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http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl New Mast Cell Research, Studies, and Trials >> New Mast Cell Research, Studies, and Trials >> Nobel prize winners research - YEAH http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1317698824 Message started by daowebe on 10/03/11 at 16:27:04

Title: Nobel prize winners research - YEAH
Post by daowebe on 10/03/11 at 16:27:04

Ok, so yeah, I'm a bit of a geek but I am really excited about the research these guys were doing and felt compelled to explain why.
One of the prizes was for research of the dendritic cell. This cell presents molecular fragments of a microb or tumor cells to the immune system. Which causes a cascade of events that then produces antibodies specially targeted at the offending antagonist. Trials have been done where dendritic cells were removed, exposed to molecular fragments of the persons tumor, and then reinfused into the bloodstream. In three cases the individuals recovered from terminal leukemia. What does this all means for us? Dendritic cells are also known to play a major and possibly even a key role in allergy and autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. In addition, these cells are found in the skin, lining of the nose, lungs, stomach, and intestines. One type of dendritic cell is formed from stem cells in the bone marrow. Anybody else see a pattern?
Another function is innate immunity, which is the foundation for adaptive immunity. This results in the bodies ability to remember a previous invader and have an effective defenses ready. The dendritic cell is the bridge between the two types of immune response.
Another recognition was for work with Toll receptors. There are 10 families of Toll-like receptors that are involved in recognizing different categories of invaders and setting off an attack against them. When activated, inflammation is a result of their activity. Understanding these Toll receptors has led scientists to develop a drug, etanercept, that is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases.
Long way to go but this is great stuff.

Title: Re: Nobel prize winners research - YEAH
Post by Enko on 10/03/11 at 22:20:33

Thank you for sharing that! :)

Title: Re: Nobel prize winners research - YEAH
Post by jbean on 10/04/11 at 04:18:49

YEP, sure is cool stuff... that's why I studied immunology in school... you can actually do things to help people :)

I was SAD though to learn that one of the prize winners died just a few days before it was awarded. I hope he had an idea that he was in the running for it. A fitting lifetime acheivment for somebody who devoted their life's work to "the cause."

Immunologists Salute You!!