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

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

The ethical and moral issues associated with the use of human embryonic stem (HESC) cells for treatment of diseases, have contributed to extensive research in the reprogramming of human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). Now, a team of US researchers has zeroed in an effective way to transform human blood cells into iPS cells, which could provide a readily accessible source for generating stem cells and also a potential alternative to embryonic stem cells. The study results were pre-published online in the March issue of the journal Blood. Continue Reading

Scientists have successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) from human skin cells that could function as an alternative source for stem cell therapies. However, the use of viruses for genetic modification increases the risk for developing cancerous conditions that could limit the clinical applications of this method. Now, a recent study published in the online issue of the journal Nature reports that the non-viral transfection and subsequent elimination of reprogramming factors is an efficient and safe strategy to transform somatic cells to iPS cells Continue Reading

Scientists from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), Canada, have developed a new compound comprising of collagen and a tetrasaccharide carbohydrate called sialyl Lewis^x (sLe^x), which induces angiogenesis in damaged tissues through the formation of a scaffold. The biomaterial attracts progenitor cells and supports blood vessel regeneration, thereby using the body’s own cells for repairing cardiac damage and restoring its function. Continue Reading

Pancreatic islet transplants have been found to be potentially advantageous than whole-gland transplant for the treatment of type I diabetes. However, its clinical use is limited due to post-transplantation challenges such as poor revascularization, host immune rejection, and nonspecific inflammatory response. Now, a recent study published in the December issue of the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics has reported that genetic modification of islet cells through gene silencing may aid in improving its effectiveness as well as extending its clinical use. Continue Reading

Combination treatment with bevacizumab (AVASTIN® | Genentech, Inc.) and erlotinib (Tarceva® | OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Genentech, Inc.) increases the progression-free survival and objective response rate by twofold in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, following failure of standard first-line chemotherapy. Results from the phase III clinical trial were presented at the 2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology, held during November 13-15, 2008 at Chicago. Continue Reading

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, have observed that immature fat cells reside in the adipose vasculature, and make use of excess calories to grow into adult cells, resulting in fat accumulation. The discovery of the exact location of these progenitor cells may facilitate the development of methods that can potentially prevent, or even treat, obesity and its related ailments. Further, this may also facilitate the utilization of these cells for reconstructive purposes, such as in breast restoration following lumpectomy. Continue Reading

Acyclovir (ACV), a guanine analog antiviral drug, primarily used to treat herpes virus infections, is also prescribed for HIV patients co-infected with human herpesvirus (HHV), in order to reduce the herpes load. This was an indirect approach in controlling the retroviral infection. Now, a recent research published online in the journal, Cell Host & Microbe, suggests that the drug on modification by the herpes virus can directly suppress HIV-1 replication. The study findings may thereby open up new therapeutic avenues to combat HIV. Continue Reading