#checkpoint therapy

Killer immune cells destroy cancer cells and cells infected by virus. These CD8+ T cells are activated after detection of viral infection or growth of “non-self” tumor cells. However, in chronic viral infection and cancer, the killer cells often lapse into “exhausted” CD8+ T cells that no longer can stem disease. This exhaustion is a major barrier in the new immunotherapies for cancer, including…

Background Dieta e nutrizione svolgono un ruolo fondamentale nella salute umana, con quantità, composizione e qualità della dieta, nonché orari dei pasti, fattori determinanti per la disponibilità di nutrienti che, a loro volta, regolano i processi fisiologici. Ricerche recenti si sono anche concentrate sulla comprensione di come la dieta influenzi le traiettorie delle malattie. Tuttavia, c’è…

Tumors actively prevent the formation of immune responses by so-called cytotoxic T cells, which are essential in combating cancer. In cancer, tumors often impair the body’s immune response. For example, they can prevent immune cells from perceiving cancer cells as a threat or render them inactive. Immunotherapies aim to overcome these mechanisms and stimulate the immune system, in particular the…

The role of serotonin in cancers: from carcinogenesis, to cellular growth and the influence of immunity

Introduction Serotonin is a neurotransmitter well known for its positive effects on mood. In depressed people, the concentration of serotonin in the brain can decrease. The hormone also affects many other functions throughout the body. Most serotonin is not found in the brain, but is stored in platelets. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat depression, increase serotonin levels in…

T cells may be best known for their roles in fighting infections and killing cancer cells. But the immune system also has several mechanisms in place to counterbalance those responses to prevent out-of-control inflammation that could damage healthy tissue. Tregs are one aspect of this balancing act. Tregs may be viewed as the health and safety inspectors of the immune system. They’re really…