Experimental approach may improve healing of diabetic wounds and bed sores
Researchers found that certain immune system cells can hinder wound healing, leading to chronic ulcers. Supressing these cells may speed up the healing process.
Natural Killer T Cells
Articles tagged with Natural Killer T Cells
Vaccine boosts your immune system
Researchers have discovered a protein that can prevent chronic tissue inflammation and boost the immune system. The therapeutic vaccine has been shown to effectively treat conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A benefit of flu: protection from asthma?
Researchers found that influenza A virus infection in mice expanded a subset of immune cells called NKT cells, which protected against airway hyperreactivity. The study suggests treating children with therapeutics that activate NKT cells might prevent asthma development.
Study shows how flu infections may prevent asthma
A new study suggests that influenza virus infection in young mice protected against the development of allergic asthma. The study also found that a compound isolated from Helicobacter pylori activated a subset of natural killer T cells, which may prevent asthma.
JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 13, 2010
Researchers have identified a mechanism that could explain why flu infections may help prevent asthma in children. Infection with influenza A virus protects mice from asthma by expanding NKT cells, which are immune cells that play a key role in the body's response to infection.
Making cancer killers
Scientists have created a novel type of immune system cell called Induced T to Natural Killer Cells (ITNK cells) that can kill cancer cells in lab tests and mouse models. These reprogrammed killer cells are more efficient at targeting tumour cells than unmodified Natural Killer cells.
JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2010
GSK-3 inhibitors may have adverse effects on the heart, while NMDA molecules could provide nerve cell protection, highlighting the need for careful risk-benefit assessments. These findings have implications for developing new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
New study confirms link between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver cancer
A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic reveals that patients with NASH-induced cirrhosis are at an equal risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma as those with HCV-cirrhosis. Researchers found three key factors associated with HCC development in the NASH population: older age, higher BMI, and lifetime alcohol consumption.
JCI online early table of contents: May 17, 2010
Researchers identify GRP78 as key factor in mucormycosis pathogenesis, providing new avenue for therapeutics development. PET probes detect distinct immune cell populations, suggesting wider use for immune modulating therapies.
Important control mechanism behind autoimmune diseases discovered
A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a crucial role for NKT cells in regulating B cell activation and preventing autoimmunity. This finding provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis.
Discovery could help diabetics and others with slow-to-heal wounds
Researchers found that natural killer T (NKT) cells impede the healing process, leading to slower wound closure. Inactivating these cells using an antibody is being tested as a potential treatment.
Preventing pancreatic islet loss after transplantation
Researchers have identified a potential new set of targets to improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. The study found that treatment with an antibody targeting HMGB1 prevented early pancreatic islet loss and inhibited IFN-gamma production by NKT cells and Gr-1+CD11b+ cells.
'Natural killer' cells keep immune system in balance
Natural killer cells help maintain a balance between T cells and the immune system, preventing over-response that can cause harm. Understanding how to keep NK cells around could lead to new treatments for patients with compromised immune systems.
Henry Ford Hospital study may hold promise for future disease therapies
A Henry Ford Hospital study found an association between microRNAs and natural killer T cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases and cancer. The discovery could pave the way for new treatment therapies for chronic immune diseases.
JCI online early table of contents: May 1, 2009
Researchers have identified a protein responsible for regulating branched-chain amino acid catabolism, which may be linked to Maple Syrup Urine Disease. Additionally, immune cells called V-alpha-24-invariant NKT cells can indirectly affect neuroblastoma growth by killing tumor-associated cells that promote its growth.
Researchers identify cell group key to Lyme disease arthritis
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that natural killer (NK) T cells play a crucial role in preventing chronic inflammatory infection and clearing Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which cause Lyme disease. The research demonstrates that NK T cells are central to reducing arthritis symptoms.
Study unmasks how ovarian tumors evade immune system
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered how ovarian tumors use fatty substances to suppress the body's immune response, leaving disease unchecked. The team found that fluid secretions from tumors can block activation of natural killer T cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer.
Common bacteria activating natural killer T cells may cause autoimmune liver disease
Common bacteria, Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, can trigger autoimmune symptoms in mice similar to Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), a rare and incurable liver disease. NKT cell activation is critical in initiating autoimmune processes leading to liver damage.
JCI table of contents: July 19, 2007
A study on mucins reveals their crucial role in protecting the gut from bacterial infection. In contrast, lupus research identifies shared signaling networks active in B cells from genetically distinct mouse models. Meanwhile, a new study shows that blocking ERK1/2 activation can prevent congenital heart defects in mice with Noonan syn...
Natural immune-control system may aid treatment of autoimmune disease and tissue rejection
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. By blocking a key interaction between immune cells, they found that one type of cell is attacked and dies, suggesting a potential therapy for various immunological conditions.
LIAI scientists identify immune system trigger for fighting Lyme disease
Researchers at LIAI have identified Borrelia burgdorferi's glycolipid as an immune system trigger for fighting Lyme disease. This discovery could lead to the development of a new vaccine against the tick-borne disorder.
JCI table of contents: August 17, 2006
Researchers discovered that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) regulates the proliferative capabilities of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ Tregs but not their suppressive function. This finding provides a potential solution to harnessing the therapeutic potential of Tregs in autoimmune diseases.
A new view of asthma's cause
A recent study published in PNAS found that at least two-thirds of asthma patients' pulmonary T cells are actually NKT cells, not conventional Th2 cells. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments targeting NKT cells.
Barrow Neurological Institute neuroimmunology fellow receives $135,000 fellowship award
Dr. Liu has discovered a mechanism underlying immune system modulation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and will optimize therapy using NKT cells. The Muscular Dystrophy Association fellowship award supports her three-year research project.
High fat diet alters hepatic immune system in mice
Researchers found that high-fat diets depleted NKT cells, a type of immune cell that regulates cytokine production. This depletion led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting chronic liver disease.
Potential new treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes by targeting natural killer T cells. The study shows that multiple doses of alpha-galactosylceramide can reduce the production of interferon-gamma, which helps destroy transplanted islet cells.
Cloning advance: Researchers demonstrate direct transfer of terminally differentiated cell nuclei
Researchers have successfully cloned mice using direct nuclear transfer from terminally differentiated natural killer T cells. The cloned pups and their placentas exhibit rearranged T cell receptor genomic loci specific to NKT cells, demonstrating that fully differentiated cell nuclei can support embryo and placenta development.
Understanding natural killers could lead to new hepatitis treatments
Researchers have discovered a new role for NKT cells in the liver, which crawl along vessel walls to detect foreign molecules and trigger an immune response. This finding offers a potential new approach to treating hepatitis by manipulating the NKT cell's behavior and reducing inflammation.
Immune cells in the liver take a ride
Scientists discover NKT cells primarily patrol liver blood vessels, showcasing agility and rapid movement. The study reveals surprises about NKT cell behavior, including their ability to survive without the CXCR6 gene.
Scientists identify new model Of NK cell development
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that precursors to natural killer cells are found in lymph nodes, not bone marrow. This finding may offer new insights into manipulating NK cells to enhance immune responses to cancer.
JCI table of contents, December 1 2004
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new treatment that improves memory in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram was found to modify gene expression and make brain synapses more resistant to beta-amyloid accumulation.
Marine sponge leads researchers to immune system regulator
A sugary lipid called iGb3 from a marine sponge plays a key role in regulating natural killer T cells, a component of the immune system. Activating NKT cells may be particularly valuable for preventing or treating cancers that spread to the liver.
A pathway to blocking autoimmunity
The study found that increasing PPAR-gamma activity in dendritic cells can activate NKT cells specifically, which may slow down the process of type 1 diabetes. Researchers believe that modulating CD1d expression and NKT cell activation could provide insight into how to combat autoimmunity.
Attracting an immune response to cancer
Researchers found that NKT cells are attracted to tumors producing the chemokine CCL2, leading to better patient outcomes. Neuroblastomas with abnormally high levels of the cancer-causing gene MYCN contained fewer NKT cells and produced less CCL2.
Linking the immune system with lipid metabolism
Scientists have discovered a key role for lipid metabolism in the regulation of the immune system. The study reveals that natural killer T cells can recognize lipids on the surface of bacteria, triggering an immune response. By understanding this process, researchers hope to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
UT Southwestern researchers find immune system stages for eliminating viral infections, cancer cells
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have partially uncovered the stages in the elimination of viral infections and cancer cells by the human immune system. The study found that natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells use different mechanisms to kill target cells, with significant differences in their roles and receptor usage.
Cells critical for asthma development identified by Stanford researchers
Researchers found that mice lacking NKT cells remained resistant to asthma-inducing stimuli, while those with NKT cells developed airway hyper-reactivity and symptoms. The study suggests NKT cells play a key role in asthma development and may be targeted for treatment.
Researchers identify a gene essential for the natural killer cell response against cancer
A study published in Immunity reveals that the MEF protein plays a critical role in the development and function of natural killer cells, which can recognize and kill cancer cells. The findings provide a new target for therapeutic interventions, potentially improving bone marrow transplant strategies.
Research finding could lead to vaccines effective against a range of cancers, UC Berkeley researchers report
Researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered a single gene that can stimulate the immune system to reject a range of cancer tumors. The gene, which activates natural killer cells and other immune cells, shows promise as a potential basis for a vaccine therapy.
Adding IL-2 to potent anti-HIV drugs increases CD4+ T-cell counts without raising HIV levels
Researchers found that adding IL-2 to antiretroviral therapy significantly increases CD4+ T-cell counts in HIV-infected patients. The study's results suggest that IL-2 may be used as a means of maintaining quality of life and decreasing AIDS-defining events.