Preimplantation factor (PIF), a 15 amino acid peptide secreted by viable embryos, is reported to play a crucial role in embryo implantation as well as achievement of maternal tolerance via local and systemic immunomodulation. Now, a recent genomic and proteomic study has provided further credence to the positive influence of PIF in embryo attachment and successful pregnancy. The findings have been published in the current edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have proposed that the immune reaction to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays a crucial role in the different phases of atherosclerosis. Reporting that T cells attack normal LDL rather than the oxLDL molecules, a recent breakthrough study suggests that blocking the LDL-recognizing T cell receptors could seize the T cell’s response to LDL, thereby conferring protection against atherosclerosis. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of The Journal of Experimental Medicine. Continue Reading

Cancer vaccines are predominantly developed to offer treatment against established and growing tumors rather than for prophylaxis. Prophylactic vaccines, although very effective, are difficult to develop as they could mediate autoimmune reactions against tumor antigens, which are modified self-proteins. Now, a recent breakthrough study in mice models has reported the development of a prototype vaccine against breast cancer, which not only prevents breast tumor formation, but also inhibits the growth of the existing tumors. The findings of the study are published in the recent online issue of the journal, Nature. Continue Reading

Several factors, such as race, donor age, and compliance with immunosuppressive agents, affect the survival of grafts after transplantation. There has been recent interest in the role of donor and recipient genetics in allograft survival, with extensive studies being conducted to evaluate this relationship. One such study published in the latest issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the presence of the gene caveolin-1 (CAV1) variant is associated with a high risk of renal allograft failure. Continue Reading

Heart transplant recipients are required to undergo routine biopsy tests throughout their lifetime in order to monitor the risk for organ rejection; the procedure usually being uncomfortable and nerve-wrecking. Now, a recent study reports that the blood test, AlloMap® (XDx, Inc.), in addition to clinical and echocardiogram evaluation, could help determine the risk for rejection and thereby safely reduce the number of endomyocardial biopsies to be performed. The findings of the multicentered, invasive monitoring attenuation through gene expression (IMAGE) trial are published in the recent online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading

Preterm birth (PTB), which may be associated with long-term liabilities, is identified as the leading cause of all deaths during the first month of fetal life, globally, and contributes to substantial medical, economic, and psychological burden. Such births are attributed to cost the US healthcare system more than $26 billion, annually. Now, a recent case-control study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reports the identification of maternal and fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that enhance the risk for spontaneous preterm births (SPTB). Continue Reading

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a cognate ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor, is reported as a crucial mediator of neurogenesis, neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity. Several studies have suggested the therapeutic benefits of administering the neurotrophic factor for treating various neurologic disorders. Now, a recent study published in the journal PNAS reports the identification of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a flavonoid derivative possessing similar neurotrophic properties to BDNF, which could revolutionize the currently adopted therapeutic interventions in neurodegeneration. Continue Reading

CXCR1 (CXC chemokine receptor 1) is an inflammatory receptor, which triggers the growth of cancer stem cells in response to tissue damage and inflammation. A study published in the recent online issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, reports that blockage of CXCR1, an interleukin-8 receptor, selectively destroys human breast cancer stem cell (CSC) lines in vitro and in xenografts. Blocking of the receptor was found to considerably hinder the growth of the tumor and reduce metastasis. Continue Reading

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research has witnessed significant advancements with regard to isolation, characterization, and regulation of differentiation. Reported to occur in diverse adult tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and cord blood, MSCs hold great therapeutic interest in the field of cell-based tissue engineering and regeneration. Continue Reading

A collaborative study by an international group including researchers from the National Institutes of Health, Hannover Medical School, and University College London, has identified mutations in two genes, interleukin-10 receptor 1 (IL10R1) and interleukin-10 receptor 2 (IL10R2), that cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children. The discovery enabled researchers to bring about disease remission in one of the patient participants by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The findings are published in the recent issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading