Our immune system has an ingenious trick up its sleeve. It remembers past foes, stopping potential sickness in its tracks through a phenomenon known as immunological memory. This is thanks to specialized cells—tissue-resident memory T cells—which reside in vital organs like the small intestine, lungs and other areas. Consider them as frontline guards, stationed exactly where trouble could strike. The endurance of these cells is extraordinary, protecting us from infections we fought decades ago.
Investigations led by University of California San Diego Postdoctoral Scholar Miguel Reina-Campos, Professor Ananda Goldrath and their collaborators at the University of California San Diego and several other institutions have revealed new insights into the metabolism of these specializedand how they could be enhanced as immune defense weapons against infections and tumors.
"The immune system excels at coping with pathogens and infections, but it struggles against tumors," said Reina-Campos, the study's first author. The researchers wondered if these remarkable cells hold the key to unlocking a new era of immune system innovation. This is especially relevant in the battle against stubborn tumors. Picture your immune cells adapting, thriving and evolving within their organ strongholds.
"What most surprised me is how sensitive and responsive these cells are to the diet," said Reina-Campos, who noted that cells feature built-in sensor systems that play into their decision-making. Benefiting the research was the existence of a drug that was harnessed to orchestrate this transformative redirection, supercharging the immune cells for a more successful life in tissues.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Researchers find key for transforming cancer cells to muscle in rhabdomyosarcomaFor six years, Professor Christopher Vakoc's lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has been on a mission to transform sarcoma cells into regularly functioning tissue cells. Sarcomas are cancers that form in connective tissues such as muscle. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation—procedures that are especially tough on kids. If doctors could transform cancer cells into healthy cells, it would offer patients a whole new treatment option—one that could spare them and their families a great deal of pain and suffering.
Read more »
Innovative insights into effects of hematopoietic changes on colon cancer, unveiling therapeutic avenuesResearchers investigated whether bone marrow-derived cells contribute to colitis-associated colon cancer.
Read more »
Wildfire smoke is an increasing threat to Canadians' health, say researchersAir quality in Canada has improved over the past several decades, and Canada's air is among the cleanest in the world. But that progress is threatened by smoke from wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and more intense with climate change.
Read more »
Researchers study barriers and facilitators to accessing health care in rural MissouriRural Missourians often face more disparities in health outcomes than their urban and suburban counterparts, in part from challenges accessing health care—a problem amplified in recent years by a growing physician shortage. But a new study at the University of Missouri found that health and health care organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, as they recognize these services contribute to a person's overall health.
Read more »
Researchers develop a novel algorithm for mitigating COVID-19 spread in shipsThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected human lives and the global economy. In particular, cruise ship companies around the world are among the worst hit industries, with ships becoming a hotbed of viral infection owing to their confined environment. With the economy slowly recovering in the post COVID-19 period, ship companies hope to return to normal operations by adopting a sustainable management model that prioritizes the health of ship passengers.
Read more »
Researchers unravel structure of MCM8/9 enzyme linked to infertility and cancerScientific research requires patience. The rewards are not always immediate, and the technology needed does not always exist. Michael A. Trakselis, Ph.D., professor and director of graduate affairs for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor University, understands this.
Read more »