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Researchers uncover origin of virus-fighting plasma B cells

A study published in Immunity reveals that T follicular helper cells play a crucial role in determining the fate of B cells, with stronger interactions leading to plasma B cell formation. The researchers identified a subset of B cells expressing IRF4 and CD69 as precursors to plasma B cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalImmunity·DateApr 17, 2018

Immune-engineered device targets chemo-resistant lymphoma

Researchers at Cornell University developed a device that exposes human lymphomas to fluid flow similar to that in the lymphatics and parts of the lymph node. The team found that certain subsets of DLCBL lymphoma respond differently to fluid forces, regulating expression levels of adhesion proteins known as integrins and B-cell receptors.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 12, 2018

Helpful B cells lend a hand to developing neurons

B cells play a key role in helping neurons develop by stimulating axon myelination, suggesting a potential link between B cell dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that specific B cell antibodies promote oligodendrocyte proliferation and neuron myelination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 2018

Mature B lymphocytes accelerate the healing of diabetic ulcers, other skin injuries

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that mature B lymphocytes can greatly accelerate the healing of acute and chronic wounds in both healthy and diabetic skin. The treatment also improved tissue quality and reduced scarring. High numbers of a patient's B cells can be isolated through standard blood pheresis procedu...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalWound Repair and Regeneration·DateOct 25, 2017

A hair-trigger for cells fighting infection

A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2017

How to block type 1 diabetes

A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the autoimmune process that leads to type 1 diabetes, finding a way to protect beta cells from destruction. By targeting the activation of B cells, researchers were able to prevent diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 1, 2017

Trigger for autoimmune disease identified

Researchers at National Jewish Health have identified Age-associated B Cells (ABCs) as a key driver of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Crohn's disease. The study found that ABCs cause the immune system to attack organs and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 10, 2017

Genetic control of immune cell proliferation

Researchers at Osaka University discovered how specific genes regulate B cell cycling in germinal centers. They found that Foxo1 promotes B cell proliferation, but its activation is associated with lymphomas. Reviving BATF levels recovered the proliferation of Foxo1-deficient B cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 19, 2017

Advancing our understanding of how the disease lupus is prevented in healthy individuals

A team of researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University has identified a molecule called CD72 that prevents the immune system from mistakenly reacting to a component of the body's own cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease associated with inflammation of various organs.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 30, 2016

Vaccine strategy induces antibodies that can target multiple influenza viruses

Researchers have identified three types of vaccine-induced antibodies that can neutralize diverse strains of influenza virus, which could guide development of a universal flu vaccine. The discovery provides clear evidence that these antibodies can be induced by a vaccine, making them a potential basis for a universal flu vaccine.