Category: Immunology

Robust mucosal SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells effectively combat COVID-19 and establish polyfunctional resident memory in patient lungs

Abstract Mucosal antigen-specific T cells are pivotal for pathogen clearance and immune modulation in respiratory infections. Dysregulated T cell responses exacerbate coronavirus disease 2019 severity, marked by cytokine storms and respiratory failure. Despite extensive description in peripheral blood, the characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T cells in the lungs remain elusive.… Continue reading Robust mucosal SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells effectively combat COVID-19 and establish polyfunctional resident memory in patient lungs

T cell immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 escapees targeting two cytotoxic T cell epitope hotspots

Abstract Although antibody escape is observed in emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants, T cell escape, especially after the global circulation of BA.2.86/JN.1, is unexplored. Here we demonstrate that T cell evasion exists in epitope hotspots spanning BA.2.86/JN.1 mutations. The newly emerging Q229K at this conserved nucleocapsid protein site impairs HLA-A2 epitope hotspot… Continue reading T cell immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 escapees targeting two cytotoxic T cell epitope hotspots

Evasion of T cell responses by newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

We describe how newly emerging mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 sub-variant JN.1 contribute to evasion of CD8+ T cell responses. Mutations occurring in T cell epitope hotspots in the viral spike protein and in a highly conserved site in the viral nucleocapsid suggest that T cell-mediated immune pressure is a key driving force for… Continue reading Evasion of T cell responses by newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

A cis-regulatory element controls expression of histone deacetylase 9 to fine-tune inflammasome-dependent chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis

Common genetic variants in a cis-regulatory element at HDAC9, which regulates expression of the histone deacetylase HDAC9, are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Asare et al. define a mechanism whereby HDAC9 regulates activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and develop a targeted pharmacological approach that could epitomize a new class of anti-inflammatory therapeutics for atherosclerosis.

Skin cancer: New treatment option successfully tested

Basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer, occur in chronically sun-exposed areas such as the face. Locally advanced tumors in particular can be difficult to treat surgically. A research team has now investigated the effectiveness of a new type of therapy and achieved promising results: The active substance TVEC led to a… Continue reading Skin cancer: New treatment option successfully tested

Distinct functions of CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in autoimmunity

Using a novel human tonsil immune organoid system, Chen et al. demonstrate that by controlling autoreactive humoral and cellular responses, human CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and CD8+ Treg cells cooperatively restrain the otherwise uncontrolled autoimmune disease progression. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your… Continue reading Distinct functions of CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in autoimmunity

Immune environment found to influence success of leukemia immunotherapy

A research team from Columbia Engineering and the Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics made a pivotal discovery in the field of cancer immunotherapy. In a paper published today in Science Immunology, the team identified a specific population of immune cells that play a critical role in successful treatment of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This work was in collaboration with… Continue reading Immune environment found to influence success of leukemia immunotherapy

Researchers identify key factors for successful donor lymphocyte infusion in AML patients

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have identified factors that determine whether donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), a standard therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have relapsed after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, will successfully move the patient into remission. The team identified that a key cell type in the DLI product and features of the… Continue reading Researchers identify key factors for successful donor lymphocyte infusion in AML patients