Macrophages

Illustration depicting MPsomes nanoparticles that compete with macrophages for adhesion to inflamed blood vessels in a tumor, thus altering the tumor microenvironment and inhibiting cancer progression.

Drug-free nanoparticles halted aggressive breast cancer tumors in preclinical trial

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New nanoparticles developed at the Technion do not release a drug, but rather affect the immune system around the tumor. In a preclinical trial, they inhibited aggressive triple-negative breast cancer.

Immune system memory cells may help in long-term fight against ovarian cancer

A study from the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals that memory cells of the immune system do not only work against viruses and bacteria. In women with ovarian cancer, memory B cells were found that are able to reach the tumor and produce antibodies.
Human lung cancer tissue under the microscope. The helper macrophages (in red) are surrounded by enzymes (in yellow) that activate the stimulating part of the antibodies they develop. This targeted action prevents damage to healthy tissue.

Neutralize the defense, go on the offensive: Smart antibodies to fight cancer

Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified immunosuppressive macrophages in tumors and developed smart molecules called MiTEs that target the TREM2 receptor and locally activate IL-2 – with the aim of overcoming resistance to immunotherapy without causing side effects.
DNA. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The genetic switch that brings immune cells back into battle

In Prof. Ido Amit's laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science, they identified a gene whose silencing reprograms immune system cells and can transform them from cancer supporters to cancer killers.
Fruit flavored electronic cigarettes are dangerous. can cause lung cancer and other diseases. The image was prepared using DALEE and is not a scientific image

A new study in PNAS reveals that fruit-flavored e-cigarettes harm the immune system of the lungs

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The Cancer Society: "The reason for using sweet flavors is an attempt to bring teenagers into the circle of users. Their sale must be banned immediately"
Lung macrophages infected with human cytomegalovirus. In bright green - the cells where there is an active infection

On dormant viruses and protective proteins

New discoveries about how the result of infection with a virus from the herpes family is determined and where dormant viruses may hide in the body
A segment of the lymph node. Illustration: depositphotos.com

New information about phagocytic cells of the immune system may lead to treatments for incurable autoimmune diseases

The origin of the mysterious macrophages, known in scientific language as Tingible Body Macrophages (TBM), originates from progenitor cells of the blood system that emerge from the bone marrow and settle in the lymph nodes, where they quickly and efficiently digest cell remnants
Salmonella bacteria (bright green) inside macrophages (yellow-brown) of a mouse. Dr. Roy Avraham, Weizmann Institute

Salmonella melons

This is how bacteria turn the cells of the immune system into an all-inclusive hotel: bacteria swallowed by macrophages sometimes manage not only to survive but even thrive inside them, as if they were incubators that help spread
The gene expression of immune cells in the colon (left): monocytes before reaching the colon, "criminal" cells that are not educated, immune cells after a series of education, old immune cells

Peer pressure

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