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‘Perfect storm’ of mutations drives infection-triggered autoimmune disease

Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease by identifying 'rogue clone' B cells with harmful autoantibodies. The study found that a triad of genetic mutations is required for the autoimmune disease to develop, opening new paths for treatments.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Scientists create first mouse model with complete, functional human immune system

Researchers have developed a humanized mouse model with a fully functional human immune system, enabling the study of immunotherapy development, disease modeling, and vaccine development. The new model, called TruHuX, mounts specific antibody responses and can develop full-fledged systemic lupus autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2024

Treatment for autoimmune disorder acts on balance of immune cell types

A Kobe University study finds that a new treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder shifts the balance of immune cells, increasing anti-inflammatory signals. The discovery may enable clinicians to determine treatment effectiveness and move towards personalized medicine for autoimmune diseases.

SourceKobe University·JournalNeurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

Skeleton-wide study of blood cell formation yields surprising findings

A study published in Nature found that the response to hematopoietic insults differs across the skeleton, with certain bones specialized to respond to specific stresses. The research uses confocal imaging microscopy to count different cell types and provides new insights into blood cell production, potentially leading to improved treat...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Type 1 diabetes: B cell-derived natural antibodies suppress autoimmune pathogenesis

Researchers found that vaccination of neonatal mice with group A Streptococcus promotes clonal expansion of innate-like B cells producing antibody against N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), reducing Type 1 diabetes risk. These GlcNAc-specific B-1 B cells aid in producing tolerance, facilitating efficient clearance of apoptotic beta cells...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

No IKAROS, no antibodies

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Massachusetts General Hospital mapped the genome to understand how IKAROS controls healthy B cell development. They found that IKAROS solves a big problem in B cell development by bringing together far-away genes through looping, leading to proper expression and antibody production.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Flu: Interferon-gamma from T follicular helper cells is required to create lung-resident memory B cells

Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

3D genome analysis reveals secrets to antibody diversity

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that the 3D organisation of DNA in B cells allows for genes far away from each other to come together during antibody generation. This finding has implications for understanding why antibody diversity declines with age and suggests potential interventions.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Automated, accurate reporting for NGS-based clonality testing

Researchers have developed an automated calling algorithm for determining B and T cell clonality from NGS data with greater sensitivity than previous models. The new model increases the assay's sensitivity in detecting clonality, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoproliferative disorders.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2023

Tumor-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells influence early-stage lung cancer biology, immunotherapy responses

A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.

The importance of resting phases in B cell development

Researchers discovered that B cells rely on RNA binding proteins ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 to induce quiescence, allowing them to 'rest up' between developmental events. This mechanism is crucial for proper B cell development, as seen in mice where a 98% reduction of mature B cells was observed when these proteins were absent.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

Researchers discover cause of a human immunodeficiency

A team of scientists has discovered that a lack of the B cell linker protein (BLNK) is responsible for an immunodeficiency in mice and a young man with recurring bacterial infections. The study reveals that BLNK plays a crucial role in B lymphocyte development, leading to impaired immune function.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 1999