Researchers found that transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells improved autonomic nerve function in patients with spinal cord injury. The study used a simple electrophysiological detection method to assess sympathetic skin response, which showed significant recovery after treatment.
A protein called GEF-H1 is critical for macrophages' ability to respond to viral infections. Mice lacking this protein were unable to mount an effective immune defense against influenza and other viruses.
Researchers found that Itch maintains the stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which promotes Th2 inflammatory responses and severe airway inflammation in mice. This study highlights the importance of Itch in regulating immune responses and preventing allergic diseases.
A phase I clinical trial has shown that an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody can produce striking responses in non-small cell lung cancer patients with metastatic disease who have failed to respond to previous chemotherapy. Smokers and former smokers are more likely to benefit from this treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that brown fat cells are generated through new cell formation rather than converting white fat cells. This finding could lead to therapeutic strategies to activate precursor cells to produce more brown fat cells for weight management and related diseases.
Monash University researchers discovered a safety mechanism that regulates the activation of marginal zone B cells, which can turn against the body. The study found that MZ B cells have a short life span and are triggered by bacteria to express a protein called TACI.
A recent clinical trial found that patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes treated with teplizumab exhibit greater preservation of C-peptide, a biomarker of islet cell function. Further analysis identified a discrete subset of treatment responders who demonstrated especially robust responses.
Scientists at Salk Institute find that enveloped viruses use phosphatidylserine to activate TAM receptors, disabling the interferon response and allowing infection. This discovery may lead to novel antiviral therapies that target this mechanism.
A clinical trial found that tumor cell vaccination increased complete remission rates and induced leukemia-specific T-cells in patients with advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The study suggests that this approach may enhance anti-tumor responses following allo-HSCT.
Researchers created a simple system using just a laptop and camera to measure pupil size for communication. They found that healthy people's pupils increased in size when solving math problems, which was translated into accurate answers to yes/no questions.
Researchers found radioimmunotherapy using 177Lu-DOTA-rituximab to be highly effective in treating relapsing follicular, mantle cell, and other indolent B-cell lymphomas. The treatment resulted in high tumor response rates and was well-tolerated, with toxicity mainly being hematologic.
A team of neuroscientists mapped brain-cell activity in fruit flies to understand smell recognition. They found that a small number of neurons are required to distinguish between different odors, suggesting the importance of sparseness in signal transmission.
Researchers develop nanoparticles to block immune responses, enabling precise control of the immune system. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases and allergies by targeting specific immune cells.
NIH-supported scientists studied lab-grown human lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) and found that certain drugs could inhibit viral replication. The study identified a set of 207 human genes whose expression was disrupted by nCoV, which may be targets for new treatments.
Researchers demonstrate that mechanical forces control the depolymerization of actin, a critical protein in cells, affecting cellular growth and processes. The study uses atomic force microscopy to show that tensile forces create catch bonds, prolonging bond lifetimes.
A new study has identified CA9, CD31, CD34 and VEGFR1/2 as potential biomarkers for predicting a good response to sunitinib treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Patients with low Fuhrman grade tumors and high CA9 expression exhibited improved progression-free and overall survival.
Researchers have identified a potent compound that activates immune responses in newborns' white blood cells substantially better than anything previously tested, potentially making vaccines effective right at birth. The compound, VTX-294, produced strong immune responses and triggered production of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules.
Researchers investigate how plants sense gravity and respond to it, with a focus on genetics and the cytoskeleton's role in directing cell growth. Recent genetic studies reveal potential mechanisms for regulating actin and auxin distribution.
Scientists have found a new dynamic process in liquid crystal cells triggered by strong electric fields. The theory of spatio-temporal chaos explains this effect, which affects the electro-optic switching phenomenon used in devices.
A Kansas State University-led study reveals a new protein that affects how cells in the innate immune system function and protect humans against invading bacteria. The researchers characterized a glycosyltransferase activity protein that targets GAPDH function to inhibit NF-kappaB activation, leading to enhanced disease susceptibility.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute developed a method called sortagging, which uses the bacterial enzyme sortase A to modify antibodies to carry various payloads. This approach allows for highly targeted and potent responses from immune cells, potentially aiding in vaccine development.
Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.
Researchers develop thermodynamically rigorous analysis to parse free energy of polymodal voltage- and ligand-dependent ion channels. This new approach offers a model-independent way to study ion channel gating, useful for constraining future atomic-scale models and understanding disruptions caused by genetic mutations.
In a phase I trial, ponatinib showed promising results in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), particularly for patients with the T315I mutation. The drug achieved complete hematologic responses in all 12 patients and major cytogenetic responses in 67% of those with other mutations.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a rare type of B cell that regulates immune responses and limits autoimmunity. By infusing these cells into mice with autoimmune disease, symptoms were significantly reduced. Further research is needed to expand human B10 cells and determine their behavior in humans.
Research reveals fly photoreceptors physically contract in response to light, generating electrical responses faster than previously thought. The study provides a new concept in cellular signalling and suggests potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.
A Tel Aviv University researcher is using fruit flies to study the functioning of neurons and potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. By genetically modifying flies to express a protein linked to human Alzheimer's, she hopes to unlock its function and develop new therapies.
A team of researchers at the University of Manchester has found a novel solution to reducing inflammation by harnessing the power of hypertonic solutions. They discovered that bathing in or applying these solutions can shrink cells and deactivate the inflammatory response.
A new method allows for personalized clinical trial predictions by analyzing cell behavior, offering ways to improve cancer treatment outcomes and predict tumor response. The approach may enable oncologists to test combinations of targeted therapies in individual patient tumors.
Two studies reveal new genetic mutations in GlyT2 gene that cause startle disease, characterized by exaggerated response to noise and touch. The mutations affect glycine signaling, leading to an abnormal startle response. Discoveries triple the number of known cases with these mutations.
A new biomarker, pyridoxal kinase (PDXK), has been identified as a predictor of response to chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. PDXK expression levels are associated with survival rates and treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have identified a novel mechanism that allows adenovirus to evade the immune system's interferon response. The study found that the virus blocks the formation of an enzyme necessary for this process, leading to increased gene transcription and cell division.
Researchers have identified a pair of proteins, RGS7 and RGS11, that play an essential role in vision, particularly in dim light environments. The study reveals that these proteins help regulate cells' response to light, enabling the transmission of visual information to the brain.
A team of IRCM researchers led by Dr. André Veillette has elucidated a poorly understood molecular mechanism associated with human immune disorder XLP disease.
A three-drug treatment combining carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and low-dose dexamethasone showed rapid and durable responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. After at least eight cycles of treatment, 61% had a stringent complete response.
A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.
Researchers from A*STAR identified the molecular switch Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that triggers innate immunity and activates potent virus killers, enabling effective responses to dengue and influenza viruses. The discovery paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs targeting BTK.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown cellular system that triggers immune and detoxification responses in animals when exposed to toxins or pathogens. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sepsis and toxic shock.
Researchers at BUSM discovered the liver's regulatory function in responding to lung infections. The study found that hepatocytes generate blood proteins that change concentration during an acute phase response, which prevents bacterial spread.
A genome-wide study identified 190 genes critical for the function of TLR7 and TLR9, cellular sensors that recognize pathogens and trigger immune responses. The findings provide insights into the complex network regulating immune responses to microbial infections.
Researchers identify key interaction between JAK2 and SOCS3 proteins, providing potential therapeutic targets for myeloproliferative diseases. The discovery could lead to a new class of drugs with greater specificity than current treatments.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a potent regulator of insulin sensitivity, protein TBC1D3, which helps improve blood sugar control. Higher levels of TBC1D3 impede feedback loops that normally deactivates insulin signals, keeping the pathway open longer.
Researchers found that the CyBorD/CVD regimen can lead to complete hematologic response and may make AL amyloidosis patients eligible for stem cell transplants. This effective multiple myeloma treatment is already widely used, offering a potential therapy for those with few treatment options.
A new study found that growing up on a farm increases regulatory T-lymphocytes, cells that damp down the immune system and limit immune responses. This shift in cell ratio is associated with reduced antibody responses to food proteins and lower risk of allergies.
Researchers at UBC have discovered the molecular pathway enabling receptors in immune cells to find and flag pathogen fragments. This discovery could lead to more efficient vaccines against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as personalized medical options.
Researchers have identified a new family of hypoxic regulator proteins that malfunction when dysregulated, contributing to the progression of serious diseases like cancer. This discovery may lead to the development of novel drug therapeutics to combat cancer and other oxygen-related disorders.
Researchers aim to create a predictive model for liver metabolism using cellular control of fat metabolism as an optimal feedback-control system. The goal is to analyze and optimally compute possible interventions for treating fatty livers, leading to personalized medicine approaches.
Sulfomucins, secreted by intestinal goblet cells, provide critical protection to the intestinal mucosa. Inflammatory cues from microbes and host inflammatory cells modulate sulfomucin production, which is associated with both inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
Treatment with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation achieved a high organ response rate and increased overall survival, even in patients without hematologic complete response. The study found that careful patient selection and experienced management can lead to low treatment-related mortality rates.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have quantified a cell's decision-making ability, finding it to be only two possible choices. Cells can overcome their individual limitations by forming multicellular organisms, which enables them to transfer information and make decisions together.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a way to halt life-threatening arrhythmia using lower amplitude, high-frequency alternating current. This approach may prove less painful for patients and could lead to a new device that replaces painful defibrillator shocks.
A novel sensory pathway modulates Th17 cell responses, revealing a potential anti-inflammatory mechanism for PI-3K and Akt inhibitors. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that two structurally similar neurons have distinct roles, influencing brain regions and visual functions. This discovery has significant implications for diagnosing sleep disorders, as pupillary light reflex may not be an accurate indicator of sleep-wake cycles.
A new study reveals that subsets of dendritic cells in the skin can promote unique and opposite immune responses against the same type of infection. The research highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in initiating an effective immune response.
A team of researchers developed a novel technique to study how cells respond to changing concentrations of chemoattractants. The study reveals two ways cells can reorient in response to changes, and provides insights into the underlying signaling pathways that control chemotaxis. The research has clinical significance for embryonic dev...
Researchers found that shorter, less strenuous warm-ups resulted in less muscle fatigue yet more peak power output compared to traditional warm-ups. This suggests that a better approach would be to aim for just enough activity to promote post-activation potentiation without creating fatigue.
A new study from UCSD School of Medicine reveals the plasticity of some gene expression programs, allowing for alternative induced gene expression. This plasticity may contribute to cancer cell growth and normal differentiation, with implications for hormone therapy.
A UT Southwestern researcher has identified the most comprehensive measurement to date of estrogen's effect on breast cancer cells, showing that estrogen regulates a strikingly large percentage of all RNA molecules in a rapid and transient manner. This finding could lead to new therapeutic applications and provide a model for understan...
Researchers developed a technology that measures the action of candidate drugs on human cells, enabling more effective therapies. This breakthrough could lead to earlier disease detection and tailor treatment options for cancer and HIV patients.
Researchers found that PUMA protein induces apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, leading to inflammation and UC development. Increased PUMA levels were detected in diseased tissues of UC patients, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.