In multiple sclerosis (MS), macrophages and microglia play a dual role that could be used to treat this neurodegenerative disease. These cells promote inflammation that demyelinates neurons but also sweep away the debris of damaged myelin and produce neurotrophic factors that would allow its restoration. According to a group of scientists from the University of Hasselt in Belgium, damage or repair depends on a double switch that combines the action of two enzymes, one that desaturates and another that elongates fatty acids. By reducing the levels of these enzymes, phagocytic cells would replenish the myelin instead of engulfing it.

The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family is involved in innate immunity regulation and plays a crucial role in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders by sustaining inflammation during the onset and progression of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers from the University of Naples have reported on a new biological entity, Ab-IPL-IL-17, that displays potent anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical testing.

It was believed that they did not exist, but they are a reality. Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute in London have discovered stem cells in the thymus for the first time. The last organ to have its role described in humans still has properties that researchers could explore to prevent the decline of the immune system throughout life.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have announced a renewed collaboration to accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, immune-mediated diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and others.

Boston Immune Technologies and Therapeutics Inc. (BITT) has been awarded funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the preclinical development of BITT-101, its CD40 antagonist antibody for treating Sjögren’s syndrome. The award will help support steps toward an IND filing next year.

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) plays a critical role in innate immunity by acting both as a scaffolding protein and a protein kinase, and its overactivation correlates with several autoimmune disorders.

Twist Bioscience Corp. has established a drug discovery agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. to discover and develop novel antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.