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Research sheds light on how immune system's 'first responders' target infection

Researchers discovered that IL-8 monomers and dimers interact differently with cell-surface molecules in different body tissues, influencing neutrophil recruitment. This fundamental mechanism regulates neutrophil function and could help control runaway inflammation and related tissue damage in diseases such as sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateFeb 27, 2012

They shall not pass!

A study by LMU researchers found that neutrophils play a crucial role in blood coagulation and antimicrobial defense, trapping pathogens in small blood vessels. Excessive clotting, however, can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2010

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have made significant discoveries in the fields of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, revealing new insights into the role of neutrophils and hyperploidy. A study found that neutrophils contribute to atherosclerosis, while another discovered that hyperploid neurons are more prone to cell death in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 25, 2010

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2010

How smoking encourages infection

New research reveals that nicotine reduces neutrophil ability to seek and destroy bacteria, contributing to increased susceptibility to infection in chronic tobacco users. The study also found that nicotine suppresses oxidative burst and increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 release, leading to impaired neutrophil function.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cell Biology·DateApr 14, 2008

JCI table of contents -- February 22, 2006

Researchers have identified potential new treatments for three serious diseases: a drug that increases SMN production in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, overexpression of Akt that converts a less invasive to a highly invasive melanoma, and inhibition of PKC-epsilon that prevents insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2007

A beneficial suicide

Researchers discovered that neutrophils can form web-like structures called NETs outside cells, composed of nucleic acid and enzymes that catch bacteria and kill them. This process is equally effective as devouring bacteria, showcasing the neutrophil's role in defense even after death.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 10, 2007

Study gives clues about how deadly bacterium gains foothold

A team of University of Iowa researchers has made significant progress in understanding how the deadly Francisella tularensis bacterium evades the human immune system. The study found that the bacteria can inhibit the ability of white blood cells called neutrophils to kill it, allowing it to replicate and cause harm.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateDec 19, 2006

Can anthrax be controlled?

A newly discovered protein called alpha-defensin can kill Bacillus anthracis bacteria, the causative agent of anthrax. The skin form of anthrax is harmless due to neutrophils' ability to identify and kill microbes, whereas the lung form remains fatal, prompting hope for new treatments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 10, 2005

Golden armor

Researchers found that a yellow-orange pigment produced by Staphylococcus aureus helps the bacteria resist neutrophil killing and produce disease. The discovery provides an novel target for treatment of serious Staph infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant MRSA.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 2005