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Ketogenic diet helps tame flu virus

A new study from Yale University finds that a ketogenic diet can enhance the body's natural response to influenza by activating gamma delta T cells, which produce mucus in lung cell linings. The research suggests that the way the body burns fat may fuel the immune system's ability to fight flu infection.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateNov 15, 2019

Immune response depends on mathematics of narrow escapes

A new study reveals the narrow escape problem, a classic math puzzle, plays a key role in determining immune responses. The unique shape of T cells creates a close-contact zone for triggering molecules, and the size of this zone depends on the surface protrusions, keeping the process sensitive to invaders.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Successful T cell engineering with gene scissors

A team at Technical University of Munich has developed modified T cells using CRISPR-Cas9, which can recognize specific antigens without mixed receptors. These near-natural cells have the same structure but are capable of being genetically modified, making them suitable for cancer therapy and potential solutions to immunotherapy problems.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 11, 2019

No cell is an island

A study published in eLife found that doublet immune cells are more common than previously thought and play a crucial role in disease progression. The research reveals that these cell complexes can serve as biomarkers for immune perturbations, potentially allowing for early detection of diseases like dengue fever.

On the way to fighting staph infections with the body's immune system

Researchers have discovered that gamma/delta T cells are the specific cells mediating the mouse's defense against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers identified V gamma 6/Vdelta 4+ gamma/delta T cells as the key players in this response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2019

Challenging metabolism may help fight disease

Researchers at Swansea University's Medical School have found that immune cells can re-programme their metabolic pathways to provide energy and building blocks when challenged. This discovery suggests that manipulating metabolism could lead to new therapies for infectious diseases and cancer.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2019

Scientists develop artificial chemical receptor to assist viral transduction for T cell engineering

A research team developed an artificial chemical receptor that effectively facilitates viral binding to T cells, increasing transduction efficiency by up to 80%. The technique is safe and efficient for human primary T cells and shows great potential for clinical engineered T lymphocyte manufacturing.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 12, 2019

'Nanobodies' from alpacas could help bring CAR T-cell therapy to solid tumors

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and MIT have developed nanobodies that can target the tumor micro-environment, allowing for more effective treatment of solid tumors. The nanobodies were tested in mouse models of melanoma and colon cancer, showing promising results in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2019

New machine learning model describes dynamics of cell development

Researchers developed a new machine learning model to describe the dynamics of cell development, estimating selection pressure and formation of new cells. The tool simplifies the interpretation of single-cell time series observations, shedding light on vital questions in biology.

For infection-fighting cells, a guideline for expanding the troops

A team from Princeton University used mathematical modeling to explore the relationship between T cell expansion and infectious agent levels. They found that the starting amount of infectious agent and affinity for the cells are key factors in determining the expansion rate. The study suggests a simple underlying mechanism governing th...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Immunological scarring from coeliac disease

A new study suggests that coeliac disease permanently replaces 'tissue-healing' T cells with 'pro-inflammatory' T cells in the bowel, causing chronic inflammation and potentially contributing to other intestinal disorders. The research has implications for gut health in affected patients.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCell·DateFeb 14, 2019

Human cells can also change jobs

Researchers at UNIGE show that human pancreatic cells can be converted to produce insulin in a sustainable way, potentially compensating for lost or dysfunctional cells. The conversion was successful in both diabetic and non-diabetic donors, with modified alpha cells showing improved resistance to autoimmune diabetes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2019