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Archive for the ‘Human Immune System in Health and in Disease’ Category

The Payload Revolution: Redefining the Future of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

Posted in Advanced Drug Manufacturing Technology, Antibody Responses Predict Antigen Exposure, “Antibody–enzyme conjugates”, Cancer Vaccines: Targeting Cancer Genes for Immunotherapy, Cell Biology, Signaling & Cell Circuits, Disease Biology, Small Molecules in Development of Therapeutic Drugs, Drug Carrier Design, Drug Delivery Platform Technology, Drug Development/Formulation using 3D Printing, Human Antibody Response, Human Circulating Antibody Repertoire, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Immuno-Oncology & Genomics, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Microbiome and Responses to Cancer Therapy, Modulating Macrophages in Cancer Immunotherapy, Monoclonal antibody therapy, Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery, Personal Health Applications: Tech Innovations serves HealhCare, Personalized and Precision Medicine & Genomic Research, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Small Molecules in Development of Therapeutic Drugs, Synergistic Innate and Adaptive Immunotherapy, Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on June 13, 2025| 1 Comment »

The Payload Revolution: Redefining the Future of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

 

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are at the forefront of targeted cancer therapy. While much attention has focused on antibody engineering and linker technology, the real breakthrough may lie in the payload—the cytotoxic compound delivered to tumor cells.

Historically, ADC payloads have relied on microtubule inhibitors like MMAE and MMAF, and topoisomerase I inhibitors such as SN-38 and Exatecan. These payloads are potent but limited in diversity, making differentiation difficult in a crowded therapeutic landscape.

The next wave of innovation introduces unconventional payloads with novel mechanisms:

  • ISACs (Immune-Stimulating ADCs) activate the immune system locally.
  • Protein degraders eliminate cancer-critical proteins without inhibiting them directly.
  • Urease-based and membrane-disrupting agents affect the tumor microenvironment.
  • RNA polymerase inhibitors and peptide-based payloads offer precision with reduced systemic toxicity.

This shift also places new demands on linker design. Linkers must now accommodate payloads with diverse chemical properties and release them selectively at the tumor site. A payload–linker mismatch could compromise both safety and efficacy.

Ultimately, the focus is shifting toward payloads not just as cytotoxins, but as precision-guided interventions. This evolution could redefine how ADCs are developed and positioned in treatment regimens, enabling breakthroughs in resistant and heterogeneous cancers. The ADC revolution is payload-powered—and the future belongs to those who can innovate at the molecular level.

References:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/asmitasinghsharma_%F0%9D%97%A7%F0%9D%97%B5%F0%9D%97%B2-%F0%9D%97%99%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%98%81%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%B2-activity-7336738434645901312-wfz1

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41573-022-00590-3

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10301933

https://www.cell.com/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)01299-7

https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.22.02474

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8257482

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Protein Switches: The Programmable Future of Bio-therapeutics

Posted in Autoimmune Inflammatory DIseases, Autologous Cell Therapy, Cancer and Current Therapeutics, CANCER BIOLOGY & Innovations in Cancer Therapy, Cell Biology, Signaling & Cell Circuits, Cell Processing System in Cell Therapy Process Development, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Microbiome and Responses to Cancer Therapy, Personal Health Applications: Tech Innovations serves HealhCare, Pharmacotherapy and Cell Activity, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Proteins, Proteomics, Rapid automation of plasma protein pools, Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 13, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Protein Switches: The Programmable Future of Bio-therapeutics

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

 

A PNAS paper entitled “A protein therapeutic modality founded on molecular regulation” presents a pioneering approach to creating protein switches—engineered enzymes that activate only in specific molecular environments. This design introduces a new class of context-dependent therapeutics for precision medicine.

Using domain-insertion techniques, researchers inserted ligand-binding domains into scaffold proteins like β-lactamase. These proteins remain inactive until encountering a specific small molecule, which triggers a conformational change and restores enzymatic activity. This offers precise spatiotemporal control—ideal for minimizing off-target effects.

One key innovation is the systematic insertional mutagenesis that identifies functional switch sites across the protein scaffold. This enables the construction of vast protein libraries, increasing the likelihood of finding optimal switch configurations. Furthermore, the approach is modular—different binding domains and enzymes can be combined to create switches tailored to specific clinical contexts.

These smart proteins can be programmed to respond to cancer biomarkers, metabolite levels, or disease-specific molecular cues. By activating only under disease conditions, they provide a blueprint for next-generation bio-therapeutics—potent, selective, and safer.

The method also opens avenues for drug delivery systems, diagnostics, and biosensors, where conditional activation is critical. Overall, this work represents a conceptual leap in synthetic biology and bioengineering, with implications spanning oncology, infectious disease, and regenerative medicine.

References:

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1102803108

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21646539

https://www.nature.com/articles/nchembio.581

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00392

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-0585-5

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2022.870310/full

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Tailored Hope: Personalized Gene Therapy Makes History

Posted in CRISPR applied to Human Germ Line, CRISPR/Cas9 & Gene Editing, Epigenetics and Environmental Factors, Gene Editing Impact on Longevity, Gene Regulation, Gene Regulation and Evolution, Gene Therapy & Gene Editing Development, Genetics & Innovations in Treatment, Genome Biology, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Medical and Population Genetics, Population genetics, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Tailored Hope: Personalized Gene Therapy Makes History

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

 

A groundbreaking milestone in precision medicine has been achieved by researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA where a personalized gene therapy was successfully administered to an infant diagnosed with a rare and fatal genetic disorder. This therapy was developed and delivered under the NIH’s Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium (BGTC), which focuses on accelerating gene therapy solutions for ultra-rare conditions.

The child, who had been diagnosed with a previously untreatable condition caused by mutations in the TBCK gene, was treated with a customized adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector designed specifically to address the individual’s unique mutation. This approach was enabled by rapid sequencing, vector engineering, preclinical safety testing, and regulatory approvals—all expedited within a year of diagnosis.

The therapeutic gene was administered through a single intravenous infusion. Post-treatment observations indicated stabilization in disease progression and improvement in neurological function, though ongoing monitoring is being conducted to assess long-term outcomes.

This personalized treatment was made possible by the integration of genomic diagnostics, advanced vector design, and regulatory science, marking a transformative moment in paediatric precision medicine. Ethical considerations and close family collaboration were emphasized throughout the process.

The case has highlighted the promise of tailored gene therapies for diseases too rare to be addressed by conventional clinical trials. By establishing a streamlined pathway, the NIH aims to extend this model to more patients globally.

References:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/cktD28EbTUSuC2vt-5KdxQ/project-details/10888228

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/infant-rare-disease-receives-customized-gene-therapy

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515131435.htm

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Advances in Liver Transplantation: New Frontiers in Organ Regeneration and Immunomodulation

Posted in Artificial Intelligence - General, Artificial Intelligence Applications in Health Care, Artificial Intelligence in Health Care - Tools & Innovations, combination immunotherapies., Diagnostic Immunology, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Immuno-Oncology & Genomics, Immunodiagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Liver & Digestive Diseases Research, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Advances in Liver Transplantation: New Frontiers in Organ Regeneration and Immunomodulation

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

 

Recent research in the field of liver transplantation has been marked by significant advancements in organ preservation, immune tolerance, and regenerative medicine. Efforts have been made to address the critical shortage of donor organs and reduce long-term complications associated with immunosuppressive therapy.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) techniques have been employed to preserve and assess donor livers outside the body. This method has allowed marginal or extended criteria livers to be reconditioned, increasing the usable donor pool. The viability of these organs has been improved through real-time functional monitoring during perfusion.

Immunological tolerance has been targeted through cell-based therapies and gene editing strategies. Regulatory T-cell therapies and tolerogenic dendritic cells have been investigated to reduce the reliance on lifelong immunosuppression. CRISPR-based gene editing is also being explored to modify donor tissues before transplantation to evade host immune responses.

In parallel, liver organoids and bioengineered tissue scaffolds have been studied for their potential in partial transplantation or functional support in acute liver failure. Although clinical application remains at an early stage, these developments have suggested future directions for transplant alternatives or bridge-to-transplant therapies.

Artificial intelligence has been integrated into transplant decision-making, predicting post-transplant outcomes and optimizing donor-recipient matching. These models are being trained on large datasets to improve prognostic accuracy.

Ethical concerns surrounding organ allocation equity and experimental treatments continue to be actively discussed. However, these advancements have collectively pushed the boundaries of transplant medicine toward safer, more personalized, and more sustainable outcomes.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29670285

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32976865

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32546694

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31954498

https://jyoungpharm.org/6365/

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Weighty Decisions: Drugs or Surgery for Diabetes?

Posted in Artificial Pancreas for Type 2 Diabetes, Artificial Pancreas for Type1 Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational diabetes, Healthcare Reform, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Personal Health Applications: Tech Innovations serves HealhCare, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Weighty Decisions: Drugs or Surgery for Diabetes?

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

 

A multicenter retrospective cohort study published in The Lancet has evaluated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutide and tirzepatide, versus bariatric surgery in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study was conducted using data from real-world clinical settings involving adults with type 2 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

Patients treated with GLP-1 RAs were found to have significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss; however, bariatric surgery led to more pronounced and sustained reductions in HbA1c and body weight over a 2-year follow-up. Cardio-metabolic benefits, including blood pressure and lipid profile improvements, were also more prominent in the surgery group.

Despite this, GLP-1 RAs were associated with a lower incidence of early complications and shorter recovery times. Adverse gastrointestinal events were commonly reported in both groups, though surgical complications were more severe but less frequent.

This study suggested that while bariatric surgery remains the most effective intervention for sustained weight and glycemic outcomes, GLP-1 RAs offer a safer, non-invasive alternative with substantial benefit, particularly for patients ineligible or unwilling to undergo surgery. The potential for GLP-1 RA therapy to delay or reduce the need for surgical intervention was also discussed.

These findings have emphasized the importance of personalized treatment strategies based on patient comorbidities, preferences, and risk profiles.

References:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(25)00145-2/fulltext

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27222544

https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-releases-standards-care-diabetes-2024

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17715408

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32870301

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Tirzepatide Outperforms Semaglutide in Diabetes Control

Posted in Artificial Intelligence Applications in Health Care, Artificial Intelligence in Health Care - Tools & Innovations, Artificial Pancreas for Type 2 Diabetes, Artificial Pancreas for Type1 Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational diabetes, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Machine learning in predicting type 2 diabetes, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Tirzepatide Outperforms Semaglutide in Diabetes Control

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

In a recent clinical study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the effectiveness of tirzepatide was compared with that of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes. The trial was conducted to evaluate which of the two medications offers better glycemic control and weight loss benefits when combined with standard care.

It was found that participants treated with tirzepatide achieved significantly greater reductions in both HbA1c levels and body weight than those who received semaglutide. A once-weekly administration of tirzepatide was shown to be more effective across multiple dosages. These findings were consistent even in patients with longstanding diabetes and those previously treated with insulin or oral agents.

Gastrointestinal side effects were commonly observed in both groups, including nausea and diarrhoea, but were generally mild to moderate in severity. No new safety concerns were identified during the study period.

The enhanced dual agonist mechanism of tirzepatide, which targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, is believed to have contributed to its superior efficacy. While semaglutide acts only on the GLP-1 pathway, tirzepatide’s dual action is thought to improve insulin sensitivity, promote satiety, and reduce appetite more robustly.

This trial represents a significant advancement in diabetes care and suggests that tirzepatide may become a preferred treatment option in clinical practice. It has been proposed that future studies investigate its long-term cardiovascular effects, impact on diabetic complications, and cost-effectiveness in diverse populations.

References:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S154235652400226X

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29364588

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29364588

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565257

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Sleeping Threats: Immune System’s Watch on Dormant Cancer

Posted in Adaptive Immune Response to Biomaterials and Tissue Repair, Anticancer Resistance, Artificial Intelligence - General, Artificial Intelligence in CANCER, Breast Cancer - impalpable breast lesions, Cancer - General, Cancer and Current Therapeutics, CANCER BIOLOGY & Innovations in Cancer Therapy, Cancer Genomics, cancer metabolism, Cancer Prevention: Research & Programs, Cancer Screening, cancer-general, Cancer-Immune Interactions, Funding Opportunities for Cancer Research, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Immune Engineering, Immunodiagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Innovation in Immunology Diagnostics, interventional oncology, Microbiome and Responses to Cancer Therapy, Modulating Macrophages in Cancer Immunotherapy, NK Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Precision Cancer Medicine, Protection Against Autoimmune Disease, RNA Biology, Cancer and Therapeutics, Synthetic Immunology: Hacking Immune Cells, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Sleeping Threats: Immune System’s Watch on Dormant Cancer

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph. D.

 

The immune system’s role in regulating dormant cancer cells has been increasingly elucidated, revealing a complex interplay that influences metastasis and cancer recurrence. Dormant cells, which enter a non-proliferative state, can evade immune detection and remain quiescent for prolonged periods.


Mechanisms of immune evasion include down-regulation of antigen presentation and residence within immune-privileged niches such as bone marrow. Both innate and adaptive immunity, particularly CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, are involved in maintaining dormancy and preventing metastatic outgrowth.


Micro-environmental factors that modulate immune surveillance and dormancy status have been identified. Changes in cytokine profiles and inflammation can disrupt dormancy, leading to cancer cell reactivation and metastasis.


Therapeutic approaches to sustain dormancy or eliminate dormant cells are under development. These include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and cytokine modulators aimed at enhancing immune recognition and clearance.


By targeting dormant cancer cells through immune modulation, it is anticipated that metastasis can be delayed or prevented, significantly improving long-term patient outcomes and reducing cancer mortality.

References:

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2025/metastasis-dormant-cancer-cells-immune-system

https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc2256

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33681821/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33811127/

https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc3910

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015306

 

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Bridging the Gender Gap in Healthcare: Unlocking Biopharma’s Potential in Women’s Health

Posted in AI Models in Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence Applications in Health Care, Artificial Intelligence in Health Care - Tools & Innovations, BioIT: BioInformatics, NGS, Clinical & Translational, Pharmaceutical R&D Informatics, Clinical Genomics, Cancer Informatics, Digital HealthCare – biotech & internet joint ventures, Electronic Health Record, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Genomics Pharmacy, Glycobiology: Biopharmaceutical Production, Health Care System by Country, Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Health Law & Patient Safety, Health Law Policy, Healthcare costs and reimbursement, HealthCare IT, Healthcare Reform, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Mobile Healthcare, Personal Health Applications: Tech Innovations serves HealhCare, Pharmaceutical Analytics, Pharmaceutical Discovery, Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery, Pharmaceutical Industry Competitive Intelligence, Pharmaceutical R&D Informatics, Pharmaceutical R&D Investment, Pharmacogenomics, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Technology Transfer: Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Voices of Patients and Healthcare Providers, Wearable Tech + Digital Health, Women Health, tagged , , , , , , on February 4, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

Nearly half of the global population—and 80 percent of patients in therapeutic areas such as immunology—are women. Yet, treatments are frequently developed without tailored insights for female patients, often ignoring critical biological differences such as hormonal impacts, genetic factors, and cellular sex. Historically, women’s health has been narrowly defined through the lens of reproductive organs, while for non-reproductive conditions, women were treated as “small men.” This lack of focus on sex-specific biology has contributed to significant gaps in healthcare.

A recent analysis found that women spend 25 percent more of their lives in poor health compared with men due to the absence of sex-based treatments. Addressing this disparity could not only improve women’s quality of life but also unlock over $1 trillion in annual global GDP by 2040.

Four key factors contribute to the women’s health gap: limited understanding of sex-based biological differences, healthcare systems designed around male physiology, incomplete data that underestimates women’s disease burden, and chronic underfunding of female-focused research. For instance, despite women representing 78 percent of U.S. rheumatoid arthritis patients, only 7 percent of related NIH funding in 2019 targeted female-specific studies.

However, change is happening. Companies have demonstrated how targeted R&D can drive better outcomes for women. These therapies achieved expanded FDA approvals after clinical trials revealed their unique benefits for female patients. Similarly, addressing sex-based treatment gaps in asthma, atrial fibrillation, and tuberculosis could prevent millions of disability-adjusted life years.

By closing the women’s health gap, biopharma companies can drive innovation, improve therapeutic outcomes, and build high-growth markets while addressing long-standing inequities. This untapped opportunity holds the potential to transform global health outcomes for women and create a more equitable future.

References

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-biopharmas-untapped-opportunity?stcr=97136BA6BDD64C2396A57E9487438CC6

https://www.weforum.org

https://www.nih.gov

https://www.fda.gov

https://www.who.int

Health Care Policy Analysis derived from the Farewell remarks from AMA President Jack Resneck Jr., MD | AMA 2023 Annual Meeting

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SNU-BioTalk 2025: Symphony of Cellular Signals in Metabolism and Immune Response – International Conference at Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata, India on 16 & 17 January 2025

Posted in Adaptive Immune Response to Biomaterials and Tissue Repair, Artificial Intelligence - General, Artificial Intelligence Applications in Health Care, Artificial Intelligence in Health Care - Tools & Innovations, Autoimmune Inflammatory DIseases, Calcium Signaling, CANCER BIOLOGY & Innovations in Cancer Therapy, cancer metabolism, Cancer Vaccines: Targeting Cancer Genes for Immunotherapy, Cancer-Immune Interactions, Cell Biology, Signaling & Cell Circuits, Chemical Biology and its relations to Metabolic Disease, CNS-Immune Interface, combination immunotherapies., Competition in regenerative stem cell science, Conference Coverage with Social Media, Diagnostic Immunology, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Human neural progenitor cells, Immune Engineering, Immune-Mediation (independent immunopathology: lung and reticuloendothelial system), Immuno-Oncology & Genomics, Immunodiagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Infectious Disease Immunodiagnostics, Innovation in Immunology Diagnostics, Metabolic Immuno-Oncology, Monoclonal Immunotherapy, NK Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Population Health Management, Nutrition and Phytochemistry, Protection Against Autoimmune Disease, REAL TIME Conference Coverage Twitter's Hashtags and Handles per Presentation/session, Scientific & Biotech Conferences: Press Coverage, Signaling, Signaling & Cell Circuits, single cell sequencing, Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine, Synthetic Immunology: Hacking Immune Cells, Tolerance-inducing Autoimmune Disease Therapeutics, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , on November 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

SNU-BioTalk 2025: Symphony of Cellular Signals in Metabolism and Immune Response – International Conference at Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata, India on 16 & 17 January 2025

Joint Convenor: Dr. Sudipta Saha (Member of LPBI since 2012)

About the Conference:

The International Conference on ‘Symphony of Cellular Signals in Metabolism and Immune Response’ focuses on the complex signalling pathways governing cellular functions in health and disease. It will explore the cellular mechanisms that regulate metabolism, immune responses, and survival, highlighting advances in medical science and biotechnology. Bringing together leading experts and emerging researchers, the conference will feature keynote lectures, panel discussions, research presentations, and interactive sessions, all designed to foster collaboration and innovation. By promoting an exchange of ideas, the event aims to drive transformative insights and solutions that impact human health and sustainable healthcare practices.

The conference will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook

This programme will also host I-STEM: Indian Science, Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) is a dynamic and interactive national portal for research cooperation.

Thrust areas:

  • Intracellular signalling processes of cellular metabolism
  • Signalling pathways in physiological and pathological processes
  • Signalling in innate and adaptive immunity

Conference Webpage: https://www.snuniv.ac.in/snu-biotalk-2025/

NU-BioTalk 2025 Abstract Submission Form: https://forms.gle/ygdGqtuBGa7DEhDFA

SNU-BioTalk 2025 Registration Form: https://forms.gle/unasPpByLmYwrRBM6

Programme Schedule:

YouTube Links of Live Telecast:

Day 1:

Day 2:

Media:

Newspaper:

The Telegraph – Click to View

 

Abstract Book

Scan to Download:

Click: 

Abstract Book

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Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important for sperm tolerance and male fertility

Posted in Autoimmune Inflammatory DIseases, Developmental biology, Diagnostic Immunology, Human Antibody Response, Human Immune System in Health and in Disease, Immunodiagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Innovation in Immunology Diagnostics, Personal Health Applications: Tech Innovations serves HealhCare, Population Health Management, Population Health Management, Genetics & Pharmaceutical, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Reproductive Genomics, Protection Against Autoimmune Disease, Reproductive Andrology, Embryology, Genomic Endocrinology, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Reproductive Genomics, Reproductive Biology & Bio Instrumentation, Tolerance-inducing Autoimmune Disease Therapeutics, tagged , , , , , , , on September 11, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important for sperm tolerance and male fertility

Reporter and Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are specialized immune cells that modulate tissue homeostasis. They are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that function as suppressive immune cells and inhibit various elements of immune response in vitro and in vivo. While there are constraints on the number or function of Tregs which can be exploited to evoke an effective anti-tumor response, sufficient expansion of Tregs is essential for successful organ transplantation and for promoting tolerance of self and foreign antigens. Current studies have provided evidence that a defect in the number or function of Tregs contributes to the etiology of several reproductive diseases.

In the male reproductive tract, prevention of autoimmune responses against antigenic spermatozoa, while ensuring protection against stressors, is a key determinant of fertility. Using an autoimmunity-induced model, it was uncovered that the role of Tregs in maintaining the tolerogenic state of the testis and epididymis. The loss of tolerance induced an exacerbated immune cell infiltration and the development of anti-sperm antibodies, which caused severe male subfertility. By identifying immunoregulatory mechanisms in the testis and epididymis.

Tregs modulate tissue homeostatic processes and immune responses. Understanding tissue-Treg biology will contribute to developing precision-targeting treatment strategies. Here, it was reported that Tregs maintain the tolerogenic state of the testis and epididymis, where sperm are produced and mature. It was found that Treg depletion induces severe autoimmune orchitis and epididymitis, manifested by an exacerbated immune cell infiltration [CD4 T cells, monocytes, and mononuclear phagocytes (MPs)] and the development of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA).

In Treg-depleted mice, MPs increased projections toward the epididymal lumen as well as invading the lumen. ASA-bound sperm enhance sperm agglutination and might facilitate sperm phagocytosis. Tolerance breakdown impaired epididymal epithelial function and altered extracellular vesicle cargo, both of which play crucial roles in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability and subsequent embryo development. The affected mice had reduced sperm number and motility and severe fertility defects.

Deciphering these immunoregulatory mechanisms may lead to the development of therapies for infertility and identifying potential targets for immuno-contraception. Ultimately, such knowledge fills gaps related to reproductive mucosa, which is an understudied facet of human male health.

References:

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2306797120

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24048122/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34845322/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34845322/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29648649/

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