All articles tagged with #dendritic cells
UCLA researchers found creatine boosts dendritic cell activity and energy, enhancing the immune system's ability to activate killer T cells against tumors; in mice and human cells, creatine slowed melanoma growth and improved dendritic cell vaccines, suggesting potential to strengthen cancer immunotherapy, though human trials are still needed and safety considerations apply.
UCLA researchers found that creatine helps energize dendritic cells, which present tumor fragments to T cells, slowing melanoma growth in mice and potentially supporting immunotherapies; the study, published in iScience, does not yet justify dietary changes for patients and human trials are needed.
Nature reports that mRNA–LNP vaccines prime CD8+ T cells not through the classic cDC1 cross-presentation, but via redundant input from both cDC1 and cDC2 dendritic cells; a substantial portion of priming comes from cross-dressing—peptide–MHC-I complexes transferred from non-hematopoietic cells in a type I interferon–dependent process—broadening T-cell activation to antigens not encoded by the vaccine and supporting anti-tumor immunity and memory.
Engineered FAP-targeted immunosuppressive dendritic cells (iCDCs), carrying IL-10, CTLA4-Ig, and PD-L1, reprogram local immune responses to reduce inflammation and fibrosis after myocardial injury in mice and improve heart function, with additional benefit in a non-human primate MI model and no systemic toxicity; mechanism includes direct suppression of immune/stromal cell activation and indirect expansion of regulatory T cells. This lesion-targeted immune modulation presents a promising therapy for cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Data and code are publicly available.
A Nature study shows that in infancy, exposure to common allergens triggers a dual response: locally in the skin, peripheral immune-inducer dendritic cells (pii-DCs) activate γδ T17 cells via IL-23, initiating type 17 inflammation, while a canonical Th2 response is primed in draining lymph nodes. The pii-DC state is enabled by an immature hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis with low systemic glucocorticoids; deleting the glucocorticoid receptor in DCs recapitulates this phenotype. This reveals a developmental neuroendocrine checkpoint that shapes age-specific allergen responses and primes exaggerated allergic lung inflammation upon subsequent exposures.
New research shows leftover fragments from SARS-CoV-2 form protein pieces that bind to curved membranes on immune cells, suppressing dendritic cells and T cells and potentially driving long-COVID; Omicron fragments appear less damaging to these cells, highlighting variant differences while underscoring ongoing COVID risks and the value of vaccination.
Scientists have discovered that a vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid, can suppress the immune system's ability to fight cancer by promoting immune tolerance. They developed inhibitors that block this pathway, restoring immune responses and improving cancer vaccine efficacy, paving the way for new immunotherapy treatments.
A newly isolated gut bacterium, YB328, enhances the effectiveness of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy by promoting dendritic cell migration and activating T cells, leading to improved cancer treatment responses across various tumor types, as demonstrated in patient samples and mouse models.
Israeli scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a novel immunotherapy approach that combines T cells and dendritic cells to trigger a strong immune response against cancer. The study, published in Cell, showed promising results in reducing the growth rate of aggressive cancers in mice, and even proved effective against cancers resistant to immunotherapy. The researchers also found that the new treatment could prevent the development of secondary tumors, indicating a systemic immune response against cancer. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted immune suppression in various diseases, and the scientists are now focused on developing a drug suitable for human treatment.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new immunotherapy treatment that connects T cells to dendritic cells, resulting in a powerful immune response against cancerous growths. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing the growth rate of aggressive breast, lung, and skin cancers in mouse models. The new antibody, called BiCE, has shown promise in preventing the development of metastases in the lungs after the removal of the primary tumor. The institute has filed a patent application and is working on commercializing the innovative treatment, which could also have implications for autoimmune diseases.
Scientists from Harvard Medical School have developed an experimental probiotic that regulates the activity of dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in managing immune cell responses. When administered to mice with induced conditions similar to multiple sclerosis (MS), the probiotic suppressed autoimmunity in key regions of the brain. The treatment shows promise for treating chronic diseases and is more precise than existing options, with minimal side effects. The probiotic was designed to produce lactate, activating an immune system brake. The study suggests that engineered probiotics could revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases and pave the way for personalized therapies.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the immune system eliminates cells lacking CD47 molecules, with dendritic cells directly killing these CD47-lacking T cells. This finding offers potential implications for cancer therapy, as it opens up the possibility of inducing cell death in cancer cells by modifying CD47. The study, conducted by researchers from Kobe University, sheds light on the previously unknown capability of dendritic cells to directly kill immune cells lacking CD47, providing a fresh perspective for future research and treatment strategies.