Articles tagged with Natural Killer T Cells
A recent study reveals that combining iNKT cell therapy with antigen-presenting cells activated by a lipid compound triggers effective antitumor immunity. The therapy generates memory-phenotype T cells that can recognize and respond to specific threats, offering a promising personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Active aldehydes promote toxic lipid peroxidation, impairing FAO and activating glycolysis in killer T cells, accelerating exhaustion. This vicious cycle exacerbates T cell differentiation and dysfunction.
Researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham identify Gfi1 as a crucial regulator of exhausted CD8+ T cell subsets. Fine-tuning Gfi1 activity may prevent or reverse T cell exhaustion, bolstering immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The study suggests potential for improving cancer treatment and controlling chronic infections.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute's HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center have identified a new approach using natural killer cells to target and kill HIV-positive cells. CD64 expression enhances binding activity for holding onto antigen-specific antibodies, allowing for specific targeting and killing of infected cells.
Researchers have discovered a novel immunotherapy approach using natural killer T cells to combat solid tumors. By targeting tumor-associated macrophages and promoting systemic immune responses, CAR-natural killer T cells demonstrate superior antitumor activity compared to traditional CAR-T therapy.
Natural Killer (NK) cell-based therapies have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), offering a potential cure with minimal prior antigen sensitization. However, the dysfunction of NK cells in AML patients poses a significant challenge that must be overcome to unlock their full ther...
Researchers found that natural killer T (NKT) cells influence the immune response to dengue virus, potentially reducing the severity of subsequent infections. NKT cells drive dengue-specific Th1 responses, leading to the production of protective antibodies.
The field of cancer immunotherapy is advancing with innovations in precision medicine, including adoptive cell transfer therapy, TCR-engineered T cells, and natural killer cell therapy. Therapeutic vaccines are also being developed to target specific cancer antigens, offering new treatment options for patients.
Researchers explore various immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, as promising treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. The review aims to overcome current limitations of targeted therapies by regulating the body's immune systems.
Researchers at DKFZ and UMM found that NK cells can impair the effect of cancer therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors by controlling activated T cells. They identified B7H6 as a recognition molecule for NK cell attacks, which could limit excessive activation and expansion of T cells.
A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.
Researchers discovered an alternative immune response involving NK and CD4+ T cells that can recognize and attack cancer cells when the usual recognition marker B2M is missing. This finding holds potential for developing more effective combination cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers develop a novel iNKT cell therapy approach using canine models, demonstrating improved survival and longer therapeutic effect. The platform could potentially treat human cancers with reduced risk of relapse and increased efficacy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report well-tolerated CAR-NKT cell therapy with strong antitumor activity in patients with stage 4 relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment, which targets a molecule found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, showed encouraging results in three patients with complete and partial responses.
Maynooth University research finds that the obesity treatment drug GLP-1 can restore the body's natural cancer-killing defences by boosting NK cell function. The study shows independent benefits of GLP-1 on cancer risk, beyond its weight loss effects.
Monon Bioventures has received a grant to develop a novel glioblastoma treatment using armed natural killer cells. The treatment, created by Purdue University researcher Sandro Matosevic, shows promise in preclinical proof of concept and aims to manufacture the therapeutic for clinical studies.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.
Bladder cancer researchers discovered a subset of CD8 T cells that adapts to tumor evasion strategies, offering a strategy to reduce tumor cells' ability to fight them off. The study also identified potential ways to make immunotherapy more effective against this deadly cancer by targeting the HLA-E/NKG2A axis.
Researchers identified specific genetic signals in people with severe coronavirus infection using machine learning. They found that more than 1,000 genes linked to the development of severe COVID-19 cases account for three-quarters of the genetic drivers for severe illness.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that a specific population of CD4-positive helper T cells initiates antitumor immunity defenses, which can enhance the effectiveness of killer cell attacks on cancer cells. This finding holds promise for improving cancer immunotherapy response rates.
City of Hope researchers present new developments in cell therapy for acute myeloid leukemia and non-small cell lung cancer. A novel smoking cessation program increases patient desire to quit with personalized counseling.
Researchers produce large quantities of powerful cancer-fighting iNKT cells using stem cell engineering and organoid technology, offering a potential solution for mass-producing an off-the-shelf immune cell therapy. The therapy, which uses hematopoietic stem cell-engineered iNKT cells, has been shown to be effective in killing multiple...
Researchers identified genes and cell types involved in rare inflammatory disease MIS-C in children following COVID-19 infection. The study found that specific immune cells are downregulated and associated with a sustained inflammatory response.
A study of 924 kidney transplantations reveals that natural killer cells play a major role in organ rejection, leading to improved risk assessment and potential new treatments for kidney transplant rejection. The findings suggest genotyping donors and recipients for MHC and KIR proteins can help predict rejection.
Researchers discovered that natural killer cells ramp up aerobic glycolysis about five days before T cells respond, shedding light on their role in mounting a rapid immune response. The findings have implications for using NK cells as immunotherapy in cancer treatment and cell therapy.
A new biomarker has been discovered to predict severe cases of COVID-19 with high accuracy. The number of natural killer T cells in the blood can identify patients at risk of developing severe disease.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new method to control immune responses using CD47-expressing hypoimmune stem cells. These cells can silence natural killer cells via the SIRPα checkpoint, paving the way for novel cell therapies and tissue implants that can evade immune rejection.
Researchers developed CAR NKT cells to target neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. The modified cells showed safety, localization to tumors, and induced an objective response with regression of bone metastatic lesions in one patient.
Researchers have discovered that innate T cells, responsible for biodefense, share the same developmental pathway despite having distinct functions. This finding has significant implications for immunotherapy using MAIT and gamma-delta T cells to treat various diseases.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute found that natural killer cells are essential for slowing small cell lung cancer's aggressive spread, while T cells do not play a significant role. Supercharging NK cells further enhances their cancer-fighting abilities, offering hope for better treatments.
A new approach combines CAR-T cell technology with natural killer cells to enhance tumor-fighting ability and reduce side effects. The merged immunotherapy shows promise in treating certain blood cancers, such as leukemia, and may be safer than traditional CAR-T cell therapy.
Researchers at the University of Bern have found that killer cells without TRAIL become 'tamer', producing more messenger molecules to activate other immune cells, and resulting in better protection against viruses. This alternative signaling pathway could be used to reprogram killer cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers discovered that a subset of natural killer cells with high Ly49H receptor levels expanded and remained detectable after the peak immune response, indicating a simple form of immunological memory. This finding could have significant implications for human NKs and their role in CMV infection.
Natural killer T cells use a stress-related pathway to produce cytokines, which play a crucial role in protecting against diseases. This unique mechanism highlights the selectivity of this response to this particular cell type.
Natural Killer cells have been found to play a key role in responding to checkpoint inhibitors, which are transforming the treatment of cancer. Researchers discovered that these cells can produce the same checkpoint receptor molecules as T cells, enabling them to respond directly to the therapy.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and University of Minnesota have developed a new CAR-T immunotherapy using natural killer cells engineered from human induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells demonstrated heightened activity against ovarian cancer with less toxicity, offering potential advantages ...
Researchers identified Histone Deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) as a potential target for new autoimmune disease treatments. The study found that altering HDAC7 function in mice can cause autoimmune diseases, while also improving symptoms when the gene is restored.
A subset of T cells identified as an early childhood immune signature predicts the risk of developing asthma later on. The presence of house dust components stimulating the innate immune system decreases asthma risk, supporting the hygiene hypothesis. Researchers found MAIT cells to be protective against asthma.
Researchers discovered that human lymphocytes release extracellular mtDNA web structures in response to CpG and non-CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, rapidly signaling the presence of a threat. These findings suggest a previously unreported role for mtDNA in innate immune system signaling.
Researchers developed genetically enhanced cord-blood derived immune cells to target B-cell malignancies, boosting persistence and embedding a suicide gene. The engineered natural killer cells showed improved efficiency in killing cancer cells and extended survival in mouse models.
Scientists developed a new way to enhance the function of immune cells that destroy tumors in multiple myeloma. By blocking a hormone-related mechanism, they restored the ability of these cells to battle tumor growth. The research sheds light on a new form of cancer immunotherapy with promising prospects for cancer patients.
Research on NKT cells reveals a crucial balance between type I and II subtypes in regulating inflammation. NKT cell activation can induce anergy in type I NKT cells, maintaining physiological inflammatory response. Regulation of NKT cells through membrane receptors and drugs like rapamycin may alleviate acute kidney injury
Scientists have developed a new vaccine that stimulates both innate and adaptive immune responses, allowing the body to remember and attack cancer cells. The treatment, called aAVC, uses modified foreign cells that promote the maturation of dendritic cells, key coordinators of the immune response.
Japanese researchers used iPS cell technology to increase the number of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which are rare helper immune cells that can activate cytotoxic cells against cancer. The creation of potent iNKT cells has important implications for understanding immune cell formation and developing new cancer therapies.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found a strong association between high diversity among natural killer cells and increased likelihood of subsequent HIV infection. The findings could lead to the development of blood tests flagging individuals' susceptibility to viral infection.
Researchers discovered a key gene that shields us from fungal and bacterial infections, and found it affects two crucial cell types involved in our immune response. STAT3 helps regulate the development and function of natural killer T and mucosal-associated invariant T cells, which play a vital role in fighting off pathogens.
Researchers found that stem cells derived from amniotic tissues have immunosuppressive properties, specifically inhibiting natural killer cell activity and inducing white blood cell activation. The study identified interleukin-10 and prostaglandin E2 as key factors contributing to these effects.
Researchers found that once CD8 T cells fight one pathogen, they join the body's innate immune system, ready to respond to a wide variety of infections. This discovery suggests that adaptive CD8 T cells can contribute to innate immunity and may have important implications for vaccine design.
Researchers identified alpha-glycosylceramides as the activating molecules for natural killer T (NKT) cells, a crucial subset of immune cells. The discovery reveals a surprising link between mammalian immune systems and bacterial communication systems.
Researchers have established a crucial relationship between Natural Killer T (NKT) cells and B cells in the body's natural defense mechanisms. The study found that altered lipid compositions on autoimmune B cells lead to over-activation of NKT cells, causing their depletion. Removing a specific lipid-presenting molecule from B cells re...
Scientists at ETH Zurich have identified a mechanism that protects immune cells from natural killer cells. Type I interferon receptors play a crucial role in this process, and its absence can lead to the elimination of healthy immune cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases.
Research found that women's immune systems decline slower with age compared to men's, particularly in lymphocytes. This slower aging of the immune system may contribute to women's overall longevity.
Sortilin plays a crucial role in transporting immune system substances, including interferon-gamma and granzyme A. In its absence, the immune system is weakened, but autoimmune diseases are reduced.
University of Georgia scientists discovered a new flu-fighting role for the immune component IL-15, which reduces peak viral load by nearly three times in mice infected with influenza. The study found that administering IL-15 enhances natural killer cell movement and attracts CD8 T cells to the lung airways.
Researchers discovered that natural killer T cells reduce the accumulation of inflammatory monocytes, leading to decreased lung injury and improved outcomes in severe flu infections. The study provides a platform for new approaches to mitigate the deadly effects of all flu strains.
Scientists at the University of Calgary discovered Natural Killer T-cells suppress the immune system after a stroke, leading to infections. A new drug has been found to stop these cells from suppressing the immune system, potentially reducing death rates associated with stroke.
Researchers have discovered that innate immune cells can form a type of 'memory' that protects against viral infections. This finding has significant implications for the design of future vaccines, particularly for HIV. The study found that natural killer cells can recognize and respond to viruses more effectively after previous exposure.
Activated NK cells can excessively down-modulate the antiviral immune response in chronic HBV patients. Blocking the TRAIL pathway partially reconstitutes HBV-specific T cells, suggesting their vulnerability to apoptosis through this death ligand pathway.
Researchers identified a small subset of NKT cells in normal white blood cells that give rise to rare large granular lymphocyte leukemia. Targeting interleukin-15 signaling and NKp46 may offer a new way to prevent this leukemia.
Scientists have developed a mouse with individual genes knocked out only in Natural Killer (NK) cells, allowing them to study the functions of these immune cells in intact organisms. The study reveals that NK cells are essential for the correct development and survival of these cells.