Dr. Axel Kallies, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Credit: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Researchers have uncovered the genes responsible for the way the body fights infection at the point of ‘invasion’. Hobit and Blimp1 have been found and these transcription factors control a universal molecular program responsible for placing immune cells at the ‘front lines’ of the body to fight infection and cancer. The presence of these organ-residing cells, which differ strikingly from their counterparts circulating in the blood stream, is key to local protection against viruses and bacteria.
Identifying how immune cells remain in the part of the body where they are needed most was critical to developing better ways to protect us from infections such as malaria or HIV. “This research will help us understand how immune cells adapt, survive and respond within the organs they protect. This is critical to rid the body of pathogens even before they are established and may also have implications for understanding how the spread of cancer could be prevented.” The factors that control the tissue-residency’ and retention of lymphocytes – their ability to locally reside in different organs of the body – was previously unknown.
They also suppress genes that promote tissue exit.
“These results have major implications for developing strategies to induce immune cells in tissues that protect against infectious diseases,” Dr Mackay said. “It’s a crucial discovery for future vaccine strategies – Hobit and Blimp1 would be key to placing immune cells in the tissues, which we know are really important for protection.” http://infowebbie.com/scienceupdate/genes-control-smooth-muscle-contraction-identified/ http://science.sciencemag.org/content/352/6284/459
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