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New uOttawa study suggests gene linked to Parkinson's disease holds clues to battling deadly bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

NUS Medicine scientists identify potential therapy and diagnostic markers for cerebral malaria

Researchers found that methylene blue can reverse brain damage caused by cerebral malaria and identified a nine-gene blood signature to diagnose the disease. The study's findings offer new clues on immune processes involved in brain injury and suggest potential for early intervention and clearer treatment decisions.

Lactate-induced mitochondrial calcium uptake 3 aggravates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by promoting neutrophil extracellular trap formation

A recent study reveals that lactate-induced mitochondrial calcium uptake 3 aggravates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by promoting neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. The study found that MICU3-mediated mitochondrial calcium uptake leads to mitophagy and NET activation.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 9, 2025

A Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals that metal-organic frameworks may be toxic

A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

CNIC scientists discover a type of immune cell that produces defensive "shields" in the skin

Researchers have identified a type of immune cell that produces extracellular matrix, strengthening the skin's defensive function and maintaining its integrity. This discovery may lead to new strategies for treating skin diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and age-related conditions.

New discovery could help protect against influenza

A preclinical trial has uncovered how beta-glucan can 'reprogram' immune cells to prevent lung inflammation and reduce the risk of illness and death from influenza. The study's findings highlight beta-glucan as a promising therapy for influenza and other emerging viral pathogens.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2025

The imbalance of homeostasis in neutrophil extracellular traps is associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Researchers found that imbalances in neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. High histone-DNA levels and low DNase activity were identified as independent risk factors for PVT.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 11, 2024

Ascorbic acid supplementation and immune response in healthy women during high-intensity exercise

A recent study published in The Open Sports Sciences Journal found that Ascorbic acid supplementation reduced exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy women. The supplement also increased plasma ascorbic acid levels and reduced post-exercise MDA levels, suggesting a potential protective effect against muscle injury.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Sports Sciences Journal·DateJun 10, 2024

White blood cell “nets” could be early warning sign of major immunotherapy complication

A study from Michigan Medicine reveals a connection between neutrophil activation and severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially life-threatening reaction to CAR T-Cell therapy. Researchers identified biomarkers of NETosis, a process in which neutrophils create webs that may contribute to CRS.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Empty “backpacks” activate the immune system against cancer

Researchers have demonstrated that attaching 'empty' backpacks to neutrophils activates them against cancer. The treated neutrophils infused into mice with cancer activated other immune cells and reduced tumor size. This technique is attractive as a 'drug-free' cell therapy for cancer.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Immune cell map reveals origin of subcellular response to microbes, researchers report

Researchers have created an 'immune cell map' that reveals the origin of neutrophils' subcellular response to microbes. The study found that a specific type of glycoprotein is responsible for the restricted subcellular origin, and this discovery may lead to refined personalized immune responses.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2023

Taming a frenzied immune system

UofL researchers, led by Jun Yan, will investigate the causes of immune system overresponse in COVID-19 patients, leading to severe lung disease and death. They aim to develop methods to predict, prevent or control this response with potential treatments for other conditions.

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert

A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at TUM found that a pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert. The compound, [6]-gingerol, stimulates white blood cells via the TRPV1 receptor, which plays a role in the perception of painful heat stimuli and spiciness.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023