New method of inciting immunological responses is revealed

Jul 17, 2022

New Delhi, July 17 (ANI): Small proteins, called chemokines, that direct immune cells toward sites of infection can also form DNA-bound nanoparticles that can induce chronic, dysfunctional immune responses, according to a new study. The surprising discovery of this new activity for this well-studied class of immune signalling molecules could shed light on some types of immune disorders. The study, published May 31 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, reveals an entirely new mode of triggering the immune system, through which chemokine-DNA nanoparticles can induce inflammation. Results in preclinical models suggest that this mechanism may play a central role in autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and lupus.