Immunotherapies use the immune system to fight cancer. But cancers like melanoma have found ways to turn off the immune system, allowing them to resist treatments and often leading to recurrence. Now University of Colorado Cancer Center clinical trial results published today in the journal International Immunopharmacology describe a promising strategy to remove one of melanoma’s most...
Tag: <span>Immunity</span>
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Study elucidates epigenetic mechanisms behind autoimmune diseases
A group of researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil used a DNA editing tool called CRISPR/Cas9 to manipulate the genes associated with the autoaggressive T lymphocytes responsible for inducing autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1) and type 1 diabetes. Immunofluorescence image of mTECs, with cell nucleus highlighted in blue...
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Modulation of anti-tumor immunity by the brain’s reward system
Abstract Regulating immunity is a leading target for cancer therapy. Here, we show that the anti-tumor immune response can be modulated by the brain’s reward system, a key circuitry in emotional processes. Activation of the reward system in tumor-bearing mice (Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and B16 melanoma) using chemogenetics (DREADDs), resulted in reduced tumor weight....
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The best foods for boosting your immune system
By Lana Burgess A strong immune system helps to keep a person healthy. Can specific foods boost the immune system? The immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease. When the...
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New discovery could mean improved immunity against reinfections
July 10, 2018, University of Minnesota Medical School For years, researchers have had an established viewpoint of the function of a unique protein in the body called purinergic receptor P2RX7 that triggers the innate immune response. It was considered a “bad thing” and therefore blocked. Now, University of Minnesota researchers have discovered a connection between the body’s memory cells...
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Scientists identify body’s microreactors for innate immunity
July 6, 2018 by Deborah Wormser, UT Southwestern Medical Center A DNA-sensing enzyme forms droplets that act as tiny bioreactors creating molecules to stimulate innate immunity—the body’s first response to infection, UT Southwestern researchers report. The work, reported today in the journal Science, could lead to novel treatments for infections, autoimmune disease, and cancer. (l-r) Mingjian Du and Dr....
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Gene discovery unlocks mysteries to our immunity
CSIRO AUSTRALIA Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has identified a new gene that plays a critical role in regulating the body’s immune response to infection and disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for influenza, arthritis and even cancer. The gene, called C6orf106 or “C6”, controls the production of proteins involved...
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Watching the immune system in action reveals what happens when things goes wrong
Scientists are unveiling how our immune system works – and malfunctions – thanks to an innovative technology that tracks immune cells. Image: ‘Timer’ protein fluorescence across time. Credit: Imperial College LondonThe technology has already been used to look at immune cells involved in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and could provide valuable insights into autoimmune diseases. As immune cells travel...
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New study shows how gut immune cells are kept in control
Every day, the human gut works on a fine-tuned balance that ensures the retention of essential nutrients while preventing infection by potential harmful microbes. Contributing to this surveillance system is a specialized group of immune cells that are held back due to unknown reasons, although they have many characteristics of activated cells. Now, a new...
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Drug may quell deadly immune response when trauma spills the contents of our cells’ powerhouses
When trauma spills the contents of our cell powerhouses, it can evoke a potentially deadly immune response much like a severe bacterial infection. Photo of Drs. Keith O’Malley, Patricia Martinez Quinones and Camilla Ferreira Wenceslau. Credit: Phil Jones, Senior Photographer, Augusta University A drug that cleaves escaped proteins called N-formyl peptides appears to reduce resulting...