January 2022

In a recent paper, Chong, et al., investigated the effect of IFN-λ on SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. They found that IFN-λ conferred protection against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 (Beta variant) and the newer SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron variant).

In a recent study, Wilson, et al., have described how Th17 cell promote the onset of certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers have discovered a mechanism used by Th17 to fulfil its function within the immune system - neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

In a recent paper, results published in The Lancet from a clinical trial has reported that through the administration of peanut oral immunotherapy in children, ages 1-3, who are extremely allergic to peanuts, safely desensitized most of them and induced remission of peanut allergy in one-fifth.

A new study by Bojkova, et al., reported on the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and why it is less efficient than the Delta variant at inhibiting/blocking the host cellular defense mechanism against viruses. This defense mechanism of interest is the “interferon response.”

Beites, et al., have investigated the function and role of an Mtb enzyme that has never been studied in detail. They reported that the enzyme is essential for Mtb's breakdown of free fatty acids which in turn lead to energy generation and the molecular building blocks for growth and survival.

A recent article published in Kidney International highlights novel findings concerning Tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs), which are ectopic lymphoid tissues formed due to chronic inflammatory microenvironment which functions as a local center for priming immune response.

Avolio, et al., reported that the protein CSDE1 coordinates a complex chain of events that enable senescence in skin cells, significantly slowing down their function without causing death.  The result, cells that acting like a wall to protect one against cancer, further suppressing the formation of tumours.

Van Breemen, et al., reported on a pair of cannabinoid acids, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, inhibiting/blocking a crucial element of the virus’s ability to infect a host cells.

A recent study using murine models has reported that an antimicrobial found in toothpaste, triclosan (TCS), in addition to other toys and products, can lead to or trigger gut inflammation. Zhang, et al., have characterised the bacteria and specific enzymes that are responsible for triggering TCS’s adverse effects.

In a recent discovery that may aid researchers in identifying new targets for cancer treatment, Belyaeva, et al., 2021 have discovered how immune cells protect themselves when they enter and squeeze between tissue cells.