A recent study published in Nature Immunology, highlighted how the loss of TET enzymes can lead to B cell lymphoma. The study by Shukla, et al., may provide us with opportunities for designing novel drug treatment strategies to target cancerous cells.
2021
Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spike protein
In a recent preprint, Warwicker investigated the degree to which the D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) allows access of spike (S) protein trimers to conformations/forms similar to the linoleic acid (LA)-bound locked conformations without LA binding.
Resistance to key antimalarial drug?
In a recent study, Schumann, et al., made use of selection-linked integration (SLI) in combination with glmS ribozyme-tagging and established a purification protocol for recombinant PfKelch13 to study the relevance of the abundance, conformational stability, and redox state of PfKelch13 for the artemisinin susceptibility in P. falciparum.
COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
A recent study by Allen, et al., reported a positive genetic correlation between IPF and severe COVID-19 risk. However, it must be noted that some of the IPF-related pathways may have a contrasting effect on severe COVID-19 risk. An interesting paper where limitations have been noted.
Can fat help us combat infection?
In a new study from Nature Communications, Mistry, et al., have reported on how our immune cells use Free Fatty-acid (FFA) transport to fight infection. These insights could help develop new methods of treating bacterial infections.
Antibody profile in response to SARS-CoV-2 – serological profile and specificity of maternal and neonatal cord blood
In a recent study, researchers investigated the antibody profile of maternal serum and neonatal cord blood antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 virus exposure in mothers.
Germline mutations in innate immunity associated with the risk for breast cancer: case of C-reactive protein
A study by Su et al has demonstrated that using a Mendelian randomization approach reduce environmental bias on the causal relationship between genetically elevated CRP levels and postmenopausal breast cancer risk.
New Insights into the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of Multiple Myeloma: What’s the role of the Heavy/Light Chain Assay?
In a recent review, Rios-Tamayo, et al., summarize the current basic laboratory testing in multiple myeloma patients and propose a new algorithm to manage and follow up the MP based on the heavy/light chain assay.
Antiretroviral therapy influences tumour development in patients with HIV
In a new study, Saluzzo, et al., has reported that the time of starting antiretroviral therapy may influence tumour development. A novel finding as the mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of chronic tissue-related...
Promotion of protective anti-tumour CD8+ T cell immunity – a new treatment for tumours
In a recent study by researchers at MIT, Duong, et al., have identified a potential approach to indirectly activate T cells, through the recruitment of a helper immune cells i.e. dendritic cells. An interesting new approach to immunotherapy.