We all look different to HIV, a virus that destroys the immune system. The defensive cells record every interaction with foreign agents, infections from viruses and bacteria, but also with mechanisms occurring within the body, such as microbiome metabolism, the effects of aging, or the development of diseases. At a preconference session at the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025), scientists explained the interactions of different microorganisms with HIV. Read More
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in promoting antitumor immunity by activating T and natural killer (NK) cells. However, the therapeutic use of wild-type IL-18 has faced limitations due to its susceptibility to neutralization by IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), short in vivo half-life and unfavorable physicochemical properties. Read More
Researchers at the University of Minnesota and collaborating institutions have developed a promising stem cell-based therapy for the treatment of muscular dystrophies. The team has successfully created a novel myogenic progenitor cell product called Myopaxon, derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Read More
Immune evasion continues to limit the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Among emerging regulatory molecules, transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs of 13-48 nucleotides), generated through tRNA cleavage, are gaining attention for their roles in controlling gene expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Recent research suggests that abnormal tsRNA expression is closely associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Read More
Cancer cells often use epigenetic changes to resist treatment, a major factor particularly in late-stage deaths from ovarian cancer. One potential epigenetic marker, DNA secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s), has recently gained attention; however, their presence and role in ovarian cancer had not been studied until now. Read More
Colorectal cancer remains a prevalent and deadly form of cancer. A significant challenge to treating colorectal tumors is the creation of a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment that leads to tumor progression and resistance to immunotherapy. Read More
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) plays a critical role in regulating transcriptional elongation and is essential for the expression of short-lived oncogenic and antiapoptotic mRNAs. Targeting CDK9 has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly in hematological malignancies and MYC-driven cancers. However, its clinical application remains limited by several challenges, which may be overcome through the development of more selective and potent inhibitors. Read More
DCB-USA LLC and the Development Center for Biotechnology have patented heterocycle compounds acting as fMet-Leu-Phe receptor (fMLP; FPR1) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung injury, ischemia-reperfusion injury and septicemia. Read More
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey has disclosed new RNA polymerase (bacterial) inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of bacterial infections. Read More
Serine/threonine-protein kinase NEK7 inhibitors are described in a recent Beijing Primegene Therapeutics Co. Ltd. patent. They are reported to be useful for the treatment of gout, osteoarthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. Read More
Work at Suzhou Genhouse Bio Co. Ltd. has led to the identification of Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase (WRN; RECQ3; RECQL2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More
CSPC Zhongnuo Pharmaceutical (Shijiazhuang) Co. Ltd. has reported new monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of depression, stroke, hypertension, obesity, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Read More
