Paula Alonso-Guallart

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Researchers studied how to make human stem cells better at surviving when transplanted into other organisms, like mice, without being rejected by the immune system. They found that by altering specific genes, they could create stem cells that avoided immune rejection signs, leading to sustained growth of tumors called teratomas in mice. This is important because it shows a way to develop stem cell treatments that can survive in the human body without being attacked by the immune system. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing stem cell therapies, particularly those with conditions requiring transplant options.

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This study looked at how specific proteins called chemokine receptors affect the rejection of transplanted organs and the condition known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Researchers found that these receptors play a significant role in attracting immune cells that can either help the transplant survive or lead to its rejection. Understanding these mechanisms is vital because it can lead to better treatments that improve transplant success rates and reduce complications. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing organ transplants and those receiving stem cell transplants.

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Researchers studied human stem cells to see how they can avoid being rejected when transplanted into mice. They found that by modifying these stem cells to reduce certain immune markers, they were able to create cells that formed lasting tumors in the mice, which indicates they could potentially avoid rejection. This is important because it could lead to better transplant outcomes for patients needing cell or tissue donations. Who this helps: This helps patients who require stem cell transplants.

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This research focused on improving the way regulatory T cells (T cells) are grown in the lab from cynomolgus macaque monkeys to potentially treat various conditions like autoimmune diseases and to help with organ transplants. The study found that using a special type of B cell, stimulated by CD40L, enabled researchers to produce T cells that could effectively suppress immune responses and remain functional even after being frozen. These T cells were able to respond to a wide variety of antigens, demonstrating their potential use in transplantation from deceased donors. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing organ transplants and those with autoimmune diseases.

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This study investigated how the reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) affects immune recovery in monkeys that received bone marrow transplants. Researchers found that CMV reactivation occurred in all the monkeys with prior CMV exposure, and those treated with rapamycin experienced this reactivation later than those treated with cyclosporine A. Effective treatment with high doses of ganciclovir was necessary before the virus reached a critical level to prevent serious health issues, highlighting the importance of monitoring CMV in transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing organ transplants who are at risk for CMV complications.

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This study tested a new antibody treatment called anti-CD2 in cynomolgus macaques to see how safe it is and how it affects the immune system. Researchers gave different doses (1-4 mg/kg) to twelve macaques and found that while certain memory T cells were significantly reduced, other types like naive T cells remained safe, showing some reappearance after treatment. Importantly, no serious side effects were observed in the animals, which is good news for future human trials. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on new treatments for immune-related conditions and transplant patients.

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Transplant tolerance—where the recipient's immune system accepts a donor organ without lifelong drugs—has been achieved for kidneys in primates but not for livers. This study tested whether creating temporary mixed bone marrow chimerism could induce tolerance to a transplanted liver in nonhuman primates. It did not, suggesting liver tolerance requires a fundamentally different approach than kidney tolerance.

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This research focused on studying and expanding a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Cynomolgus macaques to improve their use in medical research. The scientists developed four techniques to significantly grow these Tregs in the lab, with one method resulting in a 3000-fold increase from the original cells. This work is important because it paves the way for using these expanded Tregs in future clinical applications, potentially improving immune responses in therapies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors looking to enhance treatments for various immune-related diseases.

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This study looked at how infusing special immune cells called regulatory T cells (Treg) could help with acceptance of transplanted bone marrow and kidneys in monkeys. The researchers found that in monkeys receiving Treg cells, 2 out of 5 showed long-term acceptance of donor cells and a kidney, lasting up to nearly a year without needing immunosuppressive drugs. This is important because it shows that using Treg cells can enhance the body's ability to accept donor organs and could lead to better outcomes for transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving organ transplants.

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This study looked at the immune cells in the blood and organs of cynomolgus macaques, a type of monkey often used in medical research. Researchers found that these macaques have a lower ratio of one type of immune cell (CD4 to CD8 T-cells) compared to humans, and their blood contains a unique set of immune cells that isn’t typically found in people. Understanding these differences is important for scientists conducting immunology research to ensure they accurately interpret their findings. Who this helps: This helps researchers and veterinarians working with cynomolgus macaques in various settings.