A new protein form, liCTLA-4, found to inhibit T cell responses and reduce activation. Increased expression of liCTLA-4 in resistant mice strains suggests its role in preventing T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered a cooperative relationship between CD44 and VLA-4 receptors on T-cells to facilitate their migration into infected tissues. This bimolecular complex is necessary for firm adhesion, allowing T-cells to initiate immune responses in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study by Mark Feinberg and colleagues reveals that the level of immune activation directly affects the initial peak of virus in the blood stream. The researchers also found that steady-state viral levels in chronic infection are related to the generation of a primary immune response, which may be both helpful and harmful.
Researchers have identified a dual strategy used by viruses to subvert the immune system, involving the targeting of hematopoietic progenitors and inhibition of dendritic cell maturation. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of viral immunosuppression, enabling better understanding of immune evasion tactics.
Researchers developed a novel assay to examine T cell responses to autoantigens in islet cells, revealing distinct pathways of T cell differentiation and maturation in normal individuals versus patients with T1DM. These findings suggest proinflammatory polarization in diabetes but regulatory phenotypes in health.
A novel assay reveals that T cells in patients with type 1 diabetes produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, driving an autoaggressive immune response. In contrast, healthy individuals' T cells produce regulatory cytokines, maintaining tolerance. The findings offer new approaches to immune modulation and tolerance.
Researchers have identified a new 'off switch' that limits the duration and intensity of T-cell activation, potentially treating autoimmune diseases. The IL-27 cytokine regulates immune cell growth and functions, offering a universal checkpoint for the immune system.
Researchers have developed a third-generation lentivector that transduces dendritic cells in vivo, inducing a strong and persistent antigen-specific immune response. This approach may replace costly and labor-intensive methods currently used to elicit tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses.
Researchers have identified the crucial elements of the flu virus that activate the body's T-cells, enabling a new type of vaccine to be developed. This breakthrough could provide long-term protection against future pandemics.
Researchers have discovered a potentially promising approach to attack the AIDS virus, opening new vaccine directions. The study found that infected individuals make immune responses that the virus cannot tolerate, and that these responses could be mimicked in an HIV vaccine.