Researchers have engineered T cells that can recognize HIV-1 strains that evade the immune system, a breakthrough with implications for treating patients with chronic infection. The engineered T cells respond vigorously to HIV, allowing fewer cells to control infection.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered T cells use molecular controls to modulate development and avoid autoimmunity. Subtle defects in these controls may explain the delayed onset of autoimmune diseases.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine genetically engineered immune cells to target and kill HIV-infected cells. This approach, using genes from elite controllers' immune systems, could lead to a new strategy for combating AIDS. The study shows promise in both test tubes and animal models.
COX-2 inhibitors increase myocardial infarction and stroke risk due to suppression of prostacyclin and PGE2. Inhibiting microsomal PGE synthase-1 may offer anti-inflammatory effects without cardiovascular consequences, suggesting a potential alternative therapeutic option.
Scientists have discovered the roles of two proteins in recognizing blockages in transcription and initiating efficient repair. Their results suggest a previously unsuspected mechanism for the repair process, shedding light on Cockayne Syndrome, a fatal form of accelerated aging.
Researchers describe the interaction between T-cell receptors and coreceptors during an immune response. They found that T-cell receptors and CD8 coreceptors are brought together during antigen sensing, increasing their interaction with endogenous non-stimulatory peptides.
Weakened T-cell receptor signals shift T-cell lineage towards the gamma-delta pathway, enabling immune surveillance against external disease-causing agents. Gamma-delta T cells appear particularly adept at combating skin cancers and may play a role in detecting potential cancers.
University of Illinois scientists developed a method to improve T-cell receptor properties, allowing for manipulation of the immune system's recognition molecules. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.