A mechanism in an animal model revealing how HIV cripples immune cells has been discovered by experts at the Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany.
A mechanism in an animal model revealing how HIV cripples immune cells has been discovered by experts at the Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany.
Dr. Oliver Fackler, in the Virology Department of the Hygiene Institute of the Heidelberg University Hospital, examined the movement of cells in living zebra fish embryos, and showed that cell mobility is inhibited by the HIV Nef protein.
When Immune Cells Do Not Die
According to scientists, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency most commonly caused by deficiency in the protein SAP.
According to scientists, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency most commonly caused by deficiency in the protein SAP.
Consequently, said Dr. Fackler, the affected immune cells could no longer perform their function.
"We speculate that the negative effect of Nef on the mobility of T-helper cells has far reaching consequences for the efficient formation of antibodies by B-lymphocytes in the patient. The mechanism we have described could be involved in the increasingly observed malfunction of B-lymphocytes in AIDS patients," said Professor Fackler.
How Immune Cells Promote Tumor Growth In The Brain?
Gliomas are among the most common and most malignant brain tumors. These tumors infiltrate normal brain tissue and grow very rapidly. So, surgery can never completely remove the tumor.
Gliomas are among the most common and most malignant brain tumors. These tumors infiltrate normal brain tissue and grow very rapidly. So, surgery can never completely remove the tumor.
However, given that one of the first molecular mechanisms has now been decoded and the importance of Nef for the disease has become clearer, the researchers believe that this may change in the future.
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Immune Cell Function Suppressed by Leading Pathogen in Newborns
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is able to shut down immune cell function in order to promote its own survival, say researchers
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is able to shut down immune cell function in order to promote its own survival, say researchers
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