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B cells of the immune system discovered in the meninges

Researchers found large numbers of B cells and their immature progenitors in the outer layer of the meninges, a surprising discovery that suggests these cells play a special immune system function there. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the genes active in each individual cell and confirmed the finding in human tissue.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Researchers identify a novel cell type that makes survivors of sepsis more susceptible to infections

Studies on mice and septic patients show that a specific B lymphocyte subpopulation produces large amounts of CD39, leading to increased adenosine levels and reduced macrophage activity. This results in heightened susceptibility to opportunistic infections, with survivors experiencing a sevenfold higher risk of severe infections.

Novel risk score for predicting blood cancer relapse

Researchers in China have created a novel risk score to predict relapse of leukemia, allowing for better medical intervention and stratification of patients with different risks. The study analyzed factors such as engraftment of white blood cells, residual cancer cells, and chronic graft-versus-host disease to determine outcomes like 5...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 24, 2021

Studies reveal skull as unexpected source of brain immunity

Researchers discovered that immune cells from the skull bone marrow guard the brain and spinal cord, while others arrive from the bloodstream, carrying genetic signatures that may promote autoimmunity. This finding could inform understanding and treatment of brain disorders such as neuro-COVID, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021

One dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine may induce immunity in recovered patients, suggests new analysis

A new study found that a single dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine can stimulate an immune response in people who have previously recovered from COVID-19. The vaccine's ability to generate antibodies and B cell responses was shown to be effective against the South African variant.

Calcium-sensing receptor of immune cells and diseases

Researchers found that calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and T lymphocytes, regulating cytokine secretion, chemotaxis, and ligand delivery. This receptor also contributes to the development of several diseases, including sepsis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, and rheumatism.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 27, 2021

Anti-cancer drug's mode of operation deciphered

Immunologists at the University of Freiburg have solved a mystery about how Rituximab, an anti-cancer drug, targets B tumor cells. The researchers found that CD20 organizes nanostructures on the B cell membrane, and its absence or binding to Rituximab activates resting B cells.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2021

Gut-brain axis influences multiple sclerosis

A recent study has discovered a link between intestinal flora and inflammation in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis. IgA B cells play a key role in this process, accumulating in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue during acute flares of the illness.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Immunology·DateNov 20, 2020

The protein that stands between us and autoimmunity

Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 2, 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

The BLISS-LN study showed that belimumab added to standard therapy resulted in a significantly better primary renal response at 2 years, with 43% showing improvement versus 32% on placebo. Additionally, patients treated with belimumab had a 50% lower risk of experiencing renal events associated with poor prognosis.

Immunology: Tonsils as a testbed

A team of scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has isolated immune cells from human tonsils obtained following routine surgery, allowing them to analyze the immune response and test anti-inflammatory agents. The new culture system enables researchers to study human lymphoid tissue under physiologically relevant conditions.