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New therapeutic approaches for uveitis featured in special festschrift issue

The Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics presents novel therapeutic approaches for treating uveitis, including cyclosporine, topical ganciclovir, and regulatory T cell therapy. These advances aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with autoimmune uveitis.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateMay 15, 2017

Immunology: Live and let live

Dendritic cells, which help activate and suppress immune responses, play a key role in maintaining the balance between self and non-self in the gut. The discovery of a signaling molecule, CD40, reveals how this balance can be disrupted, leading to severe colitis, but also highlights the importance of regulatory T-cells in maintaining i...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2017

Gut bacteria may hold key to treating autoimmune disease

Researchers discovered that replacing missing gut bacteria or restoring a key metabolite called inosine could help treat children with IPEX syndrome, an often fatal autoimmune disease. The study found that probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri and A2A receptor agonists inhibited T cell-mediated autoimmunity, extending the animals' life span.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 19, 2016

Once inside a tumor, our immune cells become traitors

Researchers found that regulatory T cells in tumors have distinct features and differences compared to normal tissue, making them potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The study aims to improve cancer immunotherapies by targeting specific molecules expressed by these immune cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateNov 15, 2016

Treating the inflammation in lymphedema

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has discovered that a specific subset of blood cells - the regulatory T cells - can suppress lymphedema. This finding could help develop therapies to cure lymphedema by targeting inflammatory responses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 11, 2016

Why architects should let the microbes in

Research suggests that certain microbes in the air can be beneficial for human health, reducing allergy rates and improving immune function. By designing buildings with ventilation systems that bring in fresh outdoor air, architects can facilitate exposure to these beneficial microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateJul 7, 2016

Turning T cell immunology on its head

Researchers at Monash University discovered that regulatory T cells can function even when their receptors bind to MHC in a completely different orientation, challenging established views on the immune system. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating and potentially treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 5, 2015

Keeping a lid on inflammation

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a critical role in shaping the immune response and maintaining self-tolerance. A recent study by LJI researchers identified a molecular pathway that maintains Treg cell stability and suppressive function, crucial for immune system balance. The discovery suggests that Treg cells may not be stable und...

In the gut, immunity is a 2-way street

Scientists have discovered that gut immunity actively maintains healthy bacterial communities through precise regulation of immunoglobulin A production by regulatory T cells. This complex interplay between the immune system and bacteria is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders associated with dysbiosis in the gut.

SourceRIKEN·JournalImmunity·DateJul 10, 2014

Balancing T cell populations

Researchers found that loss of TSC1 in T cells disrupted the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, leading to severe inflammation. The study suggests that fine-tuning mTOR activity through regulators like TSC1 may be beneficial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Fatty acid produced by gut bacteria boosts the immune system

A new study found that butyrate, a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, induces the production of regulatory T cells in the gut, boosting the immune system. This discovery supports the use of butyrate as therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and may lead to personalized preventive medicine.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2013

Itch maintains regulatory T cell stability

Researchers found that Itch maintains the stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which promotes Th2 inflammatory responses and severe airway inflammation in mice. This study highlights the importance of Itch in regulating immune responses and preventing allergic diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Lymph nodes with location memory

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that lymph nodes in certain locations produce more regulatory T cells, which mediate tolerance to harmless substances. This 'location-specific memory' is crucial for maintaining the balance of the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateAug 14, 2013

Estrogen fuels autoimmune liver damage

Researchers found that estrogen and interleukin-6 collude to cause immune cell misconduct and fuel autoimmune liver damage. Female mice with intact ovaries developed worse liver damage than those without ovaries, suggesting a key role for estrogen in the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2013

Targeting T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

A subset of regulatory T cells has been identified that can remove pathogenic T cells, inhibiting disease progression in RA-like conditions. Small proteins have also been found to induce more of these beneficial T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2013

Are we closer to understanding the cause of deadly sepsis?

A growing body of literature suggests that alterations in regulatory T cell function may contribute to the development of sepsis. Manipulating these cells may offer a promising approach to treating patients with septic shock. The Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research reviews the current understanding of this complex immune response.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateNov 16, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find regulatory T-cell clue to help prevent GVHD

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found a way to 'expand' regulatory T-cell (Treg) cells to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious risk in many cell transplants. The new method uses dendritic cells to activate Tregs, offering a potential breakthrough in preventing GVHD while sparing beneficial immune responses.