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Researchers find missing link in autoimmune disorder

Scientists have identified a key component in launching immune activity and overactivity, providing a potential target for therapies that could prevent debilitating illnesses. The researchers discovered a protein in cells that spurs the release of infection-fighting molecules, which is essential for controlling the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Statins, aspirin may impact muscle health in smokers

A new study suggests that statins can reduce chest muscle loss in smokers, while aspirin may contribute to increased muscle loss. The study examined data from 4,191 participants and found that statins protected pectoralis muscle area and density, whereas aspirin led to decreased muscle mass.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 13, 2025

Scientists from IOCB Prague are on track of finding a treatment for autoimmune hair loss

Researchers from IOCB Prague have developed a compound that could treat alopecia areata by targeting the immune system. The substance, a series of prodrugs based on derivatives of itaconic acid, has shown efficacy in mice tests and may be administered orally.

Multiple sclerosis: Cell-catching implant helps identify successful treatment in mice

A new sponge-like implant helps guide a treatment that slows or stops a degenerative condition similar to multiple sclerosis. The implant attracted diseased immune cells, enabling researchers to study and target them with a nanoparticle-based treatment, which prevented mice from developing symptoms such as paralysis if administered early.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2025

Predicting the progression of autoimmune disease with AI

A new AI model developed by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine can predict the progression of autoimmune disease among those with preclinical symptoms up to 1,000% more accurately. The GPS model integrates data from large genetic studies and electronic health records to identify individuals at high risk of disease progression.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 7, 2025

Brain inflammation alters behaviour according to sex

Researchers found that neuroinflammation in the hippocampus significantly alters motivation and behaviour in mice, particularly in females. This study suggests that treatments targeting hippocampal neuroinflammation could help reduce cognitive and behavioural symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Depression.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Stanford Researchers reveal and refine new immunotherapy platform with increased potential to target cancer cells

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Stanford University have developed a new immunotherapy platform called TRACeR-I, which can more accurately recognize a wide variety of surface proteins expressed by cancer cells. This improved recognition enables the body's own immune system to target cancer cells more effectively.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2024

Healthy brains suppress inappropriate immune responses

Scientists discovered that fragments of immune-stimulating proteins, called guardian peptides, are produced by the brain and spinal cord to maintain a healthy balance between defending against injury and infection and guarding healthy tissue. These peptides activate regulatory T cells to dampen abnormal immune reactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Putting out a brain on fire

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the rare autoimmune disease anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and blackouts. The study found that different antibodies bind to NMDA receptors in unique ways, suggesting personalized medicine may be key to treating the condition.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 17, 2024

Treatment for major cause of recurrent pregnancy loss

Women with recurrent pregnancy loss and anti-β2-glycoprotein I/HLA-DR autoantibodies who received low-dose aspirin or heparin treatment had significantly improved outcomes, with 87% experiencing live births and a reduced risk of complications. The treatment was also effective for women with only the newly discovered antibodies.

SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2024

Crnic Institute clinical trial shows JAK inhibitor improves multiple autoimmune conditions in patients with Down syndrome

A clinical trial shows that JAK inhibitors improve autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis in people with Down syndrome. The study also observed improvements in arthritis and decreased biomarkers of autoimmune thyroid disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournaleLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 13, 2024

St. Jude identifies SARS-CoV-2 “mimic” contributing to pediatric inflammatory syndrome

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found a link between a SARS-CoV-2 protein and the onset of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). A region of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein shares high sequence and immunogenic similarities to human protein SNX8, sparking an inflammatory response.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Treatment for autoimmune disorder acts on balance of immune cell types

A Kobe University study finds that a new treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder shifts the balance of immune cells, increasing anti-inflammatory signals. The discovery may enable clinicians to determine treatment effectiveness and move towards personalized medicine for autoimmune diseases.

SourceKobe University·JournalNeurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

A third Covid vaccine dose improves defence for some clinically extremely vulnerable patients

A third Covid vaccine dose has been shown to improve defensive antibody responses in some clinically extremely vulnerable patients. The trial found that 90% of patients who received a booster dose developed significant antibodies, but more than half of those with low initial responses saw no improvement.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 8, 2024

Repurposed cancer drug could treat diabetes by nudging pancreatic acinar cells to produce insulin

Researchers have discovered a repurposed cancer drug that can convert acinar cells into insulin-producing cells, which could provide a new avenue for treating diabetes. The treatment partially improved hyperglycemia and persisted without additional treatment in diabetic mice and non-human primates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Mount Sinai scientists discover the cellular functions of a family of proteins integral to inflammatory diseases

Researchers revealed the biological mechanisms by which class II HDACs activate Th17 cell differentiation, leading to inflammation. A potent inhibitor, TMP269, was found to influence Th17 cell differentiation in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, providing potential therapeutic approach for IBD treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2024

Brigham researchers develop SCENT for genetic mapping of autoimmune diseases

Researchers have developed a statistical method called SCENT to establish links between regulatory elements and genes, pinpointing probable causal gene loci for common and rare diseases. The study applied SCENT to multimodal single-cell datasets from various human tissues, discovering insights into DNA regulation in specific cell types.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

Scientists call for urgent action to prevent immune-mediated illnesses caused by climate change and biodiversity loss

Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 4, 2024

Digital twin allows for tailored medication

A study published in Genome Medicine uses digital twins to computationally treat thousands of medications in individual patients with autoimmune diseases, finding promising results in mice and human tissue samples. The technology has the potential to revolutionize precision medicine by providing tailored medication for each patient.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Key protein linked to immune disorders

Researchers found that STAP-1 plays a crucial role in activating T cells, which are white blood cells critical to defending against infections and maintaining overall health. The study suggests that STAP-1 may be involved in the development of immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and asthma.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024