immune system Archives

Glycomimetic peptides as powerful anti-inflammatory treatments

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Glycan (sugar)-binding lectin-type receptors on immune cells have the potential to serve as therapeutic targets. However, many of these receptors are not targeted because of a lack of suitable binding agents. Professor J Kenneth Hoober and Dr Laura L Eggink, co-founders of Susavion Biosciences, Inc, and Wild Boar Biosciences, LLC, have created peptide mimetics of glycans that show greater flexibility […]

Combatting antimicrobial resistance using novel small fusion proteins

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Antibiotic resistance is a public health burden worldwide. Alternatives to antibiotics that can counter the detrimental effects of resistant ‘superbugs’ are urgently needed. Dr Xristo Zarate at the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon in Mexico and his collaborators have worked extensively on developing novel small carrier proteins, like SmbP and CusF3H+, for recombinant protein and peptide expression and purification in […]

A role for ultraviolet radiation in multiple sclerosis

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Dr George E Davis investigates the relationship between UV radiation, geographic latitude, and the role of vitamin D in the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis.

There are more cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition caused by impaired immune responses, in northern countries compared to southern countries. Dr George E Davis, who is affiliated with the Riverview Psychiatric Centre, Maine, USA, has explored the links between latitude, MS, and UV radiation. He puts forward the idea that UV radiation levels during month of conception offer […]

Identification of a novel key player in lupus disease opens the door to treatment

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Professor Shiozawa identified a key inducer of lupus disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, the precise cause of which is still unclear. Through dedicated work, Professor Shunichi Shiozawa from Kobe University, Japan, uncovers the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of systemic autoimmunity and identifies a novel key player. Shiozawa demonstrates that overstimulation of the host’s immune system by an immunogenic pathogen kickstarts the generation of […]

Botulinum neurotoxin type A resistance: An emerging problem

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Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A), often referred to as ‘Botox’, is commonly used to treat medical conditions and increasingly in cosmetic procedures. However, long-term use and high doses of BoNT-A may lead to immunoresistance, limiting its future therapeutic benefit. A panel of experts including Dr Mary Dingley, Cosmetic Medicine Centre, Australia, is addressing this emerging issue. Its published recommendations offer a […]

New molecules help battle antimicrobial resistance

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Professor Jonathan Wade and Dr Wenyi Li focus on alternatives to antibiotics including researching peptides and modifying them in a technique called polymerisation to fight the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance.

The overuse of antibiotics over the years has made them less effective in fighting infectious diseases and has led to the emergence of superbugs that are resistant to many different antibiotics. Professor John Wade and Dr Wenyi Li at the University of Melbourne, Australia, together with their collaborators, focus on the development of new antimicrobials to combat infections caused by […]

Conjugation chemistry creates affordable childhood vaccines

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Andrew Lees has developed a conjugation method for the development of conjugate vaccines using the chemical CDAP, and combining this with a minimal-profit business model, is providing vaccines at affordable rates to children in developing countries.

The immune system provides a formidable defence against pathogens. However, many bacteria possess a protective sugar polymer coat. In children, the immune system does not respond to these polymers unless they are chemically linked to a carrier. This is the basis of conjugate vaccines, a powerful but expensive means to fight diseases like pneumonia, the leading cause of death in […]

How does sleep affect immune-related disease risk?

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Dr Sergio Garbarino researches the links between sleep deprivation, inflammation and the immune system, and chronic diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases

Sergio Garbarino, adjunct professor in the Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, at the University of Genoa, Italy, is an internationally recognised sleep expert. In his recent work, he explores the interrelationships between sleep deprivation, immunity, inflammation, and chronic diseases. It is well established that sleep is essential for health. However, modern lifestyles are not conducive to […]

Chemical synthesis to tackle tuberculosis

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Dr Jeffrey Buter has been researching the chemical biology of the parasite that causes TB to understand how the particular cell wall of Mtb enables it to avoid the immune response of the host

Tuberculosis (TB) – the world’s most deadly bacterial infectious disease – kills around 1.5 million people every year, and its treatment remains challenging. Dr Jeffrey Buter at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, has been researching the chemical biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the parasite that causes TB. Buter believes that understanding the structure–activity relationship of the components, in particular […]

How does nutrition underpin developmental milestones in toddlers?

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a toddler runs down a road in a rocket costume

Toddlerhood, here referred to as the period between one and three years of age, includes major cognitive, motor, and social-emotional milestones. These milestones are underpinned by different biological as well as environmental factors, such as nutrition. Understanding the links between toddlerhood, developmental milestones and nutrition, means that we are better placed to help toddlers thrive. High nutritional needs during toddler […]