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Discovery of mechanisms triggering excess antibody production during chronic infection

A team of researchers has identified the mechanisms behind excessive antibody production in chronic infections, discovering a link between B-cell activation and type 1 interferons. Proteins like endosomal TLRs trigger proinflammatory responses, leading to increased B-cell antibody production and potentially exacerbating conditions.

Natural killer cells have a memory

Researchers discovered that natural killer cells can remember and target pigmented skin cells, potentially treating malignant melanoma and vitiligo. The immune system uses the NLRP3 inflammasome as a checkpoint to trigger this response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateJun 7, 2016

The importance of resting phases in B cell development

Researchers discovered that B cells rely on RNA binding proteins ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 to induce quiescence, allowing them to 'rest up' between developmental events. This mechanism is crucial for proper B cell development, as seen in mice where a 98% reduction of mature B cells was observed when these proteins were absent.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

Solving a genetic mystery in type 1 diabetes

Scientists have found that the RGS1 gene affects the frequency of T follicular helper cells, which are important for B cell production and seem to be crucial for the disease. The study suggests that while inhibiting RGS1 did not prevent autoimmune diabetes, it changes the way cells move within lymph nodes and spleen.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalGenes and Immunity·DateApr 11, 2016

Improving models of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) researchers have improved their models of the disease by understanding how cancer cells differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells in mice. Patient-derived T cells play a crucial role in this process, and therapies promoting differentiation may offer new treatment options for CLL.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 7, 2016

Lymphoma overrides a key protein's quadruple locks

Researchers discovered that lymphoma cells break through four 'locks' on the CARD11 protein, a key component of the immune system. The protein has four redundant repressive elements that normally keep it in check, but mutations in certain regions can disable these locks and lead to cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 22, 2016

Body's immune system may play larger role in Alzheimer's disease than thought

Researchers found a dramatic increase in brain plaques when key immune cells are lacking in genetically modified mice, leading to new techniques to identify and treat individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's. The study suggests the immune system plays a crucial role in clearing beta-amyloid from the brain.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

Adimab scientists report the isolation of highly potent anti-Ebola virus antibodies from recent Zaire outbreak

Researchers at Adimab isolated a broad panel of neutralizing anti-Ebola virus antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. The study highlights the speed and effectiveness of Adimab's single B cell isolation platform, which was able to identify over 300 monoclonal antibodies within weeks of receiving a blood sample.

Disrupting cell's supply chain freezes cancer virus

Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to freeze cancer-causing Epstein-Barr virus in its tracks. By triggering senescence, a suspended state of the cell, the virus's advance can be halted, providing new hope for controlling the disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2016

Natural selection and inflammation may hold key to age-associated cancer risk

Research suggests that healthy cells are optimized for a healthy ecosystem; changes in this ecosystem allow cancer-causing mutations to outcompete healthy rivals, leading to an increase in cancerous cells. Inflammation is a critical factor in this process, hurting the growth and maintenance of healthy B-cell progenitor cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 11, 2015

Penn researchers report long-term remissions in first personalized cell therapy trial

A clinical trial of a personalized cell therapy, CTL019, achieved an overall response rate of 57% and complete remissions in eight out of 14 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The therapy, developed by Penn researchers, involves reprogramming patients' own T cells to hunt and kill cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 2, 2015

How a single molecule turns one immune cell into another

Researchers discover a single molecule, C/EBPa, can transform a B cell into a macrophage by 'short-circuiting' gene expression. This process involves the convergence of two DNA enhancer pathways, allowing for unnatural transdifferentiation. The findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 30, 2015

How to become a T follicular helper cell

A team of researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified LEF-1 and TCF-1 as master regulators that control the fate of T follicular helper cells. These transcription factors pre-program CD4+ T cells to respond to TFH induction signals, making them crucial for inducing a strong and lasting antibody response.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 30, 2015

New treatment options for a fatal leukemia

Scientists have decoded the genome and transcriptome of an incurable subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revealing a novel program associated with leukemic cells. The study identifies key genes that trigger a reprogramming of the leukemia cells, leading to promising drug tests, including Venetoclax.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 27, 2015

NIH-funded researchers identify new genetic immune disorder

Researchers have identified a new genetic immune disorder, DOCK2 deficiency, which causes debilitating infections and combined immunodeficiency in children. Early screening for the disease can prevent life-threatening infections, and understanding its role may inform the study of more common immune system disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 17, 2015