Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity

Louse-borne relapsing fever: How the pathogen evades the immune system

Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Complement system causes cell damage in Long Covid

Researchers found that the complement system remains activated in Long Covid patients, causing cell damage and tissue destruction. This abnormal activity can lead to thromboinflammation and other symptoms of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Breakthrough T cell discovery has huge potential for engineering custom immune responses

Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalCell Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer identified

A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalCancer Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

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Road signs for immune defense cells

A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022