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First-in-human trial demonstrates promise of implantable cytokine factories for ovarian cancer

A first-in-human trial demonstrates the potential of implantable cytokine factories for treating ovarian cancer, showing a favorable safety profile and encouraging disease stabilization in patients. The therapy successfully activated key immune cells without expanding regulatory T cells, revealing a promising mechanism of action.

SourceRice University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

Major depressive disorder shares immune abnormalities and potential therapeutic targets with inflammatory skin diseases, according to new study

Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder share immune abnormalities with inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The study suggests targeting the Th2 pathway and interleukin-4 receptor alpha as potential therapeutic strategies for psychiatric illness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Psilocybin shows context-dependent effects on social behavior and inflammation in female mice modeling anorexia

Researchers found that psilocybin reduced novelty-seeking in control mice, but heightened it in anorexia model mice. Inflammation levels were also altered, contradicting expectations based on human studies. The study's findings have implications for understanding anorexia nervosa and the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalPsychedelics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Research unveils new strategies to tackle atrial fibrillation, a condition linked to stroke and dementia risks

A recent study explores the connection between chronic inflammation and arrhythmia development, identifying potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating AF. The research team discovered that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) triggers atrial fibrillation by activating its receptors on macrophages.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateFeb 6, 2025

Researchers develop a device that replicates tumours to study the efficacy of immunotherapy treatments

The Micro Immune Response On chip (MIRO) replicates tumours and their environment, allowing researchers to study the efficacy of immunotherapy treatments. This technology has been tested with breast cancer samples and shows promise in understanding how the immune system interacts with tumours.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2025

CNIO researchers discover a 'switch' for the desire to engage in physical activity: Two proteins that get activated in the muscle during exercise

CNIO researchers have discovered a 'switch' for the desire to engage in physical activity, revealing a muscle-brain pathway that controls eagerness to train more when we exercise. Two proteins, p38α and p38γ, get activated in the muscle during exercise, influencing interest in physical activity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2024

Study identifies protein that affects health of gut microbiota and response to bacterial infection

A study identified a protein called IL-22BP that affects the composition of gut microbiota and the body's response to bacterial infection. The absence of this protein results in stronger defenses against intestinal infections, including increased production of short-chain fatty acids that promote an anti-inflammatory environment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

B12 deficiency: a hidden trigger of inflammation?

A recent study found a compelling link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic inflammation, which can lead to various health problems. The research revealed an inverse relationship between vitamin B12 levels and inflammatory markers in humans and mice, suggesting that higher vitamin B12 levels may lower inflammatory markers.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus discovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus, revealing a potential target for treatment. The study found that sleep deprivation caused the activation of microglial cells in the brain, leading to increased levels of IL12 and IL23, a diagnostic marker for neuropsychiatric SLE.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Greater understanding of immune signalling molecule raises hope for improved clinical use

A detailed understanding of interleukin 2's role in the immune system has been gained through a new mouse model, enabling scientists to identify potential new uses as an immune-modulating biologic drug. This breakthrough may lead to optimized autoimmune and cancer treatment while avoiding unwanted side effects.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022

How to make the TB vaccine more effective

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that adding an antibody to the widely-used TB vaccine significantly improves its long-term effectiveness. The combination of the vaccine and an IL-10 blocker allows for better control of TB infection in mice, with improved lung health and increased memory immune cells.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 11, 2022

New analysis approach could increase the number of usable donor kidneys

Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Psoriasis and psychiatric illnesses: What are the links?

Research suggests a connection between psoriasis and psychiatric illnesses, with inflammation being a key underlying factor. Psoriasis patients are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts due to the debilitating nature of their condition.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateAug 11, 2017

Study shows link between influenza virus and fever

A study by University of Bonn researchers has found a link between the influenza virus and fever, revealing that the immune system's RIG-I protein plays a key role in triggering high temperatures. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating severe viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 16, 2009

Blocked protein prevents Lupus in mouse model

A study led by Professor Derry Roopenian found that a blocked protein called Interleukin 21 prevents systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in mice. The researchers also demonstrated the importance of IL21 signaling in SLE progression, suggesting that interrupting this process could be an effective therapeutic option for human SLE patients.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2009