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Can we get the immune system to tolerate organ transplants?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to enhance the immune system's tolerance for organ transplants. By increasing the activity of a regulatory protein called DEPTOR in immune cells, heart transplants were able to survive for an average of 35 days, compared to just 7 days without immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 9, 2018

Exhausted T cells

LJI researchers identified key factors controlling T cell fate, shedding light on molecular mechanisms behind T cell exhaustion. This study offers new approaches to clinical intervention strategies to modulate T cell activity and improve immune function.

Tracing a cellular family tree

The new method allows tracking of gene expression changes in stem cells, immune cells, and potential applications for cancer research. Researchers discovered unique family-specific transcriptional profiles for single T cells, shedding light on how a single founding cell gives rise to diverse progeny.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 2016

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 25, 2013

Researchers found that LIF levels were predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients having higher serum levels of LIF being resistant to treatment. LIF itself promotes NPC progression and radioresistance. Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 also regulate redox proteins preventing oxidative stress damage in neurons.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Balancing T cell populations

Researchers found that loss of TSC1 in T cells disrupted the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, leading to severe inflammation. The study suggests that fine-tuning mTOR activity through regulators like TSC1 may be beneficial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

BRI researchers identify biomarker and potential therapy target in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute found that IL-6 signaling pathway proteins may serve as novel biomarkers for MS disease activity and a potential therapeutic target. The study discovered that T cells in patients with active MS were more sensitive to IL-6, which could lead to new therapies targeting the IL-6 pathway.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013

TB -- hiding in plain sight

Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades the immune response by promoting regulatory T cells, which suppress the host response. This compartmentalization leads to chronic disease rather than complete eradication of the infection.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 22, 2009

Defining the link between anti-TNF therapies and increased tuberculosis

A study by Steffen Stenger and colleagues found that anti-TNF therapies, such as infliximab, decrease the immune system's ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. The researchers identified a key immune cell subset, CD45RA+ effector memory CD8+ T cells, which plays a major role in targeting the bacterium that causes TB.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 20, 2009

When acute hepatitis develops into chronic hepatitis

A study by Helmholtz Center researchers reveals that acute hepatitis B infection triggers chronic liver disease through altered T helper cell function. The team identified specific genes and immune mechanisms involved in the development of chronic hepatitis B, shedding light on potential diagnostic markers and treatment options.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 16, 2009

JCI Table of Contents, June 15 2006

Researchers found that AMP production is triggered by sterile wounding of the skin surface, independent of microbial exposure. The study also showed that activation of EGFR leads to increased antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and prevents microbial growth in human skin.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2006

JCI table of contents, May 11, 2006

Researchers found that the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) negatively regulates CYP24 expression and subsequent vitamin D breakdown, but can also enhance vitamin D hydroxylation and breakdown by inducing CYP3A4. Additionally, IL-15 administration restored CD4+ T cell production in an animal model of HIV infection, while lithium w...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2006