Cells On Path To Becoming Mature T-cells More Flexible Than Commonly Thought: (Apr. 13, 2008) — Contrary to the currently accepted model of T-cell development, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that juvenile cells on their way to becoming mature immune cells can develop into either T cells or other blood-cell types versus only being committed to the T-cell path. The findings appear in the journal Nature, and have implications for better understanding how T-cell leukemias and other disorders arise.
Embryonic Stem Cells Could Help Overcome Immune Rejection Problems: (Apr. 13, 2008) — Tissues derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells could help to pacify the immune system and so prevent recipients from rejecting them, the UK National Stem Cell Network Science Meeting will hear on April 11. Speaking at the conference in Edinburgh, Dr Paul Fairchild from the University of Oxford will tell delegates that although tissues derived from ES cells succumb to rejection, they have an inherent immune-privilege which, if exploited, could have far reaching implications for the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, heart attacks and Parkinson’s.
