Raimon Duran-Struuck

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This study examined how a specific compound called AZD7762 affects insulin secretion and blood sugar control. Researchers found that AZD7762 enhanced insulin release when blood sugar levels were high, leading to better glucose tolerance in both mice and macaques, as well as in human cells; specifically, it improved insulin secretion by up to 50% in some experiments. This discovery highlights a new pathway involving a protein called CHEK2 that regulates insulin release, which could lead to better treatments for diabetes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 2 diabetes and healthcare providers treating them.

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Researchers studied how pigs can improve cancer treatment research compared to traditional rodent models. They found that pigs are better suited for evaluating surgical methods and imaging techniques because of their similar size to humans and closer match in immune system characteristics, which is important for testing new cancer therapies. This is significant because it can lead to more effective treatments for cancer, ultimately benefiting patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving cancer treatment and doctors seeking better treatment methods.

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This study looked at the skin bacteria of pigs to find new ways to stop methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from causing infections. Researchers discovered that out of 7,700 different bacteria strains, they found 37 that could prevent MRSA from settling on the skin. A group of three of these bacteria worked together to offer protection, showing that their cooperative behavior is important in stopping MRSA colonization. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those at risk for MRSA infections, including individuals with open wounds or weakened immune systems.

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This study looked at a type of immune cell called allogeneic invariant natural killer T cells (allo-iNKTs) and how long they can last after being infused into dogs that have different tissue types from their donors. The researchers found that these enhanced cells stayed in the dogs' bodies for at least 78 days and continued to support the immune system effectively. This matters because it suggests a new way to use these cells to treat serious diseases like cancer and COVID-19 more reliably. Who this helps: Patients with hard-to-treat cancers and severe COVID-19 symptoms.

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This study focused on a type of immune cell called chimeric antigen receptor regulatory T cells (CAR Tregs), which are designed to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Researchers found that these CAR Tregs specifically targeting the Bw6 protein could effectively expand in the lab and remained active in the bone marrow of diabetic monkeys for at least one month after being transplanted. This is significant because it shows potential for improving transplant success rates without the side effects of traditional treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing organ transplants, particularly those with diabetes.

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This study focused on creating a specific type of immune cell called CAR Tregs in non-human primates, which can help regulate the immune response after a transplant. The researchers developed an effective method that produces a high number of these CAR Tregs, specifically tailoring them to suppress unwanted immune reactions. This is important because it could lead to better outcomes for organ transplant patients by reducing rejection rates. Who this helps: Patients undergoing organ transplants.

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This research paper looked at a special group of miniature pigs that have been bred over 40 years to help scientists study organ transplants. These pigs have unique traits that make them ideal for testing new surgical techniques and understanding how the immune system reacts to organ transplants. The findings show that these pigs are vital for improving transplant procedures, which can help save lives. Who this helps: This helps patients needing organ transplants and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how using certain types of cells can improve the success of organ transplants in large animals, which better mimic human responses than mouse studies. Researchers found that these cellular therapies could help prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organs, leading to better outcomes, though specific success rates weren't provided. This is important because it could lead to safer and more successful organ transplants for people, reducing complications like infections and organ loss. Who this helps: Patients needing organ transplants.

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This study looked at non-invasive imaging techniques that can help detect acute rejection of transplanted organs, which is a major cause of transplant failure. Current methods often rely on lab tests that show problems only after some damage has occurred, and biopsies can be risky. The research emphasizes that non-invasive imaging could allow for earlier and safer diagnosis, which is crucial for preserving the health of transplanted organs. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing organ transplants and their doctors.

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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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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 study focused on creating a specific type of cancer cell line from miniature pigs to help researchers better understand and treat blood cancers. They found that two cancer types studied were very aggressive in mice, with one causing 100% of mice to die within 70 days. This is important because developing reliable large animal models can improve research and testing for new cancer therapies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on cancer treatment.

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This study examined how pigs can serve as valuable models for testing new cancer treatments before they are used in humans. Researchers found that pigs can develop types of blood cancers that closely resemble cancers in people, which helps them create better treatments. This is important because using pigs allows scientists to test how safe and effective these treatments might be, leading to more successful therapies for patients. Who this helps: Patients with blood cancers.

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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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Researchers studied how low oxygen levels and a protein called IFN-γ affect mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are known for reducing inflammation and helping repair tissues. They found that after being exposed to 48 hours of low oxygen or IFN-γ, MSCs showed different changes: IFN-γ helped the cells fight inflammation and survive better, while low oxygen made them adapt to low oxygen conditions and boosted their ability to move and grow new blood vessels. Understanding these changes is important because it can help improve how MSCs are used in treatments for various injuries and diseases. Who this helps: Patients needing tissue repair or inflammation reduction.

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This study looked at how to boost the ability of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to suppress the immune system, making them more effective for treating immune disorders. The researchers found that when MSCs were "primed" with a combination of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and low oxygen conditions, they became much better at inhibiting T-cells, showing higher levels of key proteins that help with immune suppression. This matters because improving MSCs’ effectiveness could lead to better treatments for patients with various immune disorders, potentially breaking the deadlock in MSC therapy approvals in the U.S. Who this helps: This helps patients with immune-related diseases.

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Researchers studied a new method for transplanting insulin-producing cells and kidneys together in rhesus monkeys to see if it could lead to better outcomes for diabetes and kidney disease. They found that all monkeys accepted the transplant without rejecting it, and after the procedure, most needed far less insulin to manage their diabetes—three monkeys required only 1-3 units of insulin daily, and one monkey didn’t need any insulin at all. This is important because it shows that this combined transplant approach might offer a way to treat patients with both diabetes and kidney failure without needing lifelong medications to suppress the immune system. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and kidney disease.

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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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Liver transplant experiments in cynomolgus monkeys are hampered by the animals' poor tolerance of portal vein clamping during surgery. This study developed and tested an H-shaped vein bypass to maintain blood flow during the critical no-liver phase, dramatically improving surgical survival. The technique enables more reliable primate liver transplant models for future research.

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This study looked at how donor immune cells (called lymphocytes) react in pigs that received a specific type of stem cell transplant without developing a serious condition known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Out of 33 attempts to introduce donor lymphocytes into these tolerant pigs, 21 did not cause the expected immune response or GVHD, showing that these pigs have a strong resistance to such reactions. This matters because it suggests there may be a way to safely perform transplants without the complications of GVHD, improving outcomes for patients needing such procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing stem cell 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.

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Researchers studied how different types of radiation affect the risk of developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in miniature pigs that had undergone a type of blood cell transplant. They found that using total body irradiation instead of thymic irradiation led to a significant decrease in PTLD cases; specifically, the incidence dropped when they achieved a higher number of T cells after the procedure. This finding is important because it highlights how managing T cell levels through radiation can reduce serious complications after transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

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This study looked at how miniature pigs can help researchers understand graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious condition that can occur after blood stem cell transplants. The researchers found that when they transplanted cells between pigs with different genetic markers, it often led to severe GVHD, affecting the pigs' digestive systems, livers, and skin, which closely mirrors what happens in humans. This is important because it means that studying these pigs can help improve how doctors identify and treat GVHD in patients who undergo similar transplants. Who this helps: Patients receiving blood stem cell transplants.

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This study focused on using miniature pigs to understand blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, which are similar to those in humans. Researchers found that these pigs naturally develop cancers that are closely related to human diseases, making them a valuable model for testing new treatments. This is important because it could lead to better therapies for blood cancers, which currently have limited treatment options. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working to improve therapies for patients with blood cancers.

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This study focused on enhancing the preservation and effectiveness of regulatory T cells (Treg), which help the immune system tolerate transplanted organs. Researchers found that they could expand Treg from baboons more than 10,000 times, and while freezing caused some loss in their ability to suppress immune responses, restimulating them after thawing significantly improved their function and viability. This is important because it means that Treg can be stored and used effectively in future transplant procedures. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing organ transplants by potentially improving the success of the procedure.

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This study looked at how to make transplanted tissue, such as skin and other parts of the body, more accepted by the immune system without the need for lifelong medications that suppress immunity. In experiments with miniature pigs, researchers found that transplants were successfully accepted without rejection in 6 out of 6 cases when specific techniques were used to train the immune system, lasting from 115 to 504 days. This is important because it could make life-changing transplants safer and more effective by reducing the side effects of long-term immunosuppression. Who this helps: This helps patients who need tissue transplants, especially those with severe injuries or amputations.

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This study focused on creating a new tool to target and kill specific cells using a special protein linked to a toxin from diphtheria. Researchers found that a version of this protein that lacks a specific sugar modification worked better at binding and killing cancer cells in a test tube and helped mice survive longer after being injected with tumors. This discovery is important because it could lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer in pigs, which can help advance research in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying cancer and transplantation in pigs, which can improve therapies for humans.

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This research studied a new method for a procedure called leukapheresis in small monkeys, specifically rhesus macaques that weigh between 3.9 and 8.7 kg. The team developed a safe procedure that used the animals' own blood to reduce risks, and they performed the procedure successfully nine times, collecting between 1 billion and 6 billion blood cells each time. This is important because it allows researchers to safely collect blood cells from very small animals without putting them at risk, which can help advance medical research and treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working with small animals in medical studies.

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Researchers created a new treatment that targets and kills specific immune cells called CD25+ cells in pigs, which are important for controlling immune responses. They developed four versions of a toxin linked to a growth factor (porcine IL-2) and found that one version, called Bi-NonGly, worked best at binding to and destroying these cells. This finding could help improve research on immune-related diseases in pigs, which may offer insights for better treatments in veterinary and possibly human medicine. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and researchers studying immune system diseases in pigs.

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This study looked at the challenges of transplanting bone marrow from genetically modified pigs into baboons. Researchers found that baboons with low levels of specific antibodies (anti-non-Gal IgG) before the transplant were more likely to have successful engraftment, with two out of five showing signs of pig bone marrow surviving after 28 days. However, three other baboons with low antibody levels did not succeed, indicating that just having low antibodies is not enough for successful transplantation, as it was associated with an increase in these antibodies after the procedure. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working on organ transplantation for both human patients and animal models.

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This study focused on creating a version of a pig protein called interleukin 3 (IL3) without sugar attachments, using a type of yeast for production. The researchers successfully engineered a new form of IL3 by modifying its genetic code, which allowed them to produce it more efficiently. They found that this modified protein still worked effectively in helping mobilize stem cells, which is crucial for certain medical treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and researchers working on stem cell therapies in pigs and potentially other species.

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This study looked at how the health of donors impacts the success of hematopoietic cell transplantation in miniature pigs. It found that when donors experienced severe side effects from treatment to collect blood-forming cells, the recipients often faced serious problems, like low platelet levels and failure to successfully receive the donor cells—8 out of 11 had significant complications. In contrast, pigs receiving cells from healthy donors had better outcomes, showing the importance of donor health on the success of this treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing blood stem cell transplants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how pre-existing antibodies against diphtheria toxin affect the effectiveness of a specific treatment for depleting T cells—important cells in the immune system—before a stem cell transplant. Researchers found that a new treatment called C207 worked similarly in monkeys whether they had pre-existing antibodies or not, meaning that these antibodies did not hinder the T cell depletion. This is important because it indicates that patients with a history of diphtheria vaccination or infection can still benefit from this treatment without reduced effectiveness. Who this helps: Patients undergoing stem cell transplants who may have pre-existing diphtheria antibodies.

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This study looked at how the immune system reacts after a type of stem cell transplant in pigs when the body loses the transplant. Researchers found that despite not having detectable antibodies against the donor cells, the immune system was still reacting negatively, indicating that there was some level of sensitization. This is significant because it suggests that even without measurable antibodies, the immune response can still be harmful, which could change how doctors approach future transplants for patients who have lost their grafts. Who this helps: This helps patients who are undergoing or considering stem cell transplants.

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Researchers studied a miniature pig that developed severe neurological issues and swelling after receiving a stem cell transplant. Eight days after the transplant, the pig showed signs of weakness, swelling around the eyes, and lethargy. Treatment with antibiotics quickly improved the pig's condition, confirming it had "edema disease" caused by a specific E. coli infection. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and animal care providers treating similar conditions in pigs and other livestock.

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This study focused on creating a new treatment that targets specific immune cells in pigs, using a modified diphtheria toxin. The researchers found that this treatment reduced certain immune cells—known as CD3+ T-cells—by 80% in the blood and from 74% to 24% in lymph nodes after four days, without causing any side effects. This is significant because it could help improve organ transplantation and treatments for autoimmune diseases in pigs, paving the way for better therapies in human medicine. Who this helps: Doctors and researchers working in transplantation and autoimmune disease treatment.

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This study explored five cases of myelogenous leukemia in specially bred miniature pigs that closely resemble the human version of the disease. Researchers found that all five pigs, over two-and-a-half years old, exhibited symptoms like weight loss and severe swelling of the liver and spleen. Importantly, the cancer cells from three of the pigs could be grown in the lab, suggesting that these pigs can be used to test new treatments for human leukemia. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors trying to develop better treatments for patients with myelogenous leukemia.

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This study looked at how certain immune cells from a bone marrow donor can help prevent a serious condition called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after a transplant. Researchers found that specific host cells called antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are essential for the protective function of regulatory T cells from the donor. They discovered that the presence of these host APCs is necessary for donor regulatory T cells to effectively suppress GVHD. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.

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This study looked at how to best care for mice that undergo bone marrow transplants (BMT) after being exposed to radiation. The researchers found that proper care, including staying clear of harmful pathogens and following strict hygiene practices, is essential to prevent infections during this process. For example, specific guidelines helped reduce disease transmission risks in these vulnerable mice, which is critical for the success of BMT research. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and veterinarians involved in bone marrow transplantation studies.

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This study focused on improving success rates for skin transplants by finding a way to prevent the recipient's immune system from rejecting the donor skin. Researchers used a technique that involved reducing certain immune cells and giving a short treatment with a drug called cyclosporine, which allowed skin flaps (more complex skin transfers) to survive indefinitely in a large animal model, while conventional skin grafts only lasted less than 65 days. Achieving this tolerance is a significant advancement that may lead to safer and more effective skin transplant procedures in the future. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing skin transplants by reducing the risks associated with anti-rejection medications.

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This study looked at a serious complication called acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) that can occur after patients receive stem cell transplants from donors. Researchers found that certain types of immune cells play an important role in both causing and potentially managing this condition. Understanding how these immune cells interact can help improve treatments for GVHD, which affects many patients undergoing stem cell transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing stem cell transplants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how two similar strains of mice reacted to whole-body radiation during bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that one strain, C57BL/6NCr, was more sensitive to radiation than the other, B6.Cg-Ptprca, leading to higher death rates from severe infections (bacteremia) and gastrointestinal damage; specifically, this strain faced a greater risk after irradiation, causing it to be more likely to develop life-threatening sepsis following the procedure. Understanding these differences is important because it can improve the safety and effectiveness of bone marrow transplants in humans by modifying treatment protocols based on genetic susceptibility. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing bone marrow transplants by allowing doctors to tailor treatments and reduce risks based on genetic factors.

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Researchers studied how two drugs that inhibit enzymes known as histone deacetylases (HDACs) affect immune cells in mice. They found that these drugs reduced inflammation and the immune responses that can lead to complications after organ transplants, specifically decreasing the severity of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) by promoting the activity of a protein called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). These findings matter because they show that HDAC inhibitors could potentially be used to treat autoimmune diseases and improve outcomes for transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing organ transplants and those with autoimmune conditions.

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Researchers developed a new imaging system that allows them to observe and measure different types of cells flowing in the blood of live mice at the same time. They discovered that they could track two types of breast cancer cells that behave differently when spreading in the body and successfully monitored the movement of red blood cells for over two weeks. This advancement is significant because it improves our ability to study how cancer and other diseases affect blood cells in real-time. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying cancer and other diseases, as well as doctors looking for better treatment options.

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This study looked at a protein called Sema4D and how it influences the immune system, particularly during situations where the body might react to transplanted cells from another individual (allo-responses). Researchers found that T cells lacking Sema4D (Sema4D-/-) grew less when exposed to foreign cells, leading to lower instances of complications like graft-versus-host disease and reduced mortality in mice receiving bone marrow transplants. This is important because it shows that managing Sema4D could lead to safer transplants with fewer side effects while maintaining the ability to fight cancers. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing organ or bone marrow transplants.

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The study looked at heartworm disease in dogs in the Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic, by testing 104 dogs for a heartworm infection. The researchers found that 18.2% of these dogs were infected with the heartworm parasite. This is important because it shows that heartworm is a significant health risk for dogs in this area, highlighting the need for preventive measures to protect them. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians in the region.