The science behind harnessing the immune system to fight cancer is complicated, but a University of Rochester Medical Center laboratory discovered a simple, practical way to use light and optics to steer killer immune cells toward tumors. In a study published by the online journal Nature Communications, lead author Minsoo Kim, Ph.D., a UR professor of Microbiology and Immunology and a Wilmot Cancer...
Tag: <span>Immune system</span>
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Unmasking rogue cells in the immune system
Genetic alteration of a mouse embryo to “knock down” — which is to disrupt — the JunB gene, which is then going to be unavailable for the immune system cells to use. The immune system is a formidable defense against microbial intruders, identifying and eliminating threats through an extremely intricate and adaptable network of...
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Study makes breakthrough in understanding of proteins and their impact on immune system
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have made a breakthrough in the understanding of how our genetic make-up can impact on the activity of the immune system and our ability to fight cancer. The study, conducted in conjunction with researchers from Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, was published in Science Signaling and focusses on a protein called ULBP6. Proteins are...
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The immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration
Cardiomyocyte proliferation during EAM. In adult mammal hearts, cardiomyoctyes do not proliferate following damage such as that caused by myocardial infarction. However, in some mammals, cardiomyocyte proliferation occurs. “Neonatal cardiomyocytes proliferate, and the cardiomyocytes of zebrafish proliferate through adulthood,” says Osaka University Professor Yasushi Fujio. However, hearts recover well from myocarditis, suggesting adult cardiomyocytes can proliferate...
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Link discovered between immune system, brain structure and memory
The thickness of the cerebral cortex is correlated with the epigenetic profile of immune-related genes. In two independent studies, scientists at the University of Basel have demonstrated that both the structure of the brain and several memory functions are linked to immune system genes. The scientific journals Nature Communications and Nature Human Behaviour have published the results of...
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Scientists Discover New Types Of Blood Cells In Human Immune System
Researchers have discovered new cell subtypes in the human immune system. The newly-discovered cells — dubbed monocytes and dendritic — fall under the white blood cell class. Thus, technically scientists have found new blood cells in the human body. Human blood contains many types of cells, including components of our immune system. Primarily, there are three types...
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Immune system can spot tell-tale change in identity of cancer antigens
A new study has identified novel mechanisms whereby T cells may be able to distinguish an emerging class of targets specifically increased on cancer cells. The study, carried out by researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Virginia, and published in Oncotarget, focuses on how the immune system recognises protein targets that are...
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Link discovered between immune system, brain structure and memory
In 2 independent studies, researchers at the university of Basel have demonstrated that both the structure of the brain and several memory functions are linked to immune system genes. The scientific journals Nature communications and nature human behavior have published the results of the research. The body’s immune system is vital for defense mechanism against...
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Targeting The Immune System May Help Stop The Itch Of Eczema
A new treatment may help reduce the itch of atopic dermatitis, which will reduce flare-ups. Meredith Rizzo/NPR People with moderate to severe eczema may benefit from new treatments that significantly reduce the intense itching that comes with the scaly skin disease. A study published Wednesday finds that the antibody nemolizumab, given as a monthly injection, not only...
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How cancers trick the immune system into helping rather than harming them
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how certain cancers hijack the immune system for their benefit — tricking it into helping rather than harming them. While most of us are aware that our immune system protects us from infection, we may be less aware of the key role that cells of the immune system also...