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Allergic inflammation and experimental skin cancer risk

A recent study at Tampere University discovered that the expression of an allergy-related receptor chain for proinflammatory IL-13 cytokine protects against experimental skin cancer. The absence of this receptor led to increased regulatory T cells and a suppressed immune response, allowing cancer cells to grow and form tumors.

SourceTampere University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 22, 2021

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Calcium-sensing receptor of immune cells and diseases

Researchers found that calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and T lymphocytes, regulating cytokine secretion, chemotaxis, and ligand delivery. This receptor also contributes to the development of several diseases, including sepsis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, and rheumatism.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 27, 2021

Molecular mechanism of plant immune receptors discovered

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered the molecular mechanism of plant immune receptors, revealing a common structural principle to trigger intracellular immune signals and cell death. The study found that activated protein forms a tetramer, which creates a unique surface necessary for defence signal triggering.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2020

Restricting unwanted immune reactions

Scientists at the University of Münster have decoded a mechanism that regulates the release of S100A8/S100A9 protein complexes, which can trigger or amplify inflammatory reactions. The researchers aim to develop new treatment options for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 6, 2018

Fine-tuning for intestinal immune cells

A new study reveals that food components can significantly influence the intestinal immune system by binding to an important controller, the Ah receptor. The researchers found that the interaction between the Ah receptor and its repressor is crucial for balancing the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 2016

Unlocking the rice immune system

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute have identified a bacterial protein called RaxX that activates rice plant's immune response to Xanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae, the pathogen causing bacterial blight. This discovery has important implications for future grass-type biofuel feedstocks and the worldwide supply of rice.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2015

Immune cells make flexible choices

A team of researchers at the Weizmann Institute has discovered how immune cells produce a wide range of receptors to fight different diseases. By analyzing the genetic sequences of lymphocyte receptors in mice, they found that the flexibility and length of DNA segments play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of two distant se...

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Discovery paves way for improved painkillers

Researchers have discovered how opioid drugs like morphine create an inflammatory response in the brain by activating an immune receptor. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic drugs that improve morphine's effectiveness while reducing its problematic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012

Brain drain of doctors from Pakistan, and more

A study published in PLoS Medicine explores the brain drain of doctors from Pakistan to the West. The authors argue that some Pakistani medical graduates who emigrate for higher training abroad have every intention of returning to their homeland with new expertise and knowledge, which can benefit the country's healthcare system.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 28, 2008

Genetic link to cervical cancer

Research suggests that individuals with more inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) have a decreased risk of developing cervical cancer. Activation of NK cells is thought to contribute to cancer progression by increasing local inflammation, which has been linked to the development of other types of cancer.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 4, 2005