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Scientists demonstrate utility of Bilateral Tumor Model for evaluating anti-cancer T-cell responses

A new bilateral tumor model was demonstrated to be useful for investigating the relationship between T-cell repertoire and cancer immunotherapy's therapeutic effects. The study found that T-cell profiles of both tumors were almost identical, indicating a similar anti-tumor response in a single mouse.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? UCLA study points the way

Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Increased warming in latest generation of climate models likely caused by clouds

A new study suggests that challenges simulating clouds are causing some climate models to be more sensitive to carbon dioxide, potentially leading to a warmer future. The updated models have shown a greater range of responses than previous generations, with some models showing higher sensitivity and others lower.

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

The skinny on lipid immunology

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 20, 2017

Biophysics explains how immune cells kill bacteria

Researchers developed moving subtrajectory analysis to study TCR microclusters, revealing kinetic and spatial details of CD3 and CD45 behavior. The study shows that the two molecules exhibit distinct mobility states, depending on their location relative to the microcluster, providing new insights into T cell activation mechanisms.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 16, 2017

Immune system cell clones created before birth may last for decades

Researchers found that identical twins share more T-cell clone receptors than expected due to potential exchange of T cells through cord blood before birth. This phenomenon suggests that some immune system cell clones created before birth can persist for about 40 years, shedding light on the diversity of T cell receptors in adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 6, 2017

T cells use 'handshakes' to sort friends from foes

Researchers developed DNA-based tension sensors to study T cell interactions. They found that T cells use precise mechanical tugs to test whether a cell is a friend or foe, with stronger tugs indicating a foreign invader. This discovery could aid in the development of immune therapies for cancer and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2016

NASA study: Examination of Earth's recent history key to predicting global temperatures

A new NASA study finds that accurately accounting for climate drivers like aerosols and land use changes is crucial for predicting future global temperatures. The research calculated the temperature impact of each variable based on historical observations, revealing their complexity and correcting earlier underestimations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 18, 2015

T cells rely on 'rheostat' to help ensure that the immune response matches the threat

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a 'rheostat' mechanism in T cell receptors that regulates the immune response, enabling cells to scale their response according to the threat. This finding offers insights into advancing understanding and treatment of problems like autoimmune disorders and cancer.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 30, 2013

A crucial link in immune development and regulation unearthed

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a protein called pre-T alpha that guides the correct expression of T cell receptors, enabling the immune system to effectively destroy harmful viruses and bacteria. The finding has significant implications for understanding immune development and potential treatments for childhood leukemia.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2010

When it comes to the immune system, we're all more alike than previously thought, study finds

A recent study by scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that any two people share tens of thousands of identical T-cell receptors, challenging previous dogma. This discovery has significant implications for diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, as it suggests a common immune response to disease.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 1, 2010