could improve patient responses to existing medicines and help clinicians better predict patient outcomes

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2023

Third-generation anti-CD19 CAR T-cells demonstrate efficacy without neurotoxicity in B-cell lymphoma phase 1 clinical trial

A phase 1 clinical trial demonstrates the efficacy of third-generation anti-CD19 CAR T-cells in treating relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas without causing neurotoxicity. The study also shows a robust response rate of 52% and improved safety profile compared to previous CAR T-cell therapies.

SourceMalaghan Institute of Medical Research·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

World-first trial offers new hope for type 1 diabetes

A world-first human trial shows that a commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drug can safely and effectively preserve the body's own insulin production and suppress the progression of type 1 diabetes. The drug, baricitinib, was found to be effective in maintaining insulin production in people who initiated treatment within 100 days ...

SourceSt Vincent's Institute of Medical Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 6, 2023

Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy

Researchers discovered distinct mechanisms controlling different types of immune cells and found a way to selectively eliminate 'problematic' cells driving autoimmune disorders. This breakthrough offers precise targets for potential treatment strategies, potentially revolutionizing the way we treat skin conditions.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Case study: overcoming barriers to venom immunotherapy for fire ant allergy patients

A recent case study highlights the challenges faced by families seeking venom immunotherapy for fire ant allergies, particularly in low-income communities. Despite proven safety and effectiveness of treatment, access remains a significant issue due to transportation barriers, lack of childcare, and work constraints.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 23, 2023

Combination therapy effective against canine melanoma

A study published in Cancers found that a combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is effective against oral malignant melanomas in dogs. The treatment strategy increased overall survival time compared to immunotherapy alone. Researchers are now exploring the optimal protocol for this therapy to increase its effectiveness.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancers·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Phase 3 SWOG Cancer Research Network trial, led by a City of Hope researcher, demonstrates one-year progression-free survival in 94% of patients with Stage 3 or 4 classic Hodgkin lymphoma who received a checkpoint inhibitor combined with chemotherapy

The Phase 3 S1826 trial demonstrates one-year progression-free survival in 94% of patients with Stage 3 or 4 classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated with nivolumab and chemotherapy. The therapy was well-tolerated, with few serious immune-related side effects.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2023

Journal of Clinical Immunology publishes Octapharma USA research on cutaquig® evaluating PI treatment options

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology suggests that cutaquig infusions at higher infusion rates and volumes are well-tolerated and effective, with reduced infusion time, fewer injection sites, and improved compliance. The study results will be presented at the Clinical Immunology Society 2023 Annual Meeting.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2023

International panel led by RCSI Professor classifies immunotherapy side effects for the first time

An international panel of experts has developed standardized definitions for immunotherapy side effects, providing a shared vocabulary for clinicians to standardize clinical practice guidelines. This will help support clinicians in offering the best treatment to patients and enable research into biomarkers predicting adverse effects.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateApr 4, 2023

New details on how immune cells ‘see’ and respond to mutations in cancer cells may lead to more targeted and effective immunotherapy

A new study has identified the steps by which immune cells recognize and respond to cancer cell mutations, providing insights into why some treatments work for certain patients but not others. Researchers believe their findings will lead to better, more personalized immunotherapies for patients whose immune systems currently do not app...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Clinical trial shows boiled peanuts could help overcome child peanut allergy

A clinical trial found that boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours can desensitize children with peanut allergies. The therapy involved sequential doses of boiled and roasted peanuts, achieving high success rates in participants. While promising, the study's findings require confirmation in larger trials.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Can boiled peanuts help cure peanut allergies?

A phase 2 clinical trial using boiled peanuts followed by roasted peanuts showed promising results in desensitizing 80% of children with peanut allergies. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 61% participants.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateJan 11, 2023

Cellular messengers improve cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles from immune cells have been shown to activate the immune system in mice with skin cancer, rendering them sensitive to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The treatment improved survival rates when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022