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‘Invisible’ inflammation in rare bowel disease may explain heightened colon cancer risk

Researchers have mapped cellular differences between two similar bowel diseases, identifying hidden immune activity that may explain why one carries a much higher risk of colon cancer. The study found that patients with PSC-associated IBD had a distinct microbiome and higher levels of immune activity even in the absence of inflammation.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2026

The 700-million-year history of our blood cells

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has reconstructed the family tree of blood cells over a 700-million-year span, revealing their evolutionary history. They found that early blood cells emerged around the same time as multicellular animals and were macrophage-like.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2026

Immune ‘bouncers’ protect the brain from infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mast cells stand guard at tiny gates through which fluid waste leaves the brain, mounting a response when a pathogen is detected to close the gates and prevent invaders from entering. Enhanced mast cell activity before an infection reduced bacterial load.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

New bioactive compound for difficult-to-treat allergies

Researchers have discovered a promising bioactive compound that can effectively reduce symptoms of conditions like asthma and migraine by blocking a receptor on certain defense cells. The compound is effective in eliminating life-threatening allergic reactions in mice and has shown promise for treating inflammatory conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Parental avoidance of toxic exposures could help prevent autism, ADHD in children, new study shows

Researchers found that parents with high chemical intolerance scores were 5.7 times more likely to report a child with autism, highlighting the potential preventive role of avoiding toxic exposures. The study also suggests that reducing exposure prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Xenobiotics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Gut bacteria can process dietary fiber into an anti-allergy weapon, finds new study

Scientists found that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria suppress allergic reactions by modulating mast cell activation and epigenetic modifications. This study provides new insights into the relationship between diet and immune system regulation, with potential applications in allergy treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Allergic reactions prevented with decorated nanoparticles

Scientists have created a new therapy using nanoparticles to target specific immune cells responsible for allergic responses. The approach, which combines an allergen with antibodies that selectively inhibit mast cells, has shown promising results in a mouse study, preventing allergic reactions without causing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Texas lab unlocks keys to alcohol withdrawal headache

A study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio researchers found that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates immune cells in the dura membrane under the skull, leading to pain signals. This discovery may lead to the development of a small-molecule drug therapy to inhibit CRF and MrgprB2 interaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

Artificial intelligence model can predict whether Crohn disease will recur after surgery

An artificial intelligence model trained on histological images of surgical specimens accurately classified patients with and without Crohn disease recurrence. The model revealed previously unrecognized differences in adipose cells and mast cell infiltration, enabling stratification by prognosis for postoperative Crohn disease patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Relieve your stress, relieve your allergies

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests a link between corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and increased expression of mast cells in the nasal cavity, exacerbating allergic reactions. The research offers promising therapeutic potential with CRHR1 inhibitors and SCF neutralizing antibodies.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021

Study connects hormones we're born with to lifetime risk for immunological diseases

A new study by Michigan State University researchers connects specific hormones present before and after birth with immune response and lifelong immunological disease development. Females are at increased risk for common diseases like asthma, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome due to their perinatal hormone levels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2020

Duke-NUS study: Interaction between two immune cell types could be key to better dengue vaccines

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has identified a key player in the early fight against dengue virus infection: an interaction between two types of immune cells. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system recognizes viruses and could lead to the development of better vaccines for this and similar diseases.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 7, 2019

UCI-led study reveals that cells involved in allergies also play a key role in survival

Researchers discovered that mast cells release histamine from the gut, triggering the formation of oleoylethanolamide, which stimulates ketogenesis and supports brain and muscle function during prolonged fasts or intense exercise. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that mast cells are solely responsible for allergic respo...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2018

The search for the origin of mast cells

Researchers from CNRS and INSERM identify 'primitive mast cells' generated in yolk sac during embryonic development. These cells play a crucial role in shaping the body's immune response, contradicting previous theories on mast cell origin.

SourceCNRS·JournalImmunity·DateJun 4, 2018

Here's how stress may be making you sick

A recent study published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that stress receptors can control immune cells' defense mechanisms, leading to allergic diseases. Mice with disabled stress receptors showed reduced disease symptoms and were protected against stress-related illnesses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJan 10, 2018

CRF1 stress receptor is regulator of mast cell activity during stress

A new study identified CRF1 as a master regulator of mast cell activity during stressful challenges, including psychological stress and anaphylaxis. The study showed that mice lacking CRF1 expression were protected against disease, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating stress-related diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

NIAID scientists link cases of unexplained anaphylaxis to red meat allergy

Researchers at NIAID found that some patients' seemingly inexplicable anaphylaxis was caused by an uncommon allergy to a molecule found naturally in red meat. Six study participants tested positive for an allergy to galactose-a-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal, and experienced no anaphylaxis after implementing diets free of red meat.