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Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find potential key to new treatment for mantle cell lymphoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) can harness the immune system to eradicate residual malignant cells in drug-resistant mantle cell lymphoma. This strategy could provide a new approach for patients with therapy-resistant MCL.

Lymph node roundabout

An international team of scientists found that asymmetric division of antibody-producing B cells speeds up the body's immune defenses by creating optimized antibodies. This process, called the 'recycling hypothesis,' allows the immune system to produce highly effective antibodies against specific pathogens.

Scripps research scientists show lack of single protein results in persistent viral infection

A study by Scripps Research Institute scientists shows that the single protein TLR7 plays a significant role in generating immune responses required to clear persistent LCMV infection. Without this protein, the immune system's ability to purge the infection is compromised, leading to exhaustion of T cells and impairment of both cellula...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 13, 2012

Gene therapy can correct forms of severe combined immunodeficiency

A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

Lymphoma therapy could deliver a double punch

Researchers have discovered a CD19-dependent pathway that contributes to the growth of B cell lymphomas. High levels of CD19 correlate with increased MYC activity, suggesting a new target for therapies currently in clinical trials.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 30, 2012

Antibodies are not required for immunity against some viruses

A new study challenges the long-held theory that antibodies are essential for antiviral immunity. Researchers found that mice infected with the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) could survive even without producing antibodies, as their B cells produced a chemical that maintained innate immune cells called macrophages.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateMar 1, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 24, 2011

Researchers have identified a non-classical form of fetal immune thrombocytopenia that can lead to miscarriage and habitual abortion. The condition is characterized by excessive platelet activation and blood clot formation in the placenta. New treatments targeting this condition have been suggested, offering hope for women affected by it.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 24, 2011

Stem cells central to pathogenesis of mature lymphoid tumors

Research suggests that blood stem cells may play a role in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of mature white blood cells. CLL often begins with an asymptomatic proliferation of B cells called monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL). The study found that hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to any type of...

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 15, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: August 8, 2011

Researchers developed a new method to assess CNS drug action using eye movements in mice, which showed promise for treating diseases such as Huntington's disease. Additionally, studies revealed that the protein GSK-3 is critical for lithium's effects on behavior in bipolar disorder patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2011

Survival niche for cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that cancer cells use specific chemokines to create a survival niche in the lymph nodes and spleen, allowing them to grow and develop. This niche is created by the interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells, which secrete increased quantities of chemokines CCL19/CCL21.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalBlood·DateJun 6, 2011

Why are the elderly so vulnerable to pneunomia?

A study published in The Journal of Immunology reveals that the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and bacterial infections due to a decline in immune system cells. Researchers have found that macrophages and B cells, which fight bacteria, appear effective but are fewer in number, making them less effective. Developing targeted ...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 11, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 18, 2011

Research highlights the key role of estrogen signaling in maintaining energy balance, as well as the propagation of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, a new immune cell activator has been identified to protect mice from tumors through an IFN-gamma-independent mechanism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2011

Immune cell plays unexpected role in autoimmune disease

A new study finds that dendritic cells play a key role in amplifying autoimmune disease, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research suggests that depleting dendritic cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SLE and potentially other autoimmune diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateDec 16, 2010

One lock, many keys

B-cell receptors form ordered oligomer complexes that only become active when binding partners disintegrate into subunits. This new model challenges the accepted scientific doctrine and may contribute to the development of new vaccination strategies and treatments for B-cell tumours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2010

Antagonizing atherosclerosis

Researchers found that antibody-producing B cells contribute to atherosclerosis in mice, while eliminating them could prevent the disease through increased production of immune protein interleukin-17. This discovery suggests that B cell-depleting drugs may also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 5, 2010

New promising therapy against systemic sclerosis

Researchers at Catholic University of Rome have developed a promising new therapy against systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), an autoimmune disease characterized by skin hardening and organ dysfunction. The treatment targets the immune system's B-cells, reducing side effects associated with traditional immunosuppressive therapies.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJun 14, 2010

Rare hybrid cell key to regulating the immune system

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have identified a rare hybrid cell that can switch the immune system on or off, expressing indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase to turn off T cells. This unique cell has properties of both dendritic and B cells, with potential implications for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2010

Eliminating the source of asthma-causing immune molecules

Researchers at Genentech Inc. developed a way to specifically eliminate IgE-producing B cells, providing a new approach to treating asthma and other allergic diseases. The monoclonal antibody neutralizes the effects of soluble IgE molecules in the blood, reducing their levels and numbers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 10, 2010