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Detroit scientists develop a simple blood test to quickly diagnose sarcoidosis

A research project led by Lobelia Samavati has developed a tool to rapidly and inexpensively diagnose sarcoidosis using a simple blood test. The tool can accurately identify the disease in patients and may reduce the need for invasive diagnostic tests.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

More than skin-deep

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

How two different types of immune cells help two billion people keep tuberculosis in check

Scientists discovered that B cells play a crucial role in controlling tuberculosis (TB) infections by directing helper T cells, known as T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells, to granuloma tissue in the lungs where they can activate macrophages. This finding holds promise for developing better treatments and vaccines for TB.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Newly identified mediator of inflammation resolution stimulates tissue regeneration and controls granuloma formation

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a new mediator, 4S, 5S-epoxy-resolvin, that resolves acute inflammation and stimulates tissue regeneration. The study found that this mediator also controls granuloma formation in human leukocytes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

First 3-D view of TB granulomas alters paradigm of their shape and formation

Researchers created a 3D view of diseased lung tissue using microCT to reveal that TB granulomas are complex and branched, with unique connections to airways. This has significant implications for treatment, including the potential for aerosolized drug delivery to reduce treatment times.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Pitt study: Lung lesions of TB variable, independent whether infection is active or latent

A new animal study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that TB lung lesions are surprisingly variable and independent of each other, regardless of whether the patient has clinically active or latent disease. The findings could point the way to new vaccines to prevent the hard-to-treat infection.

JCI table of contents -- February 22, 2006

Researchers have identified potential new treatments for three serious diseases: a drug that increases SMN production in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, overexpression of Akt that converts a less invasive to a highly invasive melanoma, and inhibition of PKC-epsilon that prevents insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2007

JCI table of contents: November 16, 2006

Researchers suggest repairing abnormal blood vessels in retinopathy using adult bone marrow–derived myeloid progenitor cells. Dendritic cells form part of granuloma walls containing Listeria monocytogenes, maintaining integrity through immunosuppressive protein IDO.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2006

A clear view of mycobacterial infection

Researchers have found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis recruits more macrophages to granulomas despite the host's defense mechanisms, suggesting a new strategy in mycobacterial infection. The study used zebrafish embryos to visualize cell recruitment into granulomas and identified the RD1 genetic region as crucial for virulence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2004