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Immunology: Live and let live

Dendritic cells, which help activate and suppress immune responses, play a key role in maintaining the balance between self and non-self in the gut. The discovery of a signaling molecule, CD40, reveals how this balance can be disrupted, leading to severe colitis, but also highlights the importance of regulatory T-cells in maintaining i...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2017

Infection defense: Call for support by the killer cells

A recent study published in Immunity reveals how killer cells coordinate with dendritic cells to create an army of immune cells. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn, found that killer cells form a team and trigger chemical signals to recruit other cell types, leading to a coordinated and strong immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 9, 2017

The last frontier

Kosik's research suggests that dendrites use a relatively small number of RNAs to leverage increased dynamic range, allowing for sparse coding and plasticity. This enables the brain to process incoming information more efficiently and adapt to new experiences.

Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that HIV co-infection reduces dendritic cell function, leading to increased tuberculosis risk. The research suggests a new treatment strategy using host-directed therapy to strengthen immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 18, 2016

Discovery could provide new prevention, treatment option for organ transplant rejection

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that eliminating dendritic cells from transplanted organs can prolong transplant survival by reducing T cell proliferation. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for preventing or treating organ transplant rejection without compromising the patient's immune defenses.

Adult brain prunes branched connections of new neurons

A recent study tracked developing cells in an adult mouse brain, finding that the brain prunes back excess dendrite branches to achieve optimal design. This pruning process may hold implications for understanding neurological disorders such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 2, 2016

Can we hypercharge vaccines?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found a fatty chemical called oxPAPC that induces an immune response in mice, causing T-cells to become highly active and effective. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against various infections.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

Wayne State study provides new understanding of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Researchers at Wayne State University have discovered that dendritic cells play a crucial role in guiding sensory nerve regeneration after wounding, but their interactions are disrupted in diabetic corneas. The study found that applying exogenous CNTF and its soluble receptor CNTFR-alpha can partially reverse the adverse effects of dia...

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 11, 2016

Signpost for sentinel cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered how dendritic cells advance from capillary vessels towards the lymph node. They found that the cells orient themselves with the help of a molecular mediator named CCL21, which creates a directional gradient.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 15, 2016

Immune cells may help fight against obesity

A new study found that mice lacking certain immune cells gained excess weight and developed metabolic abnormalities even on a standard diet. Removing these cells prevented weight gain and metabolic issues. The study indicates that immune cells may help control fat tissue's energy storage and reduce inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 15, 2015

How neurons get their branching shapes

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals how the protein centrosomin controls the growth of microtubules within neurons, influencing dendritic branching. The researchers found that centrosomin acts as a 'glue' to fix microtubules, preventing excessive branching and promoting more complex arbors.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2015

Immune system: Help for killer cells

Scientists discovered that helper T cells boost killer cell reproduction and provide memory, enabling them to remember previous infections. This understanding could lead to the development of new vaccines that activate killer cells with harmless fragments of disease pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateAug 21, 2015

Research offers a new approach to improving HIV vaccines

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a protein called polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) that recognizes HIV and initiates an immune response. The study suggests that designing a drug mimicking the PQBP1-HIV interface could create an effective vaccine environment, potentially preventing infection.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell·DateJun 4, 2015

Immunology: Macrophages as T-cell primers

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that macrophages can effectively substitute for dendritic cells as primers of T-cell-dependent immune responses. They stimulate a more comprehensive immune reaction than cross-presenting dendritic cells, activating T-cells specific for all antigen-binding sites.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015