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When helper cells aren't helpful

A new study suggests that T helper cells, previously thought to mediate autoimmunity, actually suppress the development of experimental immune encephalomyelitis in mice. The findings indicate that these cells can inhibit the growth of Th17 cells, which are believed to be responsible for causing multiple sclerosis.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 24, 2010

Seeing family for the holidays? Scientists discover how the stress might kill you

Researchers found that the nervous system controls regulatory T cells, which help end an immune response, and that breaking this link can lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis. The study shows that stress from everyday events like seeing family around the holidays can negatively affect the immune system.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 30, 2009

Teasing apart T helper cells

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine shows that IL-9 promotes a multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice. The research suggests that IL-9 production may be linked to the presence of TGF-beta rather than a specific Th cell subset, contradicting the theory of a unique 'Th9' cell subset.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 27, 2009

Towards improved immunotherapy

A study published in Clinical Immunology describes a new method to induce regulatory T cells, which show great potential for treating autoimmune diseases and improving transplant outcomes. The method uses an inexpensive and simple high-yield approach to generate large amounts of these immune suppressive cells.

SourceElsevier·JournalClinical Immunology·DateDec 1, 2008

Regulatory B cells exist -- and pack a punch

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a subset of immune system B cells that can regulate inflammation. These regulatory B cells, called B10 cells, produce a potent cytokine that inhibits immune responses. Depleting or enhancing these cells may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateMay 27, 2008

Farm moms may help children beat allergies

A study of farming mothers and their children found that those exposed to farms had higher functioning regulatory T cells, which can suppress immune responses. This increase was strongest among babies born to mothers who spent time on farms or drank farm milk, suggesting a potential preventive strategy against allergic diseases.

New research helps explain how tumors go undetected by the body

Scientists discovered that regulatory T cells can reverse macrophages' role in causing inflammation, allowing tumors to go undetected by the body's natural defenses. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for tumors and could also be applied to block chronic inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2007

Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Researchers found that Langerhans cell histiocytosis is associated with the expansion of regulatory T cells, driven by cell survival rather than uncontrolled proliferation. This discovery provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 13, 2007

JCI table of contents -- January 11, 2006

Researchers found that regulatory T cells (Treg) are impaired in the absence of WASp, leading to systemic autoimmune disease. However, a spontaneous revertant mutation in a patient's Treg cells improved their function, suggesting that a defect in Treg function contributes to the autoimmunity associated with WASp deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 11, 2007

JCI table of contents: November 9, 2006

Scientists have found a way to create smooth muscle cells from adult stem cells using the soluble factors TGF-beta and PDGFB. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease by allowing for the creation of healthy tissue. Additionally, researchers have discovered that regulatory T cell populations are impaired in indiv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2006

JCI table of contents: November 23 2005

Researchers discovered cross-reactive T cells in patients with infectious mononucleosis, which stimulated excessive lymphocyte proliferation. Meanwhile, selectively killing regulatory T cells improved the efficacy of cancer vaccines by enhancing tumor-specific T cell responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 23, 2005

JCI table of contents October 1, 2005

Researchers show that CD32 isoforms have differential contributions to dendritic cell activation, with ligation of CD32a inducing maturation and ligation of CD32b inhibiting it. Intravenous immune globulin selectively shifts Fc-gamma receptor expression to a CD32b-dominated profile, explaining its anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2005

JCI table of contents July 1, 2005

Researchers develop vaccine targeting the local tumor microenvironment to improve systemic anti-tumor immunity in metastatic melanoma patients. The study shows promising results with partial responses and improved survival rates in some patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 2005

Suppressing the cells that trigger cat allergy

Researchers from Imperial College London identified a population of T cells that can suppress the proliferation of allergen-reactive T cells in vitro. This finding suggests a potential new approach to treating cat allergy, which has become more frequent in industrialized countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 28, 2005