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UofL scientists unlock gut-healing power of fruits and nuts paired with the right gut microbes

Scientists discovered a natural microbial compound that protects the gut and supports future treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. UroA activates a protective pathway in intestinal epithelial cells, triggering the release of molecules associated with maintaining normal intestinal function and repairing the gut lining.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026

DGIST has linked brain inflammation to repetitive behaviors in autism and obsessive–compulsive disorder and confirmed the ability of commercially available treatments to suppress symptoms

A study by DGIST researchers found that brain inflammation leads to overactivity in NMDA glutamate receptors, causing repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Administering memantine, a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, reduced symptoms and restored normal activity.

Editing Parkinson's Disease – KAIST makes world's first discovery of an inflammatory RNA editing enzyme​

Researchers at KAIST have identified a key mechanism behind neuroinflammatory responses in Parkinson's disease, which is regulated by an RNA editing enzyme called ADAR1. This discovery suggests that targeting this enzyme could serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating the disease.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2025

Applied Biological Laboratories, maker of Biovanta, to present at American Society of Microbiology’s Clinical Virology Symposium 2024

Researchers will showcase results of a randomized clinical trial demonstrating Biovanta's efficacy in reducing common cold symptoms by strengthening the respiratory barrier and controlling inflammation. The presentation will also include preclinical data on antiviral formulas targeting rhinovirus and influenza.

Duke-NUS breakthrough discovery identifies first step in allergic reactions, paving the way for new preventative strategies

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified how mast cells release bioactive chemicals after encountering allergens, a critical step in anaphylactic shock. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs to prevent severe reactions and offers new hope for millions with asthma and food allergies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

New study uncovers molecular interactions driving multiple inflammasome activation and inflammatory cell death

A team of researchers discovered a multiprotein complex involving NLRP3, AIM2, NLRC4, and Pyrin that drives PANoptosis, a type of programmed inflammatory cell death. The findings have implications for understanding inflammasome biology and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateDec 27, 2023

CARD8 helps human immune system respond to some viruses, including COVID-19

A study published in PLOS Biology found that the CARD8 inflammasome sensor is essential for detecting coronavirus infections, but may detect different viruses in different people. The researchers also discovered that genetic variation among humans and across species affects the sensor's ability to detect viral enzymes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

Leishmania parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows

Researchers at USP in Brazil discovered that Leishmania parasites manipulate the protein gasdermin-D to prevent the immune system from killing them. This allows the parasite to continue replicating and causing disease. The findings offer hope for developing novel treatments for leishmaniasis, a disease affecting 30,000 people annually.

Control hub for skin inflammation discovered

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a new signaling pathway that triggers inflammatory responses in the skin after UV damage. This pathway involves the activation of p38 molecularly modifying NLRP1, a critical switch for inflammation, and initiates the assembly of inflammasomes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 2, 2022

In pre-clinical trials, drug shows potential to combat exaggerated inflammation associated with COVID-19

A new study suggests that niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, shows promise in combating exaggerated inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its inhibition of the inflammasome mechanism, a protein complex present in defense cells.

Study uncovers mechanism behind virus-induced heart inflammation, suggests potential therapeutic target

Researchers have identified two NLRP sensors, NLRP1 and CARD8, as key players in Coxsackievirus B3-induced heart inflammation. Targeting CARD8 may prevent CVB3 infections from progressing to heart failure. The study provides new insights into the inflammatory response triggered by this common viral cause of viral myocarditis.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Turbo boosters for the immune system

Researchers led by Olaf Groß will test the effectiveness of their IMMUNOSTIM compounds in boosting cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy. The team aims to develop a new class of immune-activating drugs that can enhance the body's natural defense against infectious diseases.

Study sheds light on immune mechanism that triggers cytokine storm typical of COVID-19

Researchers found that inflammasomes, a type of immune cell complex, are activated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to excessive inflammation and potentially life-threatening complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's progression and suggests potential therapeutic targets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 1, 2020

Platelets exacerbate immune response

A new study by the University of Bonn reveals that platelets exacerbate immune responses by activating inflammasomes and increasing IL-1 production. This finding has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 2020

One drug, many diseases

Researchers are working on developing drugs that inhibit the function of NLRP3, an inflammatory protein involved in various diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and arthritis. Several NLRP3 inhibitors are currently in preclinical trials with varying mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 19, 2020

Mechanism that triggers the inflammatory process by Mayaro virus is discovered

A Brazilian team at FAPESP-supported Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases identified the strategy used by immune cells to combat the pathogen Mayaro virus. The study provides a basis for the development of drugs against this disease, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and its role in producing proinflammatory molecules.

A cautionary tale

Researchers at LMU's Gene Center found that human cells use a different mechanism to recognize misplaced DNA than mouse cells. The inflammasome complex is activated via the cGAS-STING recognition mechanism, triggering both an antiviral response and a classical inflammatory reaction.