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It’s not you—it’s cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a connection between the brain and immune system responsible for cachexia-related apathy. By targeting specific neurons and immune system proteins, they hope to improve cancer patients' quality of life and tolerance for treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2025

Autonomic-cyclooxygenase-2 mechanisms of electroacupuncture on thermal injury-induced gastric dysmotility in rats

This study found that electroacupuncture (EA) improved gastric emptying in rats with burn-induced dysmotility by down-regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. EA also normalized sympathetic hyperactivity and enhanced vagal activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit for burn-induced gastric dysmotility.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Translational Gastroenterology·DateMar 11, 2025

Synthetic RIG-I-agonist RNA induces death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

A synthetic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA has been shown to induce innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The addition of recombinant interferon-b potentiated this cell death, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating patients with liver cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

A potential pathway may guide new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, that strengthens intestinal barrier function and protects against harmful bacteria. This strain may lead to the development of novel therapies for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Light targets cells for death and triggers immune response with laser precision

Researchers develop optogenetic system to precisely target cancer cells using light, inducing inflammatory cell death and triggering immune response. The approach aims to modulate the immune suppressive environment around cancer cells, helping T cells recognize and attack the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Pusan National University researchers reveal how diabetes weakens gum defense

Researchers from Pusan National University discovered a link between diabetes and periodontitis, showing pro-inflammatory cytokines rise in classical monocytes. The study highlights the systemic impact of these conditions on immune regulation and suggests a potential therapeutic target to reduce diabetes risk.

SourcePusan National University·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Compound reduced inflammation in COVID-19-infected mice without compromising immune response to virus

Researchers identified a new class of molecules capable of preventing excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19. Blocking the link between peptide C5a and its cellular receptor reduced lung damage and other complications in mice. This finding suggests that antagonists of C5aR1 could be useful for treating severe COVID-19.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2023

Antibody blockade effective in treatment of severe COVID-19

A study published in PNAS identified an overlap between cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19, finding that IL-6 signaling blockade can alleviate symptoms of both conditions. By treating severe COVID-19 patients with a human monoclonal antibody-based drug called Actemra, PAI-1 levels rapidly declined and disease symptoms were alleviated.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Breakthrough bioelectronic medicine discovery made by decoding immune system's neural signals

Researchers have cracked the code of neural signals used by the immune system to communicate with the brain, opening doors to diagnostic and therapeutic targets for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. The discovery provides insight into how the nervous system regulates inflammation and immunity.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018

TWEAK triggers atrophy of disused muscle

A study in JCB identifies TWEAK as a key trigger for muscle breakdown in disused skeletal muscle. Blocking this pathway could prevent muscle loss in immobilized patients. Inhibiting TWEAK with an antibody was sufficient to block muscle breakdown, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 22, 2010

Researchers led by Penn vet uncover the delicate protein balance behind the immune system response

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified the pathways that lead to the production of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), a major anti-inflammatory factor. Modulating messenger molecules like IL-27 and IL-6 could increase IL-10 concentrations, tempering overactive immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 10, 2007

Cytokine resistance contributes to pathology of type 2 diabetes

A new study from the University of Illinois found that cytokine resistance contributes to the pathology of type 2 diabetes by impairing the anti-inflammatory response and disrupting insulin-like signaling pathways. This impairment leads to chronic inflammation, which exacerbates health issues in individuals with obesity or diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 14, 2007