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Antiviral T cells safe and effective for treating debilitating complication common after stem cell transplants

A Phase II trial found that BKV-specific T cells from healthy donors are safe and effective in treating debilitating complications after stem cell transplants. Patients experienced rapid responses, with 81.6% showing improvement after 28 days, and no cases of severe GVHD or toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 30, 2021

Combined recognition strategy allows CAR T cells to kill solid tumors in mice and avoid side effects

Researchers have developed a new generation of CAR T cells that safely target and kill solid tumors in mice with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and glioblastoma. The 'prime-and-kill' molecular circuits enable specific recognition of tumor antigens on healthy tissues, reducing the risk of side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021

Stress slows the immune response in sick mice

The study found that stress impairs immune cells' ability to move and fight diseases by inhibiting their movements. This effect is caused by the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to reduced blood flow, oxygen deprivation, and calcium signaling in leukocytes.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 28, 2021

A T-cell stimulatory protein and interleukin-10 synergize to prevent gut inflammation

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a synergy between ICOS ligand and interleukin-10 that promotes mutualism with the gut microbiota. The research found that mice deficient in ICOSL had increased frequencies of IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells, which were crucial for preventing severe inf...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021

Discovery of a third T cell lineage

Researchers at Monash University have identified a novel T cell lineage, γμ T cells, which use a unique antibody-like structure to recognize pathogens. This discovery expands the immunology 'toolbox' and may lead to new approaches for fighting viral infections such as COVID-19.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2021

Stopping intestinal bacteria in their tracks

A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has uncovered the mechanism for regulating T cell differentiation via intestinal epithelial cells. This finding highlights the importance of intestinal immune homeostasis and suggests a new role for PD-1 signaling in CD4+ T cell differentiation into intraepithelial lymphocytes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2021