Bi-directional communication between intrinsic enteric neurons and ILC2s inhibits host defense against helminth infection

Recent studies highlight the role of neurons in regulating anti-helminth immune responses, suggesting that intrinsic enteric neurons (iENs) may orchestrate intestinal immunity. Wang and Zhang et al. show that iENs sense helminth infection-induced ILC2 activation through IL-13 receptors, which in turn constrain anti-helminth immunity. These findings uncover a bi-directional intrinsic enteric neuroimmune crosstalk that influences pathogen clearance.

Published
Categorized as Immunology

Identification of indirect CD4+ T cell epitopes associated with transplant rejection provides a target for donor-specific tolerance induction

The lack of well-defined indirect CD4+ T cell epitopes has hindered mechanistic studies and the development of antigen-specific tolerance strategies in transplantation. Zhanzak et al. identify donor-derived CD4+ T cell epitopes associated with rejection in humans and mice, providing a paradigm for personalized peptide immunotherapy as a tolerance strategy in transplantation.

Immune 88: Bespoke antibodies and stinging erythropoiesis

Immune describes the use of bespoke antibodies to characterize immune cell populations in cave nectar bats, and co-option of retrotransposons to activate hematopoietic stem cells and erythropoiesis. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Cindy Leifer, Steph Langel, and Brianne Barker Click arrow to playDownload Immune 88 (127 MB .mp3, 89 min)Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, emailBecome a patron of Immune! Links for this episode MicrobeTV… Continue reading Immune 88: Bespoke antibodies and stinging erythropoiesis

New AI tool promises faster vaccine development by predicting T cell epitopes

An exciting collaboration between the Ragon Institute and the Jameel Clinic at MIT has achieved a significant milestone in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to aid the development of T cell vaccine candidates. Ragon faculty member Gaurav Gaiha, MD, DPhil, and MIT Professor Regina Barzilay, PhD, AI lead of the Jameel Clinic for AI and Health,… Continue reading New AI tool promises faster vaccine development by predicting T cell epitopes

Groundbreaking research reveals key gut cells involved in food tolerance

With every bite of food we take, our intestinal immune system must make a big decision. Tasked with defending us from foreign pathogens, these exquisitely sensitive cells somehow distinguish friend from foe-destroying invaders while tolerating food and helpful bacteria. How the gut separates the good from the bad has long puzzled scientists. Now, new research… Continue reading Groundbreaking research reveals key gut cells involved in food tolerance

Published
Categorized as Immunology

Microbial compound offers hope for vitiligo treatment

A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new Northwestern University pre-clinical study in mice. The findings could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences. The results in our… Continue reading Microbial compound offers hope for vitiligo treatment

Published
Categorized as Immunology