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A human enzyme can biodegrade graphene

Researchers found that myeloperoxidase can degrade both single-layer and few-layer graphene, opening up new avenues for developing biodegradable graphene-based materials. This discovery is crucial for ensuring the safe use of graphene in biomedical applications.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 23, 2018

A deeper look at severe asthma yields NET results

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers models allergic lung inflammation in mice, revealing the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in triggering and amplifying an allergen-initiated immune response. The findings have implications for designing more precise clinical trials for severe asthma treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 3, 2018

Overcoming the last line of antibiotic resistance against bacterial infections

Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria causing severe infections, has developed mechanisms to evade the human immune system. Researchers have identified various tactics used by S. aureus to slow down neutrophil migration, impede priming, and even kill neutrophils. Understanding these strategies can lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateAug 21, 2017

Physicists and medics discover new ability of immune cells

Researchers have discovered a way to quickly calm activated neutrophils, which can get stuck in the lungs' tiny capillaries, leading to life-threatening problems. The breakthrough, developed by a Creighton University physics professor, could lead to new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI).

SourceCreighton University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 14, 2017

Scientists discover how bacteria induce 'NET' release

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that flagellar motility of P. aeruginosa is the main factor required to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The researchers developed an assay to quantify the levels of P. aeruginosa flagellin and found that immotile strains failed to stimulate NET formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 17, 2016

LJI researchers gain new understanding of how neutrophils latch onto vessel walls to protect from infection and clean up injured tissue

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a novel mechanism by which neutrophil receptors latch onto vessel walls, dampening inflammation. Integrins assume an unorthodox shape that exposes the high affinity patch but maintains a bent conformation, preventing it from binding to ICAM-1 expressed on blood vessel cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2016

No platelets, no immune response

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that a protein called CCN1 produced by platelets and blood vessels is essential for the recruitment of immune cells during viral infections. Without CCN1, the immune response is impaired, highlighting a new potential target for antiviral treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2016