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New warning system discovered in the immune defense

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered a previously unknown warning system in the immune defense that triggers an alarm, sending signals to surrounding cells. This process involves the release of mitochondrial DNA strands by white blood cells in response to infections like bacteria and viruses.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2018

Neutrophil-inspired propulsion

Researchers have created a novel system that enables aggregates composed of magnetized particles to roll along a channel using a combined acoustic and magnetic field. The system has shown promise for delivering drugs to hard-to-reach sites within the body, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

New hope for 'bubble baby disease'

Researchers have developed a new testing regime to diagnose severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) syndrome faster, enabling more infants to receive life-saving treatment within a critical timeframe. The regime uses a checklist of potential SCID markers, including family history, candidiasis, and low absolute lymphocyte counts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 13, 2017

New method predicts who will respond to lithium therapy

Scientists at the Salk Institute have developed a new method to predict which individuals with bipolar disorder will respond to lithium therapy. Using a system trained on electrical firing patterns of neurons from six patients, the method achieved 92% accuracy in classifying responders and nonresponders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2017

NIH scientists repair gene defect in stem cells from patients with rare immunodeficiency

Researchers successfully repaired a defective gene in blood-forming stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to correct a specific mutation in the CYBB gene, restoring normal functioning of white blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 11, 2017

Blocking the migration of cancer cells to destroy them

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed an antibody that blocks the migration of cancer cells, preventing their spread and proliferation. The 'H225' antibody reduces cancerous cell transit into organs by over 50% and limits cell proliferation, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy against lymphoma.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateAug 4, 2016

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

Mucus -- the first line of defense

Research at Lund University reveals that mucus in the saliva stimulates white blood cells to form effective nets of DNA and proteins, capturing and killing bacteria. Patients with aphthous stomatitis and Behçet's disease often lack saliva with this property, highlighting a potential link between mucus and these diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateNov 6, 2015

Diabetes drug spurs host defense

Researchers found that pioglitazone enhances ROS production in white blood cells, killing difficult-to-treat pathogens. This finding demonstrates a relevant contribution to host defense in mouse and cellular models of chronic granulomatous disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Study finds that fast-moving cells in the human immune system walk in a stepwise manner

A team of biologists and engineers at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how white blood cells generate traction forces to propel themselves forward by coordinated action of contractile proteins. This finding is crucial for developing new pharmacological strategies to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 17, 2014