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Data from Codiak’s exoASO™-STAT6 preclinical development program for the treatment of primary and metastatic hepatic cancers published in Science Advances

Codiak BioSciences' exoASO-STAT6 demonstrates potent anti-tumor efficacy by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages to an M1 phenotype, showing promise as a monotherapy candidate for hepatocellular carcinomas and other cancers. The company plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical trials in the first half of 2022.

SourceScient Public Relations, Inc.·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Intracellular bacteria use sophisticated ‘hack’ to evade a host’s immune system

Researchers discovered a signaling mechanism allowing intracellular bacteria like Salmonella to outmaneuver host defenses. By triggering macrophage death and activating the complement system, these bacteria can safely deliver themselves into another macrophage. This 'hack' enables them to persist within infected hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

How the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis secretes and trafficks its only known exotoxin

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered the mechanism of secretion and trafficking of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' toxin TNT, which kills over 1 million people annually. The ESX-4 type VII secretion system plays a crucial role in transporting TNT across cell membranes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist advances prospect of regeneration in humans

A recent study by James Godwin, Ph.D. has identified the liver as a primary reservoir for pro-regenerative macrophages essential to limb regeneration in axolotls. The research paves the way for regenerative medicine therapies in humans, potentially treating diseases like heart and lung disease with scar-free healing.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Study shows that the heart’s own immune cells hold potential for the treatment of heart failure

A new study led by University of Minnesota Medical School researcher Xavier Revelo found that macrophages play a role in protecting the heart after injury. The research team discovered a large increase in cardiac macrophages early in response to a cardiac injury similar to high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Study identifies specific drugs that can prevent disease-causing activity of key immune cells

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified specific drugs that can selectively block the polarization of M2-type macrophages, which exacerbate diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration. The findings suggest that these drugs could be repurposed for new therapies to influence disease outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Hopkins Med newsletter 7

Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 7, 2021

New nano particles suppress resistance to cancer immunotherapy

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a lipid nanoparticle that delivers immune-signaling molecules into liver macrophage cells to overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy. This approach has shown promise in mice experiments and could lead to the development of an adjuvant treatment for cancer patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Researchers identify a novel cell type that makes survivors of sepsis more susceptible to infections

Studies on mice and septic patients show that a specific B lymphocyte subpopulation produces large amounts of CD39, leading to increased adenosine levels and reduced macrophage activity. This results in heightened susceptibility to opportunistic infections, with survivors experiencing a sevenfold higher risk of severe infections.

Reversal of lung fibrosis in mouse model suggests a novel therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers reverse lung fibrosis in a mouse model using Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199, suggesting a novel therapeutic target to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study finds that monocyte-derived macrophages play a key role in fibrosis progression and that targeting the Cpt1a-Bcl-2 interaction modulates apoptosis resistance.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Icing muscle injuries may delay recovery

A study using a mouse model of eccentric contraction revealed that icing injured muscles delays muscle regeneration. The phenomenon is linked to pro-inflammatory macrophages' ability to infiltrate damaged cells, delaying the healing process.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 18, 2021

Newly discovered immune cell function vital to healing

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that macrophages, a common immune cell, play a crucial role in re-establishing blood flow in damaged tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by increasing local concentrations of signal substances in damaged muscles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 23, 2021

Controlling adhesions in the abdomen

Adhesions form after inflammation or surgery and can lead to chronic pain, digestive problems, infertility, and life-threatening consequences. Researchers have discovered that macrophages play a key role in their development and have developed a new imaging system to visualize them.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2021