Amy J Beres

Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.

4 publications 2008 – 2016
MiceMice, Inbred C57BLCell DifferentiationT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryAntibodies, Blocking

What does Amy J Beres research?

Dr. Beres studies how the immune system interacts with tumors and how it can cause complications after stem cell transplants. One of her primary focuses is on a protein called interleukin-35 (IL-35), which can hinder the immune system's ability to fight tumors, and her findings suggest that blocking this protein could be a promising approach to cancer treatment. Additionally, she explores the function of specific immune cells, like regulatory T cells, which play a crucial role in managing graft versus host disease, a complication that can occur after stem cell transplants. Her research aims to improve outcomes for patients with conditions like cancer and those needing stem cell therapies.

Key findings

  • Blocking interleukin-35 in mice resulted in significantly slower tumor growth, suggesting it could enhance anti-tumor immunity.
  • A reduction in regulatory T cells leads to increased inflammation and more severe graft versus host disease in transplant patients.
  • Newly discovered immunosuppressive CD8+ Foxp3+ cells act as backup peacekeepers during graft versus host disease, limiting the severity of the condition.
  • Human neural progenitor cells producing IGF-1 improved the survival and function of dopamine neurons in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Beres study cancer?
Yes, she researches how the immune system interacts with tumors and explores ways to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
What diseases does Dr. Beres focus on?
Dr. Beres focuses on cancer and complications arising from stem cell transplants, such as graft versus host disease.
Has Dr. Beres researched treatments for Parkinson's disease?
Yes, her research investigates the potential of growth factors to protect neurons and improve conditions in models of Parkinson's disease.
How does Dr. Beres's work help transplant patients?
Her findings on regulatory T cells and new immune cell types aim to improve treatments and reduce complications like graft versus host disease after transplants.

Publications in plain English

Interleukin-35 Limits Anti-Tumor Immunity.

2016

Immunity

Turnis ME, Sawant DV, Szymczak-Workman AL, Andrews LP, Delgoffe GM +5 more

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called interleukin-35 (IL-35), which is released by certain immune cells that can block the body’s ability to fight tumors. Researchers found that IL-35 is present in large amounts in tumors and that blocking it led to significantly slower tumor growth in mice. Specifically, when they restricted IL-35, the immune system's T cells became more active and effective against the cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients by providing insights that could improve treatments.

PubMed

The role of regulatory T cells in the biology of graft versus host disease.

2013

Frontiers in immunology

Beres AJ, Drobyski WR

Plain English
This research looked at the role of a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in graft versus host disease (GVHD), a serious complication that can occur after stem cell transplants. The study found that a decrease in Treg cells leads to more inflammation and worsening GVHD. Understanding how Treg cells work helps improve treatments, including using them for therapy to prevent GVHD in patients receiving transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing stem cell transplants.

PubMed

CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are induced during graft-versus-host disease and mitigate disease severity.

2012

Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)

Beres AJ, Haribhai D, Chadwick AC, Gonyo PJ, Williams CB +1 more

Plain English
Researchers discovered a new type of immune cell (CD8+ Foxp3+ cells) that the body creates when transplant patients develop graft-versus-host disease, a serious condition where transplanted immune cells attack the patient's own tissues. These newly discovered cells act as peacekeepers—they suppress the harmful immune response and reduce disease severity, and they can even do this job alone if the body can't make the traditional peacekeeping cells that scientists previously knew about. This matters because it reveals a backup mechanism the body uses to protect itself after stem cell transplants, which could lead to new treatments to prevent or reduce transplant complications.

PubMed

Human neural progenitor cells over-expressing IGF-1 protect dopamine neurons and restore function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

2008

Experimental neurology

Ebert AD, Beres AJ, Barber AE, Svendsen CN

Plain English
This study investigated how certain growth factors can help protect dopamine neurons in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that human neural progenitor cells that produced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) significantly improved neuron survival and function, while also reducing the loss of dopamine neurons. Specifically, IGF-1 increased the survival of these cells after being transplanted, demonstrating its potential benefits in this context. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Parkinson's disease by exploring new treatment approaches.

PubMed

Publication data sourced from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.