By analyzing a cohort of adolescents that developed myocarditis or pericarditis after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, researchers from Yale University School of Medicine were able to pinpoint the underlying mechanism as an overly active innate immune response to the vaccine that led to broad activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Myocarditis “has been seen in other vaccine contexts, though is most common after viral infection,” Carrie Lucas told reporters at a press conference announcing the findings.
Macrophages, a cell type involved in the inflammatory response, are also responsible for collagen deposition in lung and liver fibrosis. In a recently published study, researchers identified a subpopulation of profibrotic macrophages.
Vyne Therapeutics Inc. has selected a development candidate, VYN-202, for its oral BD2-selective bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitor program for the treatment of immuno-inflammatory conditions.
A novel bispecific immunotherapy developed by Roche AG to target pancreatic cancer showed promising results combined with radiation therapy in preclinical trials carried out at the University of Colorado.
Therini Bio Inc. has closed a US$36 million series A financing round that will support its work on developing fibrin-targeted therapies for diseases driven by chronic inflammation, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema.
Mast cell-expressed membrane protein 1 (MCEMP1) is a type II transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in myeloid lineage immune cells, including lung-resident mast cells and alveolar macrophages. MCEMP1 is a critical factor in allergic and inflammatory lung diseases, with higher expression levels correlating with increased disease severity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of MCEMP1 in the pathogenesis of lung inflammatory diseases remain unclear.
Viva Star Biosciences (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. has identified substituted sulfonylurea compounds acting as NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and reported to be useful for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Lysyl oxidase homologue 2 (LOXL2) inhibitors have been reported in a Yuhan Corp. patent as potentially useful for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic kidney disease and cirrhosis.