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Researchers discover a new form of immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a new form of immunotherapy that targets and removes specific immune cells called macrophages, which support cancer growth. The technique has shown promising results in treating malignant melanoma, with tumors shrinking after the removal of these cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019

Boosting the anti-inflammatory action of the immune system

Researchers have identified a molecule called Gas6 that induces macrophages to clean up cellular debris and reduce inflammation. Boosting Gas6 levels in macrophages has been shown to resolve inflammation in mouse models of acute lung injury, holding promise for treating diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

Study: Phenols in cocoa bean shells may reverse obesity-related problems in mouse cells

Scientists at the University of Illinois found that three phenolic compounds in cocoa bean shells can repair damaged mitochondria, block inflammation, and restore insulin sensitivity in white fat cells. The study suggests that consuming these compounds could prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 20, 2019

How bacteria kill host cells from the inside

Researchers found that extracellular pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter host cells and induce cell lysis through the type III secretion system. The study reveals a new mechanism of bacterial killing in macrophages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 20, 2019

Scientists report new approach to reduce or prevent renal fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for renal fibrosis by selectively activating AT1 receptors on T cells, which may help limit scar formation in the kidney. The study found that activating these receptors mitigates renal fibrogenesis by inhibiting Th1 differentiation and renal accumulation of pro-fibrotic macrophages.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 16, 2019

Bacteria flip an electric switch to worsen food poisoning

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019

New angle of attack drives cellular HIV-reservoirs to self-destruction

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

When good macrophages go bad

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 29, 2018

Why macrophages rest in healthy tissue

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 20, 2018

Immune cells help older muscles heal like new

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 1, 2018

Zika virus strips immune cells of their identity

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018