Newfound immune cells are responsible got long-lasting allergies

The article describes a new study that has revealed type 2 memory B cells (MBC2s), a specific type of immune cells, to be the cause of persistent allergies. These cells are ready to make antibodies, especially IgE antibodies, which are crucial in allergic responses, and they also maintain the memory of proteins that cause allergic reactions. The identification of these cells provides fresh insights on allergies and may even lead to their treatment. MBC2s and their role in allergens were independently discovered by two different study teams. Joshua Koenig, an immunologist, and his associates studied allergy sufferers' immune cells and identified MBC2s, which generate allergen-specific IgE antibodies. In the same way, Maria Curotto de Lafaille's group discovered a link between children's peanut allergies and the quantity of type 2 memory B cells.

This study is interesting because it emphasizes important developments in allergy research, especially in figuring out which immune cells are specifically in charge of sustaining persistent allergies. It's an important breakthrough for immunology and gives millions of allergy sufferers around the world hope.

Sources:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/immune-cells-remember-allergies 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38324637/ 

Powerhouses Researchers can get a deeper look at how cells get energy to fight sickness thanks to LJI's Immunometabolism Core.

Riffelmacher studies the function of immune cells using cutting-edge techniques in the lab of LJI Professor Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D. He also examines how we may increase cellular metabolism to better combat disease

The Immunometabolism Core at LJI enables researchers from throughout the Institute to understand how various immune cells obtain their energy. Are some cells more dependent on glucose or oxygen to fight influenza? Does this also apply to cells battling SARS-CoV-2?

Riffelmacher can infect immune cells with pathogens in the specialized Biosafety Level 2 lab called Seahorse. He can then arrange the cells into their individual chambers to assess their condition.Additionally, the Seahorse contains injection ports that allow Riffelmacher to fill the tiny chambers with chemicals. In order to increase energy production in the cells, he can add a substance that causes the mitochondria to "go crazy." In order to determine food and metabolite consumption at the single-cell level, The Core may also conduct "metabolic flow" experiments.

resources:

Madeline McCurry-Schmidt

Science Writer

June 15, 2023

Hiding Bacteria

Researchers found that the bacteria Group A Streptococcus has the ability to attach itself to red blood cells to hide from immune cells. Using nanotechnology, the team was able to track the bacteria and and its secreted protein s (named such because it is only made by the Streptococcus genus). Further analysis showed that S made the bacteria more deadly and harder to kill in the mice it affected. They are going to study it further to see if the information can help them combat other types of Streptococcus and more importantly lead to a vaccine.
This is an amazing discovery! This bacteria has a hand in many diseases and if someone can figure out how it is so effective many people can be saved a year. I would love to read more about what they find because of this protein.

Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191203114506.htm
Related Article: https://nccid.ca/debrief/group-a-streptococcus/