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Scans show immune cells intercepting parasites

Researchers identified a key role for dendritic cells in responding to Leishmania parasites, which cause illness in developing nations and have been detected in US soldiers. The study provides insights into the early stages of the immune response and has implications for vaccine development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 10, 2008

'Nondanger' signal lowers immune reactions

Researchers have identified a well-known cell receptor that sends a 'nondanger' signal to dampen the immune system. This discovery raises the possibility of targeting this receptor to prevent overzealous immune responses in transplant patients and alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 15, 2007

Homing pigeons get their bearings from their beaks

A new study reveals that homing pigeons have a complex three-dimensional pattern in the sensory dendrites of their beak skin that reacts to the Earth's magnetic field vector. This allows them to identify their geographical position without relying on visual cues.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMar 14, 2007

Driving diversification

Researchers at UCSF discover spineless gene's role in controlling dendritic branching patterns in fruit fly neurons. The findings suggest the gene may convert primordial patterns for different neuron types, potentially contributing to neurological disorders like autism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 5, 2006

Taking an alternative approach to HIV vaccination

Researchers have discovered a novel strategy for enhancing HIV vaccination by silencing the SOCS1 molecule in dendritic cells, which can induce a good memory immune response and boost the potency of HIV DNA vaccination. This approach has potential for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines against HIV and other pathogens.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 2, 2006

How the neuron sprouts its branches

Scientists have found that Golgi outposts, previously thought to play only a central role, are actually distributed throughout the length of growing dendrites. This discovery sheds light on how neurons sort proteins and regulate their growth, with implications for understanding brain development and neurodegenerative diseases.

A new step towards an AIDS vaccine

Researchers identify a key pathway for targeting pDC function in HIV vaccine development. A decrease in blood pDC frequency is observed in chronic HIV infections, correlating with high viral load and reduced CD4 counts.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 13, 2005