Immune Memory Formation Seen In Early Stages Of Viral Infection

In an acute viral infection, most of the white blood cells known as T cells differentiate into cells that fight the virus and die off in the process. But a few of these “effector” T cells survive and become memory T cells, ensuring that the immune system can respond faster and stronger the next time around.

Scientists have identified a molecule that defines which cells are destined to become memory T cells just a few days after a viral infection begins. The finding could guide the development of more effective vaccines for challenging infections such as HIV/AIDS and also cancer.

The results were published online by the journal Immunity. The senior author is Rafi Ahmed, PhD, director of the Emory Vaccine Center, a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Working with Ahmed, postdoctoral fellows Vandalia Kalia and Surojit Sarkar tracked memory T cell formation in mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, a virus that causes an acute infection. They observed that a few days after infection begins, T cells separate into two groups: one with high levels of the molecule CD25 on their surfaces and one with low levels of CD25. Later on, all T cells reduce their levels of CD25 and the differences disappear as the infection is cleared.

“The outstanding question in our field has been: when do T cells commit to becoming memory cells,” Kalia says. “This is one of the earliest points where we have been able to see these groups of cells with distinct fates.” Read more

Cancer Medicines Pipeline Offers Patients Great Hope

The Bienville Democrat in Arcadia, LA recently reported that America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies have made great progress in treating cancers, introducing many new, breakthrough medicines.

According to the article, scientists are currently working on 861 new cancer medicines that are either in late-stage testing, being used on patients in clinical trials or are being reviewed for approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

“A country that can put a man on the moon,” says Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, “can find a cure for cancer.”
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Proton Therapy Beneficial For Children With Cancer

Children with cancer are now being accepted for treatment at the ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma, where a wide range of tumors are treated with proton therapy , an alternative to X-ray radiation that spares healthy tissue and results in far fewer short- and long-term treatment side effects.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in children. In 2009, more than 10,000 new childhood cancer cases were diagnosed in children up to age 14 and nearly 1,400 deaths were attributed to the disease.

“Proton therapy is a particularly important treatment option for children who experience more serious short- and long-term side effects from X-ray radiation than adults,” said W.C. Goad, M.D., medical director of the Center and a founder of Radiation Medicine Associates (RMA), the radiation oncology practice that provides clinical care at the Center. “Since their bodies are still growing, children are more sensitive to the damage to healthy tissue caused by X-rays.”

Clinical studies suggest that proton therapy reduces the risk of growth and developmental problems, as well as resulting in fewer recurring or secondary tumors. “The very good news is that many children diagnosed with cancer survive and thrive thanks to the advances in treatment,” said Dr. Goad. “We need to do all we can to take measures that cut down on side effects so they have not only a long life but an excellent quality of life.”

“When we heard about the benefits of proton therapy, we knew it was the right treatment,” said Susan Ralston, founder of the Pediatric Proton Foundation and mother of Jacob, who was treated with proton therapy at the Proton Therapy Center at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2007. “What parent wouldn’t want to give their child the opportunity to not only beat their cancer, but to limit the amount of radiation they are exposed to so they have the opportunity to grow up tall, achieve a 4.0 on their report card and live a happy, healthy life.” Read more

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