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Changing the timing of cancer vaccines

Cancer researchers have developed a new method to delay dendritic cell activation, extending the time when immune cells can detect and attack cancer. By using a drug that links molecules, the approach prolongs the activity of dendritic cells, which are key to cancer vaccines.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 23, 2005

Lab study defines and blocks mechanism that lets brain tumors sidetrack immune response

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have discovered a mechanism by which brain tumors can evade the immune system, leading to impaired cellular immunity in patients with glioma. By blocking COX-2 expression, the study found that tumor-killing T cell responses can be restored, offering new potential treatments for brain tumors.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateOct 22, 2004

A pathway to blocking autoimmunity

The study found that increasing PPAR-gamma activity in dendritic cells can activate NKT cells specifically, which may slow down the process of type 1 diabetes. Researchers believe that modulating CD1d expression and NKT cell activation could provide insight into how to combat autoimmunity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJul 20, 2004

Gray matters

Researchers at the University of Southern California challenge the 'arithmetic' neurons use to process information, finding that summation depends on input location. The study reveals a two-layer model of processing, with local thresholds in separate branches and linear summation at the cell body.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 15, 2004

New technology blocks gene to increase immune response against deadly brain tumor cells

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new approach to boost the immune response against gliomas, a type of brain tumor. By targeting the interleukin 10 gene in dendritic cells, they can increase the production of IL-12, leading to a stronger Th1 response and enhanced immune response against cancer cells.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMay 24, 2004

Study suggests insect-derived antimicrobial peptides could be used as drug-delivery vehicles

Researchers have discovered that insect-derived antimicrobial peptides, such as pyrrhocoricin, can penetrate human dendritic cells and fibroblasts, potentially leading to new vaccine and immune therapies. The peptides are being explored as drug-delivery vehicles for peptide or peptide-based drugs that normally cannot cross cell membranes.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 8, 2004

Small subset of cells has big role in controlling immunity, study finds

Researchers have identified a small subset of dendritic cells that can suppress T-cell responses, potentially treating tumors and autoimmune diseases. Experimental immunosuppressive agents are being explored for their ability to target this subset, offering new hope for patients with transplanted organs and autoimmune conditions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateAug 15, 2003

Studies of liver transplant patients off anti-rejection drugs have altered cell profile

Researchers found a higher incidence of beneficial dendritic cells in weaned and nearly weaned liver transplant patients, compared to those on daily doses of anti-rejection drugs. This cellular profile is similar to that of healthy non-transplant patients, suggesting a possible test for predicting successful weaning.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 2, 2003

Forces active in self-assembly of novel molecules measured

Scientists have measured the constants describing self-assembly in the creation of a supramolecular assembly that can potentially important to the processing of many novel materials. Pseudorotaxanes are chemical compounds containing non-covalent linkages, and researchers have explored their possibilities and applications.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 7, 2002

Sounding the alarm for infections: EMBL researchers discover rapid-response, interferon-producing cells

Scientists have identified specific cells called dendritic cells that produce massive quantities of interferon quickly after a virus appears, providing a rapid response to infections. This discovery may lead to new medical applications for interferon and shed light on the body's innate immune response.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2002