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New imaging technique reveals the inner workings of immune cells

Researchers have developed a nondestructive imaging technique to measure single-cell immune metabolism in real patient blood samples, providing a higher level of information than current clinical techniques. This breakthrough could improve disease diagnosis and treatment for conditions like blood cancers, lupus, and sepsis.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

UMass Chan researchers shed light on how inflammation in GI tract rewires enteric nervous system

Research reveals inflammation in the GI tract changes how nerves are arranged, affecting intestinal muscle contractions. A protective stress response pathway helps neurons survive, preserving their structure and potentially offering a way to curtail persistent symptoms associated with IBD.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

A type of immune cell could hold a key to preventing scar tissue buildup in wounds

A study by University of Arizona researchers reveals a previously unknown population of circulating immune cells that play a critical role in fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue. Blocking signals from these cells during wound healing can reduce scar tissue formation and promote normal healing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, Office of Research and Partnerships·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 25, 2025

A Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals that metal-organic frameworks may be toxic

A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

IR Sant Pau study reveals immune system’s crucial role in ALS at cellular level

A recent study from IR Sant Pau investigates the peripheral immune system's role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the single-cell level. The research found altered NK cell subpopulations associated with ALS progression, suggesting a potential target for new therapies.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

After a heart attack, the heart signals to the brain to increase sleep to promote healing

A new study found that the heart sends signals to the brain to increase sleep after a heart attack, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This communication between the heart and brain is mediated through the immune system and can lead to improved recovery and reduced risk of further cardiovascular events.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2024

New pathway in immune defense discovered

Bonn researchers decode the interaction between monocytes and platelets, revealing a new intercellular communication mechanism that regulates monocyte function. This discovery has implications for treating immune disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia and other inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 8, 2024

Opto-RANK: A light switch for osteoclasts

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have created Opto-RANK, a light-activated form of RANK that can induce osteoclast differentiation. The treatment approach uses blue light activation to stimulate local bone resorption, making it a promising tool for treating abnormal calcification diseases and orthodontic issues.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2024

Vac to the future

A competition among researchers predicted B. pertussis vaccine responses based on a simple correlation between calendar age and antibody responses. The result highlights the need for further research to understand variability in vaccination outcomes.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Mount Sinai study shows that circulating immune cells drawn to the brain during stress can control emotional behaviors

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered that circulating immune cells can be drawn to the brain during stress and alter emotional behavior. The study found that these immune cells release an enzyme called MMP8, which breaks down proteins in the brain and impairs social behavior.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Trial results indicate potential for organ transplantation without long-term immunosuppression

A new clinical trial has shown that infusing immune cells from living donors into recipients before transplantation may reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressant medication. The treatment involves infusing donor-derived regulatory dendritic cells, which help the recipient's immune system distinguish between foreign and self-cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2023

High-fat diets trigger inflammatory immune cell generation in bone

A study found that high-fat diets fuel the creation of inflammatory immune cells in mouse bone marrow. These cells can later invade fat tissue, leading to insulin resistance and other complications associated with obesity. The bone marrow's sensitivity to environmental changes plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 20, 2022

Immune boosting benefits of tuberculosis vaccine seen in infants more than a year after vaccination

A new study has shown that the TB vaccine can produce a long-lasting 'trained immunity response' in infants, lasting more than 14 months after vaccination. The research found that the BCG vaccine's off-target effects on the immune system can lead to reprogramming of genes in a specific blood cell type, known as monocytes.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 5, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

How LPS prevents or promotes development of asthma and allergic disease by airborne allergens

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

An antibody-drug combo to combat cancer

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed an antibody-drug conjugate that selectively targets human monocyte progenitors to combat chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). This strategy effectively blocks malignant cell proliferation with minimal collateral damage to other cell lineages.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 16, 2021

New study on the role of monocytes in sarcoidosis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a key role of monocytes in sarcoidosis, revealing they can be potent TNF producers and predict disease outcome. This breakthrough opens possibilities for identifying biomarkers and more effective treatment strategies, potentially reducing cases of chronic sarcoidosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJan 21, 2021