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Archive for the ‘Immune System’ Category

Immune response: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

The immune system protects the body from possibly harmful substances by recognizing and responding to antigens. Antigens are substances (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Nonliving substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles (such as a splinter) can also be antigens. The immune system recognizes and destroys substances that contain antigens.

Your body's cells have proteins that are antigens. These include a group of antigens called HLA antigens. Your immune system learns to see these antigens as normal and usually does not react against them.

INNATE IMMUNITY

Innate, or nonspecific, immunity is the defense system with which you were born. It protects you against all antigens. Innate immunity involves barriers that keep harmful materials from entering your body. These barriers form the first line of defense in the immune response. Examples of innate immunity include:

Innate immunity also comes in a protein chemical form, called innate humoral immunity. Examples include the body's complement system and substances called interferon and interleukin-1 (which causes fever).

If an antigen gets past these barriers, it is attacked and destroyed by other parts of the immune system.

ACQUIRED IMMUNITY

Acquired immunity is immunity that develops with exposure to various antigens. Your immune system builds a defense against that specific antigen.

PASSIVE IMMUNITY

Passive immunity is due to antibodies that are produced in a body other than your own. Infants have passive immunity because they are born with antibodies that are transferred through the placenta from their mother. These antibodies disappear between ages 6 and 12 months.

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How Your Immune System Works – HowStuffWorks

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

Inside your body there is an amazing protection mechanism called the immune system. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade your body. To understand the power of the immune system, all that you have to do is look at what happens to anything once it dies. That sounds gross, but it does show you something very important about your immune system.

When something dies, its immune system (along with everything else) shuts down. In a matter of hours, the body is invaded by all sorts of bacteria, microbes, parasites... None of these things are able to get in when your immune system is working, but the moment your immune system stops the door is wide open. Once you die it only takes a few weeks for these organisms to completely dismantle your body and carry it away, until all that's left is a skeleton. Obviously your immune system is doing something amazing to keep all of that dismantling from happening when you are alive.

The immune system is complex, intricate and interesting. And there are at least two good reasons for you to know more about it. First, it is just plain fascinating to understand where things like fevers, hives, inflammation, etc., come from when they happen inside your own body. You also hear a lot about the immune system in the news as new parts of it are understood and new drugs come on the market -- knowing about the immune system makes these news stories understandable. In this article, we will take a look at how your immune system works so that you can understand what it is doing for you each day, as well as what it is not.

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Immune system – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

The immune system is a system of many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease. To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents, known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism's own healthy tissue. In many species, the immune system can be classified into subsystems, such as the innate immune system versus the adaptive immune system, or humoral immunity versus cell-mediated immunity.

Pathogens can rapidly evolve and adapt, and thereby avoid detection and neutralization by the immune system; however, multiple defense mechanisms have also evolved to recognize and neutralize pathogens. Even simple unicellular organisms such as bacteria possess a rudimentary immune system, in the form of enzymes that protect against bacteriophage infections. Other basic immune mechanisms evolved in ancient eukaryotes and remain in their modern descendants, such as plants and insects. These mechanisms include phagocytosis, antimicrobial peptides called defensins, and the complement system. Jawed vertebrates, including humans, have even more sophisticated defense mechanisms,[1] including the ability to adapt over time to recognize specific pathogens more efficiently. Adaptive (or acquired) immunity creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen, leading to an enhanced response to subsequent encounters with that same pathogen. This process of acquired immunity is the basis of vaccination.

Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer.[2][3]Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is less active than normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections. In humans, immunodeficiency can either be the result of a genetic disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency, acquired conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or the use of immunosuppressive medication. In contrast, autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign organisms. Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunology covers the study of all aspects of the immune system.

Immunology is a science that examines the structure and function of the immune system. It originates from medicine and early studies on the causes of immunity to disease. The earliest known reference to immunity was during the plague of Athens in 430 BC. Thucydides noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of the disease could nurse the sick without contracting the illness a second time.[4] In the 18th century, Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis made experiments with scorpion venom and observed that certain dogs and mice were immune to this venom.[5] This and other observations of acquired immunity were later exploited by Louis Pasteur in his development of vaccination and his proposed germ theory of disease.[6] Pasteur's theory was in direct opposition to contemporary theories of disease, such as the miasma theory. It was not until Robert Koch's 1891 proofs, for which he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1905, that microorganisms were confirmed as the cause of infectious disease.[7] Viruses were confirmed as human pathogens in 1901, with the discovery of the yellow fever virus by Walter Reed.[8]

Immunology made a great advance towards the end of the 19th century, through rapid developments, in the study of humoral immunity and cellular immunity.[9] Particularly important was the work of Paul Ehrlich, who proposed the side-chain theory to explain the specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction; his contributions to the understanding of humoral immunity were recognized by the award of a Nobel Prize in 1908, which was jointly awarded to the founder of cellular immunology, Elie Metchnikoff.[10]

The immune system protects organisms from infection with layered defenses of increasing specificity. In simple terms, physical barriers prevent pathogens such as bacteria and viruses from entering the organism. If a pathogen breaches these barriers, the innate immune system provides an immediate, but non-specific response. Innate immune systems are found in all plants and animals.[11] If pathogens successfully evade the innate response, vertebrates possess a second layer of protection, the adaptive immune system, which is activated by the innate response. Here, the immune system adapts its response during an infection to improve its recognition of the pathogen. This improved response is then retained after the pathogen has been eliminated, in the form of an immunological memory, and allows the adaptive immune system to mount faster and stronger attacks each time this pathogen is encountered.[12]

Both innate and adaptive immunity depend on the ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self molecules. In immunology, self molecules are those components of an organism's body that can be distinguished from foreign substances by the immune system.[13] Conversely, non-self molecules are those recognized as foreign molecules. One class of non-self molecules are called antigens (short for antibody generators) and are defined as substances that bind to specific immune receptors and elicit an immune response.[14]

Microorganisms or toxins that successfully enter an organism encounter the cells and mechanisms of the innate immune system. The innate response is usually triggered when microbes are identified by pattern recognition receptors, which recognize components that are conserved among broad groups of microorganisms,[15] or when damaged, injured or stressed cells send out alarm signals, many of which (but not all) are recognized by the same receptors as those that recognize pathogens.[16] Innate immune defenses are non-specific, meaning these systems respond to pathogens in a generic way.[14] This system does not confer long-lasting immunity against a pathogen. The innate immune system is the dominant system of host defense in most organisms.[11]

Several barriers protect organisms from infection, including mechanical, chemical, and biological barriers. The waxy cuticle of many leaves, the exoskeleton of insects, the shells and membranes of externally deposited eggs, and skin are examples of mechanical barriers that are the first line of defense against infection.[14] However, as organisms cannot be completely sealed from their environments, other systems act to protect body openings such as the lungs, intestines, and the genitourinary tract. In the lungs, coughing and sneezing mechanically eject pathogens and other irritants from the respiratory tract. The flushing action of tears and urine also mechanically expels pathogens, while mucus secreted by the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract serves to trap and entangle microorganisms.[17]

Chemical barriers also protect against infection. The skin and respiratory tract secrete antimicrobial peptides such as the -defensins.[18]Enzymes such as lysozyme and phospholipase A2 in saliva, tears, and breast milk are also antibacterials.[19][20]Vaginal secretions serve as a chemical barrier following menarche, when they become slightly acidic, while semen contains defensins and zinc to kill pathogens.[21][22] In the stomach, gastric acid and proteases serve as powerful chemical defenses against ingested pathogens.

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How to boost your immune system – Harvard Health

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

On the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. But sometimes it fails: A germ invades successfully and makes you sick. Is it possible to intervene in this process and make your immune system stronger? What if you improve your diet? Take certain vitamins or herbal preparations? Make other lifestyle changes in the hope of producing a near-perfect immune response?

The idea of boosting your immunity is enticing, but the ability to do so has proved elusive for several reasons. The immune system is precisely that a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. There is still much that researchers don't know about the intricacies and interconnectedness of the immune response. For now, there are no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function.

But that doesn't mean the effects of lifestyle on the immune system aren't intriguing and shouldn't be studied. Quite a number of researchers are exploring the effects of diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, herbal supplements, and other factors on the immune response, both in animals and in humans. Although interesting results are emerging, thus far they can only be considered preliminary. That's because researchers are still trying to understand how the immune system works and how to interpret measurements of immune function. The following sections summarize some of the most active areas of research into these topics. In the meantime, general healthy-living strategies are a good way to start giving your immune system the upper hand.

Immunity in action. A healthy immune system can defeat invading pathogens as shown above, where two bacteria that cause gonorrhea are no match for the large phagocyte, called a neutrophil, that engulfs and kills them (see arrows).

Photos courtesy of Michael N. Starnbach, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School

Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

Don't smoke.

Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat.

Exercise regularly.

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Stress Weakens the Immune System

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

Edwards, K.M., Burns V.E., Reynolds, T., Carroll, D., Drayson, M., & Ring, C. (2006). Acute stress exposure prior to influenza vaccination enhances antibody response in women. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 20:159-68.

Glaser, R., Sheridan, J. F., Malarkey, W. B., MacCallum, R. C., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2000). Chronic stress modulates the immune response to a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62, 804-807.

Glaser, R., Robles, T. F., Malarkey, W. B., Sheridan, J. F., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2003). Mild depressive symptoms are associated with amplified and prolonged inflammatory responses following influenza vaccination in older adults. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60, 1009-1014.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Glaser, R. (1993). Mind and immunity. In: D. Goleman & J. Gurin, (Eds.) Mind/Body Medicine (pp. 39-59). New York: Consumer Reports.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2002). Depression and immune function: Central pathways to morbidity and mortality. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 53, 873-876.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L., Robles, T., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychological influences on immune function and health. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 537-547.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L., Robles, T., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology and psychosomatic medicine: Back to the future. Psychosomatic Medicine, 64, 15-28.

Pressman, S. D., Cohen, S., Miller, G.E., Barkin, A., Rabin, B. S., Treanor, J. J. (2005). Loneliness, Social Network Size and Immune Response to Influenza Vaccination in College Freshmen, Health Psychology, 24, pages.

Robinson-Whelen, S., Tada, Y., MacCallum, R. C., McGuire, L., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2001). Long-term caregiving: What happens when it ends? Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 110, 573-584.

Segerstrom, S. C. and Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 130, No. 4.

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Your Immune System: Natural Born Killer – Crash Course …

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

Hank tells us about the team of deadly ninja assassins that is tasked with protecting our bodies from all the bad guys that want to kill us - also known as our immune system.

Crash Course Biology is now available on DVD! http://dft.ba/-8bCC

Like CrashCourse - http://www.facebook.com/YouTubeCrashC... Follow CrashCourse - http://www.twitter.com/TheCrashCourse

Table of Contents 1) Innate Immune System 1:45 a) Mucous Membranes 2:54 b) Inflammatory Response 3:44 c) Leukocytes 4:45

2) Open Letter 6:33 a) Natural Killer Cells 6:56 b) Dendritic Cells 7:57

3) Acquired Immune System 8:36 a) Antibodies 9:08 b) Lymphocytes 9:48 c) Cell-Mediated Response 10:17 d) Humoral Response 13:00

References Campbell Biology, 9th ed. http://faculty.stcc.edu/AandP/AP/AP2p... http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites...

This video uses the following sounds from Freesound.org: "Pigs-01.flac" by Erdie "straw slurp.wav" by dparke4 "Disgusting Slop.wav" by Ighuaran "Sonar Ping.wav" by digifishmusic "Swishes.wav" by Pogotron "swing.mp3" by morgantj

crash course, crashcourse, biology, immune system, anatomy, physiology, human, health, microscopic, pus, pathogen, bacteria, body, organism, virus, immunity, innate, acquired, animal, vertebrate, germ, skin, mucous membrane, digestive tract, mucus, inflammatory response, mast cells, histamine, allergic, allergy, infection, phagocyte, macrophage, natural killer cell, lymphocytes, white blood cells, antigen, t cell, humoral response Support CrashCourse on Subbable: http://subbable.com/crashcourse

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MS Stem Cell Medication Therapy Shows Promise – Video

Friday, January 2nd, 2015


MS Stem Cell Medication Therapy Shows Promise
http://www.dailyrx.com/autologous-stem-cell-transplant-after-immunosuppressive-therapy-induced-3-year-remission-relapsing Many patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with immune system ...

By: dailyRx

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A chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) patient’s video diary: Immune system – Video

Saturday, November 22nd, 2014


A chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) patient #39;s video diary: Immune system
Part 13 of Harley #39;s video diary, recorded 93 days after his stem cell transplant. In this video, Harley talks about his immune system and how stem cell transplant patients #39; immune systems are...

By: MD Anderson Cancer Center

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WHD Murings Apak Apak Magnetic Healing Mat ( The Immune System & Stem Cell Activator ) – Video

Saturday, October 11th, 2014


WHD Murings Apak Apak Magnetic Healing Mat ( The Immune System Stem Cell Activator )
BELIEVE IT OR NOT! 1. Stress 2. Depression 3. Fear 4. Insomnia 5. Muscle and joint pains Will be gone after a few minutes of stepping on WHD Muring #39;s Apak-Ap...

By: BUSINESS WITHOUT CAPITAL

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3 – day fast might reboot your immune system – Video

Monday, June 23rd, 2014


3 - day fast might reboot your immune system
An article published in the journal Cell Stem Cell by scientists at the University of Southern California who say fasting for just 3 days can regenerate your...

By: Mag Ruxa

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Stem Cells and the Immune System – Anastasia Filomeno – Video

Friday, October 11th, 2013


Stem Cells and the Immune System - Anastasia Filomeno

By: Juliana Agostino

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Repairing a Damaged Immune System – Video

Friday, June 28th, 2013


Repairing a Damaged Immune System
Researchers test world #39;s first stem-cell therapy for septic shock. http://www.worldclasscare.ca | http://www.tomorrowscaretoday.ca.

By: TheOttawaHospital

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Embryonic Stem Cells Generate Immune System – Video

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013


Embryonic Stem Cells Generate Immune System
Researchers at UC San Francisco have developed thymus tissue from human embryonic cells and used it to generate an immune system in mice. The achievement has...

By: UCSFPublicAffairs

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Microgravity Affects The Immune System – The Daily Orbit – Video

Monday, April 29th, 2013


Microgravity Affects The Immune System - The Daily Orbit
Does spaceflight up the risk of disease and disorders? What do you get when you mix dumb mice with human stem cells? Ants are moving on up. And why you shoul...

By: redorbit

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Immunotherapy Boosting the immune system to fight cancer – Video

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012


Immunotherapy Boosting the immune system to fight cancer
Hope Medical Group Is a group of three hospitals in South China providing adult stem cell and Cancer biotherapy treatments for patients locally and from around the world. We are the few hospitals sanctioned by the Chinese Ministry of Health to provide these treatments. http://www.hopestemcell.com http://www.hopestemcell.comFrom:Randy RobinsonViews:0 0ratingsTime:07:32More inNews Politics

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SU2C-CRI Cancer Immunology Translational Research Dream Team – Video

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012


SU2C-CRI Cancer Immunology Translational Research Dream Team
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announce the formation of a Dream Team project dedicated to cancer immunology mdash; "Immunologic Checkpoint Blockade and Adoptive Cell Transfer in Cancer Therapy." Cancer immunology is a field of research that explores the complex relationship between cancer and the immune system, with the goal of discovering immune-based solutions to curing cancer. The SU2C-CRI Cancer Immunology Translational Research Dream Team will receive $10 million in funding over three years for this translational cancer research project that will unite laboratory and clinical efforts leading to the immunological treatment, control and prevention of cancer. The team will be led by James P. Allison, Ph.D., and Antoni Ribas, MD, Ph.D. Allison is chairman of the department of immunology, director of the immunotherapy platform and co-director of the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Ribas is professor of medicine, surgery and molecular and medical pharmacology, director of the tumor immunology program area at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "The goal of our Dream Team is to expand, optimize and explore combinations of two novel immunotherapies, immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell transfer ...From:CancerResearchInstViews:14 0ratingsTime:03:37More inNonprofits Activism

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Caiden’s Story – A 4-year-old’s epic battle – Video

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012


Caiden #39;s Story - A 4-year-old #39;s epic battle
Last August, Caiden Steinhoff was diagnosed with medulla blastoma, the most common brain tumor in children. Following brain surgery, the Thunder Bay boy has undergone four chemotherapies, each of which wipes out his immune system. After treatment, Caiden receives a stem cell transplant and remains in isolation to help his immune system recover. These photos were taken after his third round of chemotherapy last month. ------------------------------ Update: Sadly, Caiden passed away on May 14, 2011, 5 days before his eighth birthday. His obituary: ------------------------------ It is with our deepest sorrow that we have to announce the passing of our sweet boy, Caiden Jakob Steinhoff who surrounded by loved ones, went into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 14, 2011 after a courageous four year battle against Medulloblastoma. He fought with determination and perseverance, all the while, never complaining. His courage inspired many. Caiden was born in Thunder Bay on May 19, 2003. He was a very special boy who had an infectious smile and spirit, always trying to make others laugh. He loved life and loved to be busy doing crafts, dancing, drawing, cooking, singing, playing and entertaining even while battling his disease. Family was important to Caiden. He was always wanting to spend time with them and especially enjoyed his visits out to Grandma #39;s house. Caiden loved Jesus and going to Church. He had a rare gift of being able to make people feel special and was a ...From:startechochannelViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:50More inPeople Blogs

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Immunice Recommendations – Video

Friday, November 9th, 2012


Immunice Recommendations
Recommendations You can boost your Immunity by: 1) Reversing Damage - Years of stressful living caused damage to your Immune System. To help reverse this, Immunice releases hundreds of phytonutrients that act at the molecular level to enhance T cell activation, improve proliferation of Lymphocytes, bone marrow cells, and Thymocytes, increase antibody, Leucocyte, Cytokine, and red blood cell production, raise mast cell levels, and stimulate Phogocytosis and plasma fibrinolytic activity in your body. 2) Exercising Regularly - Regular exercise elevates the level of leukocytes, an Immune System cell that fights infection. Exercise also increases release of endorphins, natural hormones that heighten your sense of well being and improve sleep quality, both of which have positive effects on your Immune System. Exertion stimulates the cardiovascular system, improves blood flow, circulates antibodies, flushes toxins from muscles and organs, removes germs, and helps keep the kidneys and endocrine system fully functional. Moderate exercise must be repeated on a near-daily basis so that there is a cumulative effect that leads to a long-term immune response. Getting your heart rate up for just 20 minutes three times a week is associated with increased immune function, and a 30-minute brisk walk five days a week can help reduce your risk of catching a cold. Walking strengthens your cardiovascular system and blood flow. Walk ten minutes, three times a day if you are unable to walk 30 ...From:ihholisticsViews:0 0ratingsTime:11:52More inEducation

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Technique shields immune system from chemo effects

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

A research team at the Yale School of Medicine has found a way to save platelets and white blood cells from the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Led by School of Medicine genetics professor Jun Lu, the team conducted its research at the Yale Stem Cell Center over the past three years. By manipulating a microRNA molecule called miR-150, researchers were able to increase proliferation of white blood cells and platelets in mice, thus strengthening their immune systems, Lu said.

The human blood system is characterized by a rapid turnover of blood cells and platelets, Lu said. During chemotherapy, these cells have a shorter life span because they are being attacked by the drugs. The human body has not evolved to respond efficiently to chemotherapy, and as a result does not produce enough blood cells and platelets, leading to a compromised immune system.

Typically, miR-150 acts like a brake in a car, preventing white blood cells from overproliferation, said study contributor Prem Reddy of The Scripps Research Institute. The microRNA controls cell production by regulating the activity of the Myb gene, which influences the proliferation of white blood cells and platelets. When uncontrolled, the Myb gene can cause cancer by excessive production of these cells, Reddy said. High miR-150 levels lead to the production of fewer cells, he added.

While normal regulation will not harm people with healthy immune systems, these effects can be damaging to chemotherapy patients.

In a normal adult, approximately 10 billion white blood cells must be generated every day to compensate for daily loss, Lu said. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, which kills both cancerous and noncancerous cells, the necessary rate of generation is even higher. If miR-150 is suppressed and Myb levels are allowed to increase, enough cells can be generated to prevent the immune system from being compromised, Reddy said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology biology professor Phil Sharp, a 1993 recipient of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, said he considers this research interesting and novel. Although there are growth factor therapies that regenerate a patients immune system, this isolation and targeting of microRNA has not been done in previous studies, he said.

Before the studys findings are applied in a patient setting, however, Lus team will have to replicate these results in humans. They will then have to find or create drugs that will help suppress miR-150 and determine ways to deliver these drugs to cells of interest in the body, Lu said. After these steps, they will be able to conduct clinical trials.

If the drug the team finds is already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Lu said, the clinical trial phase may be shorter, as its side effects will already be known.

Sharp said that while it may take years before this technique is used in humans, Lus findings show promise.

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Vaccine to treat cervical cancer shows early promise

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

* Vaccine was safe, showed signs of being effective

* Vaccine aims to train immune system to fight cancer

By Julie Steenhuysen

CHICAGO, Oct (KOSDAQ: 039200.KQ - news) 10 (Reuters) - A new type of cervical cancer vaccine made by Inovio Pharmaceuticals (AMEX: INO - news) has shown early promise as a potential treatment for pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, researchers at the company said on Wednesday.

Instead of preventing infections caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus or HPV, as is the aim of Merck (BSE: MERCK.BO - news) 's Gardasil and GlaxoSmithKline (Other OTC: GLAXF.PK - news) 's Cervarix vaccine, the Inovio vaccine is designed to train the immune system to kill cells that spur cancer growth in women who are already infected.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally, causing 493,000 new cases and 274,000 deaths each year. About 10 to 25 percent of women who develop moderate to severe pre-cancerous lesions in their cervix, known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, are able to clear them on their own.

"It was not clear why that happens," said Joseph Kim, chief executive of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, which funded the study.

But many of these women tend to have higher levels of immune system cells known as T cells against two HPV-specific, cancer-causing genes known as E6 and E7 oncogenes.

The company set out to develop a vaccine to train a patient's immune system to make large quantities of these cells which could specifically target and kill these oncogenes.

"That is what this study has shown," Kim said of research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

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