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Immune therapy breaks down wall around pancreatic tumors for chemo to attack

Researchers have discovered a novel role for CD40 antibodies in re-educating macrophages to break down the tumor microenvironment, allowing chemotherapy to target pancreatic cancer more effectively. The optimal timing of delivery is critical, with chemotherapy being most effective when administered five days after CD40 treatment.

Stem cell treatment mediates immune response to spinal cord injury in pre-clinical trials

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a stem cell treatment that mediates an immune response to spinal cord injury, reducing tissue damage and preserving function. The treatment, involving multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), was effective in preventing the cascade of immune responses that often lead to l...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2015

New study: Algae virus can jump to mammalian cells

A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has provided direct evidence that an algae-infecting virus can invade and replicate within some mammalian cells. The virus, known as Acanthocystis turfacea chlorella virus 1 (ATCV-1), successfully infiltrated macrophage cells in mice, causing changes characteristic of a viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 21, 2015

Immunology: Macrophages as T-cell primers

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that macrophages can effectively substitute for dendritic cells as primers of T-cell-dependent immune responses. They stimulate a more comprehensive immune reaction than cross-presenting dendritic cells, activating T-cells specific for all antigen-binding sites.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015

How Salmonella survives the macrophage's acid attack

Researchers discovered that Salmonella lowers its cytoplasmic pH in response to acidic environments, triggering the secretion of virulence proteins. This low-pH signal activates an intracellular cascade that induces the formation of a nanomachine used for injecting virulence proteins into host cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 14, 2015

One step closer to defeating Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that deleting TREM2 receptor in mice with AD-like disease reduced plaque formation, brain inflammation, and improved neuron survival. Macrophages lacking TREM2 were more effective at clearing beta-amyloid aggregates, suggesting a potential role for the receptor in neurodegeneration.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 2, 2015

Signaling pathway helps protect healthy tissue from overly active immune responses

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reveals a key signaling pathway that helps protect healthy tissue from excessive immune activation. This finding may lead to improved treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 5, 2015

Heart's own immune cells can help it heal

Researchers found that beneficial immune cells originate in the embryonic heart and can promote regeneration, while harmful macrophages come from the bone marrow. Blocking the influx of bone marrow-derived macrophages protects the resident macrophages, allowing them to promote repair and reduce inflammation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2014

What fuels Salmonella's invasion strategy?

Research discovered that glucose is the major nutrient used by Salmonella bacteria, but it's also able to use other nutrients. This finding informs potential therapeutic interventions to combat Salmonella infections. The study reveals a wealth of strategies employed by Salmonella to overcome host defenses and evade immune systems.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2014

Deficient protein GM-CSF production found to impair gut's immune tolerance

A Mount Sinai study reveals that GM-CSF protein production is critical for maintaining immune tolerance in the gut, and its deficiency may lead to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases. The research suggests that targeting the GM-CSF axis could be a promising strategy for developing effective treatments for IBD.