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Trigger found for autoimmune heart attacks

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that a protein called alpha-myosin heavy chain triggers inflammatory heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes. The discovery could lead to diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this condition, which is often fatal.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

When T cells attack: Insight into the mechanism of myocarditis

Researchers discovered that autoimmune disease myocarditis occurs when immune system targets heart muscle cells expressing alpha myosin, a protein required for contraction. Preventing the disease involves exposing T cells to alpha myosin in thymus, suggesting measurement of alpha-myosin as diagnostic tool and potential therapeutic target

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

An inside look at how the elite control HIV

Research reveals T cells from elite controllers are resistant to HIV infection due to selective upregulation of p21, an enzyme inhibitor. Blocking p21 increases viral gene expression, highlighting potential treatment strategies for vulnerable patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 7, 2011

Researchers have developed an approach to identify parasite genes associated with severe infection in pregnant women and children, offering new understanding of childhood malaria. Additionally, studies found that niacin can inhibit progression of atherosclerosis in mice through its receptor GPR109A expressed by immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 7, 2011

Immune cell plays unexpected role in autoimmune disease

A new study finds that dendritic cells play a key role in amplifying autoimmune disease, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research suggests that depleting dendritic cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SLE and potentially other autoimmune diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateDec 16, 2010

When it comes to the immune system, we're all more alike than previously thought, study finds

A recent study by scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that any two people share tens of thousands of identical T-cell receptors, challenging previous dogma. This discovery has significant implications for diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, as it suggests a common immune response to disease.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 1, 2010

Insulin peptide may point to a solution for type 1 diabetes

Researchers at National Jewish Health and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a precise protein fragment that can trigger diabetes in mice. The finding contradicts conventional wisdom and suggests that poorly presented peptides may cause autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2010

Directing immune traffic -- signposts to the lung

Scientists at the Trudeau Institute have identified two crucial signals that enable virus-fighting T cells to migrate to the lungs, where they can fight future infections. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines designed to promote respiratory immunity.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 10, 2010

New technique reinforces immune cells that seek and destroy cancer, says Stanford researcher

Stanford researchers have developed a new technique that reinforces immune cells to seek and destroy cancer, potentially improving the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy. The approach uses synthetic biology to engineer T cells to produce cytokines for themselves, while introducing switches to control their growth.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2010

Carbon nanotubes boost cancer-fighting cells

Researchers at Yale University found that carbon nanotubes cause T cell antigens to cluster in high concentrations, stimulating the body's natural immune response. This breakthrough could improve current adoptive immunotherapy for cancer treatment by increasing T cell proliferation.

SourceYale University·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 20, 2010

Acne drug prevents HIV breakout

Researchers found that minocycline effectively targets and reduces HIV replication in immune cells, providing an additional layer of defense against the virus. The antibiotic may improve current treatment regimens for HIV-infected patients when used in combination with HAART.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 19, 2010

New approach to targeting the hidden reservoir of HIV

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an in vitro system to identify compounds that can eliminate HIV-1 from resting CD4+ T cells without causing global T cell activation. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for eliminating the virus's hidden reservoir.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2009

What is the function of lymph nodes?

A new study found that lymph nodes are not necessary for the immune system to respond to infections. Instead, the liver can serve as a surrogate structure for T-cell activation. This discovery suggests an alternative role for the liver and may explain why patients receiving a liver transplant sometimes inherit the donor's allergies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 26, 2009

What is the function of lymph nodes?

Research suggests that lymph nodes are not necessary for marshalling T-cells to respond to skin breaches, with the liver playing a key role instead. This discovery implies a novel function for the liver and offers insights into the evolution of immune systems in mammals.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 25, 2009

Distinguishing single cells with nothing but light

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel optical technique called IRAM that enables rapid analysis of single human immune cells using only light. This technique allows for clear differences between two types of immune cells to be seen, providing new insights into cell activation and development.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 1, 2009

Immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have prematurely aged chromosomes

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble turning on the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, leading to premature aging. This finding suggests that restoring defective telomerase could help 'reset' the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2009