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Narrow time window exists to start HIV therapy, study shows

Research shows that starting HIV therapy soon after infection significantly reduces the risk of developing AIDS and improves immune function, particularly when treatment is initiated within 12 months of seroconversion. A normal CD4+ T-cell count above 800 cells per cubic millimeter is crucial for reconstituting immune-fighting cells.

Starting treatment soon after HIV infection improves immune health, study finds

A new study suggests that starting HIV treatment within a year of seroconversion can improve immune health by increasing CD4+ T-cell count. Researchers found that an HIV-infected person's CD4+ T-cell count is more likely to return to normal if treatment starts within a year and at a CD4+ T-cell count of 500 or more.

New rules for anticancer vaccines

Researchers have identified a better measure of predicting cancer neoepitopes, which are specific protein sequences recognized by immune cells. This new approach has the potential to improve current methods for generating anticancer vaccines, increasing their effectiveness in combating cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 22, 2014

Gut bacteria tire out T cells

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) experience recurrent bacterial infections due to exhausted T cells expressing inhibitory protein PD-1. Rejuvenating these cells through blocking PD-1 may offer protection against bacterial infections, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 15, 2014

T-bet tackles hepatitis

High levels of T-bet in CD8+ T cells are prevalent in individuals who successfully fight off hepatitis infections. The protein is linked to the production of antiviral molecules like interferon and the ability of CD8+ T cells to multiply in response to the virus.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 15, 2014

Lipids help to fight leukemia

A new study by Prof. Gennaro De Libero and his team at the University of Basel identifies a lipid molecule, methyl-lysophosphatidic acid (mLPA), that stimulates specific T cells to kill leukemia cells. This breakthrough discovery offers new avenues for non-invasive cancer immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 16, 2014

T cell repertoire changes predictive of anti-CTLA-4 cancer immunotherapy outcome revealed

A study using Sequenta's LymphoSIGHT platform reveals that patients with longer survival have lower numbers of T cell clones that decrease in frequency after treatment. This association holds for both prostate cancer and melanoma patients, suggesting that immune repertoire sequencing could predict clinical benefit of immunotherapies.

SourceSequenta Inc.·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 28, 2014

Researchers find new molecule to treat asthma

Researchers have discovered a synthetic molecule that inhibits T-cell signaling in the lungs, preventing asthma symptoms such as inflammation and airway constriction. The molecule shows promise for treating asthma, a chronic disease affecting over 25 million Americans.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

New method isolates immune cells for researchers to study how they ward off oral diseases

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to isolate single immune cells from the mouth, allowing them to study how these cells fight diseases. The method successfully isolated over 94% of the cells, enabling researchers to gain insights into treating oral cancers and other health issues.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiological Procedures Online·DateApr 15, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 17, 2014

A neurotensin conjugate has shown effective transportation across the blood brain barrier and dose-dependent pain relief in animal models. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been found to impact T cell repertoire in multiple sclerosis patients, with diverse repertoires associated with better treatment responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 17, 2014

New insights into facial transplantation

Researchers have found that during active rejection episodes, many to most of the immune cells involved are of donor origin. This discovery provides new insights into the rejection process, suggesting that transplanted faces carry their own army of immune cells that may defend against rejecting recipient cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalModern Pathology·DateJan 17, 2014

Scripps research institute scientists discover important wound-healing process

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered a critical role of dendritic epidermal T cells in producing interleukin-17A to promote wound healing. The study found that these skin-resident immune cells function as 'first responders' to skin injuries by producing IL-17A, which wards off infection and promotes wound healing.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2013

New immune cells hint at eczema cause

Researchers have identified a new type of immune cell in the skin that plays a role in fighting parasitic invaders and could be linked to eczema. The discovery sheds light on the causes of allergic skin diseases and offers new hope for treating hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 21, 2013