Articles tagged with Macrophages
A new study reveals how Salmonella bacteria flip an electric switch within immune cells, causing them to migrate out of the gut and into the bloodstream. This mechanism contributes to the severity of food-borne illnesses, with over 400,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 forms nanotubes between macrophages in tuberculosis patients, increasing viral transfer and production. This finding provides potential targets for reducing viral load and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study from Cornell University has identified a genetic regulator called SAF that helps HIV-infected macrophages avoid cell death. By blocking SAF, researchers found that infected cells self-destructed while healthy cells remained untouched, presenting a novel angle for potential therapies to selectively eradicate reservoir cells.
A new NIH study found that meningitis can alter the composition of immune cells in the brain's lining, replacing them with cells from outside the meninges and affecting their ability to respond to future infections. The research suggests that infections in the brain can have long-lasting effects on the immune system.
Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used optoacoustic imaging with purple bacteria to detect macrophages in tumors, providing insights into their activity and role in cancer development. This breakthrough enables novel non-invasive technologies for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered lipid-filled particles (AdExos) released by adipocytes in mice that activate immune function and regulate metabolism. AdExos control the development of immune cells, inducing bone marrow cells to develop into macrophages that digest lipids.
Researchers identified a new type of immune cell called macrophages that play a critical role in heart valve formation and maintenance. These heart-derived macrophages are particularly adept at consuming excess tissue, making them indispensable to the formation and maintenance of healthy valves.
Researchers at the University of Turku developed an immunotherapeutic antibody therapy that re-educates tumour-associated macrophages to activate cytotoxic T cells. The therapy showed promising results in a phase I/II clinical trial, inhibiting cancer progression and increasing activation of killer T cells.
Researchers at Kobe University found that vitamin D signaling fuels the growth of macrophages in bone marrow, leading to myelofibrosis and bone hardening. A low-vitamin D diet can prevent or treat the condition.
Macrophages play a vital role in controlling the processes of nerve repair following damage by secreting repulsive cues. The interaction between Slit3 and Robo1 allows for the migration of Schwann cells and regrowing nerve projections, enabling successful regeneration and recovery of nerve function.
Scientists at MCG are studying a new treatment target for retinal damage, characterized by blood vessel disruption leading to vision loss. They believe the key lies in arginase 1, an enzyme that helps regulate inflammation, which can be either damaging or reparative.
Researchers discovered that kidney-resident macrophages in mice undergo a developmental reprogramming after acute kidney injury, similar to those found in newborn mice. This reprogramming may aid in promoting healing and tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches for patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a method to fuel macrophages with energy needed to attack and eat cancer cells. By rewiring macrophage metabolism, macrophages can overcome signals that prevent them from attacking tumors, leading to tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in mice.
Scientists have identified a new role for specialized immune cells called macrophages in regulating blood pressure. By monitoring and regulating the hormone endothelin, these cells help relax blood vessels, significantly lowering blood pressure. The findings could lead to improved treatments for hypertension.
Researchers found that interleukin-6 is involved in the development of severe asthma, a subtype associated with neutrophil accumulation. Blocking this molecule may lead to new treatments for asthma.
Scientists at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre have discovered that macrophage cells play a crucial role in helping the heart repair and regenerate following a heart attack. The study found that these cells can act in a neo-natal-like state, aiding in tissue growth and development.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a key player in bone healing - young macrophage cells and their secreted proteins. Introducing these factors into old mice improves fracture repair, providing a potential new treatment for delayed healing.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered that cancer cells use Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) to manipulate healthy macrophages, changing their behavior from anti-cancer to pro-cancer. This mechanism is associated with more aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers.
A new study reveals that liver macrophages do not contain infectious forms of HIV and are unlikely to replicate the infection on their own. The findings narrow potential treatment targets for HIV-infected people taking long-term antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers have discovered that macrophage activity is lowered when they sit in tissue between cells, even with pro-inflammatory stimuli present. This mechanism helps prevent unnecessary inflammatory responses in healthy tissues.
Researchers discovered that HSPCs preferentially anchor at venous capillary confluence points guided by VCAM-1+ macrophages. This interaction helps regulate HSPC retention and expansion, providing new insights into the homing process.
A new study reveals that the protein Del-1 plays a vital role in clearing inflammation by connecting dying neutrophils to macrophages. The 'location principle' suggests that homeostatic molecules perform different regulatory functions depending on their location.
Researchers discovered that mitochondria deploy ROS to destroy invading MRSA bacteria by packaging and delivering these molecules to the phagosome, bypassing traditional immune mechanisms. This backup system helps immune cells fight off pathogens with increased effectiveness.
Scientists discover enzyme arginase 1 plays protective role in retinal health by suppressing inflammation and promoting recovery. Administering pegylated arginase 1 reduces inflammation and subsequent damage following reperfusion injury, offering potential new treatment for neurovascular injury.
Researchers discovered that modified LDL particles trigger an immune response in macrophages, leading to chronic inflammation. The study found 27 transcription factors involved in the process, highlighting the importance of inflammation in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
The study found that pro-inflammatory TNFα and anti-inflammatory CCL18 cytokines are increased in human atherosclerotic lesions, associated with cholesterol accumulation. The expression levels vary across plaque stages, with maximum levels in lipofibrous plaques.
Researchers found that natural killer cells fail to respond to malaria infection in some patients, leading to more severe disease outcomes. By identifying key genes involved, they discovered a potential therapeutic target using poly I:C treatment.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University discovered that immune cells, specifically macrophages, play a critical role in regenerating lab-grown adult muscle tissue. The discovery could lead to new treatments for degenerative muscle diseases and enhance the survival of engineered tissue grafts.
Researchers develop a system using IL-4 nanoparticles to target macrophages, reducing inflammation and promoting muscle fiber regeneration. Mice with injured muscles treated with IL-4 nanoparticles showed improved muscle structure and strength.
New research finds tiny particles of carbon in placentas, suggesting air pollution can affect foetal development. The study reveals that sooty particles from the mother's lungs can reach the placenta via the bloodstream.
Researchers have developed a method to separate infected and uninfected cells, revealing how Zika virus manipulates the human immune system by suppressing gene production in macrophage cells. This approach provides a more accurate account of Zika's effect on macrophages and shows that the virus uses two methods to stop their function.
KU Leuven scientists found long-lived macrophages in mice intestines that can survive for at least eight months, vital for nerve cell survival. These macrophages play a critical role in maintaining intestinal health, and their dysfunction leads to digestive problems.
Researchers demonstrate that a single transplantation of iPSC-derived macrophages into the lungs of mice with herPAP can effectively treat this life-threatening disease. The transplanted macrophages adapt and differentiate to function efficiently, providing long-term therapeutic benefits.
Researchers found that mice infected with hookworms produce super-killer macrophages that are efficient at killing the worms but also cause tissue damage and inflammation. The study reveals that RELMalpha, an immune protein, helps balance immunity and inflammation by downregulating inflammatory responses.
A team of researchers found that LYVE-1 macrophages protect arteries from becoming stiff by interacting with smooth muscle cells and reducing collagen production. The protein is responsible for binding to hyaluronan, facilitating the degradation of collagen.
Researchers found that diabetes medications controlling macrophage metabolism can reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. By regulating energy sources for immune cells, these medications may inhibit the progression of diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Researchers found that PI3Kγ expression increases during T. cruzi infection, essential for avoiding excessive inflammation and controlling heart parasitemia. The enzyme's absence in macrophages impairs their ability to kill parasites and control inflammation.
Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses a toxin to deplete NAD+ in macrophages, leading to necrotic cell death. Adding NAD+ replenishment or mitochondrial function protectants restricted bacterial growth and increased macrophage viability. These findings suggest patient-targeted therapies to treat tuberculosis.
A new PET imaging method evaluates the extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation by targeting translocator protein (TSPO) expression in joint lining tissue. The study demonstrates that TSPO PET can image not only synovial macrophages but also activated synovial fibroblasts, a critical process in RA pathogenesis.
Researchers found that Zika virus has a unique ability to ferry the virus throughout the body using macrophage cells, allowing it to bypass natural barriers. This discovery could lead to the development of effective countermeasures to protect people from the virus's devastating effects.
Researchers have found a non-opioid drug that targets immune cells to relieve pain, providing an alternative to addictive opioid drugs. The investigational drug, EMA401, inhibits the angiotensin II type 2 receptor on macrophages, leading to pain signal transmission.
Researchers develop a two-part 'punch' to re-educate macrophages and enhance their capacity to eat tumor cells, leading to complete inhibition of tumor growth. The therapy, tested in melanoma and breast cancer preclinical models, shows promise as a complementary treatment option.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a supramolecular therapeutic that blocks the 'eat me not' signal sent by cancer cells and converts macrophages to the attacking M1 subtype. The approach has yielded promising results in preclinical models, showing complete inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival rates.
Macrophage receptors trigger intestinal contractions, leading to severe diarrhea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments for this debilitating side effect.
A tumor suppressor protein called Arl11 has been found to play a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system, particularly in detecting and destroying pathogens. By initiating a signaling cascade, Arl11 helps macrophages to engulf bacteria and release signaling molecules that activate other immune cells.
Researchers discover a causal relationship between inflammatory responses in aging nerves and degenerative aging processes. The team found that reducing macrophage activity improves nerve structure and function, increasing mobility and quality of life for those affected by age-related muscle weakness.
Researchers have found that active HIV in macrophages can cause learning and memory problems in mice, even with suppressed viral levels. The study suggests that macrophages may transport HIV to the brain, leading to cognitive impairment.
A study at Osaka University has identified Sema6D as a crucial protein in the activation of macrophages that protect against inflammatory disorders. The research found that Sema6D plays a key role in the metabolic reprogramming necessary for M2-type macrophages to function properly, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Scientists have identified a new signaling pathway essential for mammary gland development, involving the interaction between stem cells and macrophages. The discovery provides insight into breast cancer genesis and spread, potentially paving the way for early detection and targeted therapies.
Macrophages use a membrane protein called SLC4A7 to acidify their phagosomes, allowing them to kill bacteria. Impaired SLC4A7 leads to decreased capacity to kill bacteria and increased protons in the cytoplasm.
A new study reveals that macrophages nurture mammary stem cells through chemical signaling, enabling the precursors of milk-producing cells to mature. The research found that Dll1 signaling is essential for maintaining a healthy mammary gland and may hold clues to preventing breast cancer.
Researchers used proteomics to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of Trichomonas vaginalis and Aspergillus fumigatus, identifying palmitoylation sites in T. vaginalis proteins that regulate infectivity and a strategy for A. fumigatus to evade macrophage destruction. This work suggests potential treatments for these infections.
A study published in Developmental Cell found that a signal from the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling molecule Eiger reduces tension in tissue barrier cells, allowing immune cells like macrophages to pass through more easily. This mechanism was previously unknown and has potential importance beyond fruitflies to vertebrates.
Researchers developed a novel PET tracer that targets joint inflammation and can visualize active inflammation sites in arthritic joints. The tracer, fluorine-18 F-FEDAC, shows promise for early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A Monash University study has identified a lethal fungus that destroys the immune cell responsible for killing it by depleting its source of nutrients. The research found that Candida albicans competes with macrophages for glucose, leading to their death.
Aging nerves are damaged by immune cells that drive degeneration, but a new treatment blocks these cells, restoring nerve structure and muscle strength. Treatment with a cytokine receptor inhibitor reduced macrophage numbers and improved grip force in aging mice.
Researchers found that blocking tumor-associated macrophages can improve chemotherapy response in neuroblastoma, even in T cell deficient mice. This new approach may be effective for children with high-risk disease and could lead to the development of new combination therapies.
Scientists investigate TRPV1 receptor, found in immune cells, as potential target for TBI recovery. Activating TRPV1 may balance macrophage populations and promote M2s, reducing lingering inflammation and improving cognition.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that macrophages suppress the activity of CD8 T cells, a type of immune cell that recognizes and kills melanoma cells. By disrupting macrophages, researchers found improved efficacy for immunotherapy in experimental models of melanoma.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that aging immune cells contribute to inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in macular degeneration, potentially leading to vision loss. The study identified microRNA-150 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing progression to advanced forms of the disease.