Immune System Research: Restoring natural immunity against cancers ♦ Scientists map surface of immune cells ♦ Returning killer T cells back to barracks could improve vaccines

Dendritic cells of elite controllers able to recognize, mount defense against HIV Investigators have added another piece to the puzzle of how a small group of individuals known as elite controllers are able to control HIV infection without drug treatment. The research team reports finding that dendritic cells of elite controllers are better able to detect the presence of HIV, which enables them to stimulate the generation of T cells specifically targeting the virus.

Scientists map surface of immune cells The immune system must constantly adapt to its environment in order to protect a body effectively. The so-called T cells are an important example in this regard. One of their functions is to form the immune system's "memory". Researchers recently examined the surface of precursors of these T cells and identified previously unknown proteins there. According to the scientists, the results could lead to new approaches for therapies for asthma and allergies.

Returning killer T cells back to barracks could improve vaccines Just as militaries need to have trained, experienced soldiers ready for future wars, making sure that the immune system has enough battle-ready T cells on hand is important for fast-acting, more effective vaccines, according to researchers

Restoring natural immunity against cancers Scientists have successfully increased the infiltration of immune cells into tumors, thus inducing the immune system to block tumor growth. In a new article, the scientists show that, in combination with existing immunotherapies, this process efficiently destroys cancer cells.

Adenosine in Ambrosia pollen increases allergic response Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) -- an otherwise unremarkable plant -- produces pollen that can trigger strong allergic reactions such as asthma even in very small quantities. Scientists have now published a study showing that the substance previously identified as the major allergen only induces such a vigorous allergic response in combination with the adenosine also present in the pollen.