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Beyond killing tuberculosis

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that having excessive T cells can cause harm and imbalance disease tolerance, leading to tissue damage. The study found that a protein called cyclophilin D acts as a key checkpoint for T cell activation, controlling the body's ability to tolerate Mtb infection.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 11, 2018

Watch how a T cell passes HIV sexually to a new host

Researchers have developed an in vitro model of urethral mucosa to visualize the HIV transmission process. The study reveals that infected T cells target epithelial cells above macrophages, leading to viral production and shedding via transcytosis. Macrophages then capture and store the virus, posing a challenge for treatment efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

Remote-control shoots laser at nano-gold to turn on cancer-killing immune cells

Bioengineers have developed a remote control method to activate cancer-killing immune cells using a heat-sensitive switch, which can be precisely controlled to target tumors. The technique has shown promise in initial tests in mice with implanted tumors, and could potentially improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating cancer.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateApr 19, 2018

Efficient genetic modification of immune cells

Scientists have developed a method to efficiently genetically modify T-cells from mice, allowing for targeted gene surgery and potential therapeutic applications. The technique involves using plasmids and CRISPR-Cas9 molecular scissors to introduce specific changes into the cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 5, 2018

CRISPR enhances cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at WashU Medicine used CRISPR to engineer human T cells that can attack human T cell cancers without succumbing to friendly fire. The new approach also allows for the use of therapeutic T cells from any healthy donor, eliminating the need for a matched donor or patient's own T cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateMar 6, 2018

Researchers develop a remote-controlled cancer immunotherapy system

A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to remotely control genetic processes in live immune T cells, enabling them to recognize and kill cancer cells. The system uses mechanogenetics to convert mechanical signals into genetic control, with potential to increase precision and efficiency in CAR-T cell immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Targeting cancer without destroying healthy T-cells

Researchers have discovered a method to target cancerous T-cells while sparing healthy ones, which are essential to the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma, which has been difficult to treat without damaging healthy T-cells.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

CAR T-Cell therapy sends multiple myeloma into lasting remission

A new type of immunotherapy using CAR T cells targeting B-cell maturation protein (BCMA) has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma, achieving a 100% objective response rate and 94% clinical remission. Most patients experienced mild side effects, with only one case of disease progression among those in complete response.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 5, 2017

TWEAKing inflammation

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Smoking decreases MAIT cells, implicated in the pathology of autoimmune diseases

New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that smoking decreases frequencies of MAIT cells in healthy individuals and patients with multiple sclerosis. This discovery sheds light on the effects of smoking on the immune system, potentially revealing pathogenic mechanisms contributing to autoimmune diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateMay 2, 2017