Sergio Rutella studies how specific treatments can help people with severe intestinal conditions like Crohn's disease and celiac disease. He explores experimental therapies, such as stem cell transplants, and how diet changes—like going gluten-free—affect health outcomes. His research aims to improve understanding of how these treatments work and their potential risks, especially in difficult cases where standard methods have failed.
Key findings
In a study of stem cell treatment for Crohn's disease, 43% of patients showed reduced disease activity, but the treatment also caused serious side effects, including two deaths.
In patients with celiac disease, the number of stem cells in the blood increased after one week on a gluten-free diet, indicating the diet's positive effect on their health.
After two years on a gluten-free diet, all patients in the celiac disease study reported feeling better, and their intestinal health returned to normal.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Rutella study Crohn's disease?
Yes, he researches advanced treatments for severe Crohn's disease, including stem cell therapy.
What has Dr. Rutella found about celiac disease?
He discovered that a gluten-free diet significantly improves health outcomes for patients with celiac disease.
Is Dr. Rutella's research relevant to patients with chronic gastrointestinal issues?
Yes, his work focuses on finding safer and more effective treatments for conditions like Crohn's disease and celiac disease.
What treatment options has Dr. Rutella researched?
He has researched autologous stem cell transplantation and the effects of a gluten-free diet on stem cell levels in patients.
Are there risks associated with the treatments studied by Dr. Rutella?
Yes, particularly with stem cell treatment, where serious side effects have been reported.
Publications in plain English
SOCS1 Protects Acute Myeloid Leukemia against Allogeneic T Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity.
2025
Blood cancer discovery
Tin E, Rutella S, Khatri I, Na Y, Yan Y +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how a protein called SOCS1 helps acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells avoid being attacked by T-cells, which are important for fighting cancer. The researchers found that by targeting SOCS1, they could improve the ability of T-cells to attack and kill leukemia cells. This is important because it offers a new approach to making leukemia treatments more effective, especially after stem cell transplants.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of human double-negative T cells reveals a favorable cellular signature for cancer therapy.
2025
Journal for immunotherapy of cancer
Tin E, Khatri I, Fang K, Na Y, Nawata M +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied double-negative T cells (DNTs) to understand their potential benefits in treating leukemia compared to traditional T-cell therapies. They found that DNTs have a unique genetic makeup that allows them to be more effective and persistent in fighting cancer, showing superior anti-leukemic activity over standard T cells in lab tests. This discovery is important because it could lead to better therapies for patients with leukemia, enhancing treatment options and outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with leukemia.
The immunotherapy landscape in AML: Defining knowledge gaps toward rational combinatorial strategies.
2025
Seminars in hematology
Subklewe M, Rutella S, Curti A
Plain English Researchers studied the challenges of using immunotherapy to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and how it differs from successful treatments for other blood cancers. They found that while therapies like CAR T cells have transformed treatments for B-cell cancers, AML lacks specific targets for these therapies, making it harder to develop effective treatments without harming healthy cells. This matters because understanding these differences can help develop better, personalized treatment strategies for AML patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their doctors.
Escape from T-cell-targeting immunotherapies in acute myeloid leukemia.
2024
Blood
Vadakekolathu J, Rutella S
Plain English Researchers studied how immune cells interact with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and how this affects treatment outcomes, especially regarding T-cell-targeting therapies. They found that certain AML subgroups, which show increased signaling from a molecule called interferon gamma (IFN-γ), respond better to specific therapies, like CD123×CD3-bispecific molecules, rather than conventional chemotherapy, which they were less likely to tolerate. This understanding helps identify new treatment strategies to overcome resistance in patients with AML, aiming to improve their chances of recovery.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their doctors by providing insights for better treatment options.
CD8+ T-cell differentiation and dysfunction inform treatment response in acute myeloid leukemia.
2024
Blood
Mazziotta F, Biavati L, Rimando J, Rutella S, Borcherding N +11 more
Plain English This study focused on the role of specific T-cells, called CD8+ T-cells, in how patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) respond to treatment. Researchers found that certain early memory CD8+ T-cells are linked to better responses to therapy, while a shift towards more dysfunctional CD8+ T-cells is associated with treatment resistance, indicating that 60% of patients may not respond effectively to current therapies. Understanding these T-cell behaviors can help improve treatment strategies for AML patients.
Who this helps: This helps AML patients and their doctors.
Safety and efficacy of autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with low-dose cyclophosphamide mobilisation and reduced intensity conditioning versus standard of care in refractory Crohn's disease (ASTIClite): an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.
2024
The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology
Lindsay JO, Hind D, Swaby L, Berntsson H, Bradburn M +28 more
Plain English This study looked at whether a type of stem cell treatment combined with a lower dose of chemotherapy is safer and more effective for people with severe Crohn's disease compared to standard treatment. Researchers found that while the stem cell treatment helped reduce disease activity in 43% of patients, it came with serious side effects, including two deaths, making it not a good option for future use. This is important because it sheds light on the risks of experimental treatments in challenging cases of Crohn's disease.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the risks and benefits of advanced treatments for severe Crohn's disease.
Blinatumomab differentially modulates peripheral blood and bone marrow immune cell repertoire: A Campus ALL study.
2023
British journal of haematology
Ocadlikova D, Lussana F, Fracchiolla N, Bonifacio M, Santoro L +17 more
Plain English This study looked at how a treatment called blinatumomab affects immune cells in the blood and bone marrow of patients with a type of leukemia called B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Researchers found that after treatment, certain immune cells, such as NK cells, increased, while others showed signs of exhaustion. This is important because understanding how blinatumomab changes the immune system could help improve treatment strategies for B-ALL patients.
Who this helps: Patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
An IDO1-related immune gene signature predicts overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia.
2022
Blood advances
Ragaini S, Wagner S, Marconi G, Parisi S, Sartor C +14 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain immune-related genes, particularly IDO1, can help predict survival rates in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Researchers analyzed data from 982 newly diagnosed AML patients and found that the IDO1 gene, along with another gene called BIN1, can indicate overall survival; specifically, higher levels of IDO1 were linked to lower survival rates. The best results came from a combination of several genes, which significantly improved predictions of how long patients might survive, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with AML by providing doctors with better tools to predict outcomes and tailor treatments.
Hyperactive neutrophil chemotaxis contributes to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment resistance in inflammatory bowel disease.
2022
Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Yau TO, Vadakekolathu J, Foulds GA, Du G, Dickins B +2 more
Plain English This study looked at why some patients with inflammatory bowel disease do not respond to anti-TNF-α treatments, finding that up to 30% of patients don’t benefit from these therapies. Researchers discovered that those who don’t respond had higher levels of certain immune cells, like neutrophils, and a key gene called IL13RA2 was identified as a strong predictor of treatment failure, with an accuracy of about 81%. This is important because it can help doctors identify which patients are less likely to benefit from anti-TNF-α treatment, guiding better treatment decisions.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.
Plain English This study investigated how a protein called IFNγ, released by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, affects the immune environment in the bone marrow and impacts patient survival. The researchers found that higher levels of IFNγ were linked to increased immune-suppressing regulatory T cells and poorer survival rates in AML patients, with high IFNG expression associated with significantly lower overall survival rates compared to those with low expression. Understanding this mechanism is important because it sheds light on how AML cells manipulate the immune system, which could help in developing better treatment strategies.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their doctors.
Immune dysfunction signatures predict outcomes and define checkpoint blockade-unresponsive microenvironments in acute myeloid leukemia.
2022
The Journal of clinical investigation
Rutella S, Vadakekolathu J, Mazziotta F, Reeder S, Yau TO +16 more
Plain English This study looked at how a type of immune cell, called CD8+ T cells, behaves in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and how that affects their chances of survival. The researchers found that these T cells often become worn out and less effective at fighting cancer, which is linked to worse outcomes for patients—specifically, patients with higher levels of these dysfunctional T cells had a lower overall survival rate. By identifying new gene patterns related to this immune dysfunction, they created a scoring system that can better predict patient outcomes and tailor immunotherapy treatments.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with acute myeloid leukemia by improving treatment personalization.
Gene Expression Profiling of FFPE Samples: A Titration Test.
2022
Technology in cancer research & treatment
Manjunath HS, Al Khulaifi M, Sidahmed H, Ammar A, Vadakekolathu J +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how to effectively analyze RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, which are often degraded but important for understanding diseases. Researchers tested two methods of extracting RNA and used a technology called NanoString to measure gene expression levels. They found that the NanoString method works well for samples with at least 30% RNA quality, making it a useful tool in clinical settings for diagnosing and monitoring diseases.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors in clinical settings by improving the accuracy of disease analysis.
Flotetuzumab as salvage immunotherapy for refractory acute myeloid leukemia.
2021
Blood
Uy GL, Aldoss I, Foster MC, Sayre PH, Wieduwilt MJ +43 more
Plain English This study examined the use of a treatment called flotetuzumab for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who did not respond to standard therapies or relapsed quickly. Out of 30 patients treated, 26.7% achieved complete remission, and those who did had a median overall survival of 10.2 months. This is important because it shows that flotetuzumab could be an effective option for patients with limited treatment choices.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia who have not responded to other treatments.
Hypoxia Signaling in Parkinson's Disease: There Is Use in Asking "What HIF?".
2021
Biology
Lestón Pinilla L, Ugun-Klusek A, Rutella S, De Girolamo LA
Plain English This research paper examines how low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia, can affect the brain, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease (PD). It found that when oxygen is scarce, a protein called HIF-1α becomes active and may help protect brain cells from damage caused by PD-related issues, such as cellular energy failure and oxidative stress. Understanding these mechanisms is important because it opens up possibilities for new treatments that could protect brain cells from dying in people with Parkinson's disease.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with Parkinson's disease.
Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Relevance.
2021
Cancers
Alves R, Gonçalves AC, Rutella S, Almeida AM, De Las Rivas J +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stop responding to a common treatment called Imatinib, which targets a specific gene mutation. It found that resistance can develop in two main ways: linked to the BCR-ABL1 gene and through other factors. By using advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing and artificial intelligence, researchers aim to better understand these resistance mechanisms, which can lead to more effective treatments for CML.
Who this helps: This research benefits CML patients by improving treatment options.
Flow cytometry and targeted immune transcriptomics identify distinct profiles in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors with or without interferon-α.
2020
Journal of translational medicine
Alves R, McArdle SEB, Vadakekolathu J, Gonçalves AC, Freitas-Tavares P +4 more
Plain English This study examined the immune system profiles of 41 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), both with and without interferon-alpha (IFN-α), compared to 20 healthy individuals. It found that those on TKIs plus IFN-α had fewer immune T cells and a higher percentage of regulatory T cells, indicating a more suppressive immune environment, alongside other changes in immune cell types. This is important because it highlights how different treatments impact the immune system, potentially influencing treatment responses and outcomes for patients with CML.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their doctors by providing insights into how treatments affect the immune system.
Characteristics of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Prior to and During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.
2020
Frontiers in immunology
Plesca I, Tunger A, Müller L, Wehner R, Lai X +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain immune cells in tumors affect the success of cancer treatments known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It was found that patients with higher levels of CD8 T cells before starting treatment tended to respond better, with those who responded having more of these cells after treatment. Conversely, patients with more dysfunctional T cells showed resistance to the therapy. Understanding these characteristics helps doctors better predict which patients will benefit from these treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with melanoma and their doctors in choosing effective treatment plans.
Immune landscapes predict chemotherapy resistance and immunotherapy response in acute myeloid leukemia.
2020
Science translational medicine
Vadakekolathu J, Minden MD, Hood T, Church SE, Reeder S +24 more
Plain English This study looked at how the immune system interacts with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and how this affects patients' responses to treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Researchers analyzed 442 samples from both children and adults, finding that certain immune profiles could help predict which patients would struggle against chemotherapy and which would benefit from a specific treatment called flotetuzumab. The findings highlight the importance of understanding immune characteristics to tailor treatments for AML based on individual patient needs.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with acute myeloid leukemia by guiding more personalized treatment approaches.
TP53 abnormalities correlate with immune infiltration and associate with response to flotetuzumab immunotherapy in AML.
2020
Blood advances
Vadakekolathu J, Lai C, Reeder S, Church SE, Hood T +24 more
Plain English This study looked at patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have specific changes in a gene called TP53. Researchers found that around 37% to 46% of these patients have TP53 mutations, which are linked to poorer outcomes. Notably, 47% of patients with these mutations responded very well to a new treatment called flotetuzumab, achieving complete remission, with those who responded living an average of over 10 months longer.
Who this helps: This is beneficial for patients with AML who have TP53 mutations, helping inform treatment options.
Plain English This study focuses on the challenges of sharing clinical trial and biomarker data related to cancer immunotherapy, highlighting the difficulties that arise from the differing interests of patients, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies. It identifies barriers to data sharing and emphasizes the need for clear standards to improve collaboration in the field. By addressing these issues, the research aims to foster better understanding and advancements in cancer treatments, which is crucial for enhancing patient care.
Who this helps: This helps patients seeking better cancer treatments and researchers aiming to improve immunotherapy options.
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer clinical and biomarkers data sharing resource document: Volume II-practical challenges.
2020
Journal for immunotherapy of cancer
Cesano A, Cannarile MA, Gnjatic S, Gomes B, Guinney J +14 more
Plain English This study looked at how difficult it is to share data from cancer research trials that focus on biomarkers, which are important for developing cancer treatments. Researchers found that sharing this type of data faces many challenges, including issues with technology and resources, which can slow down progress in making useful biomarker tests available for patients. By addressing these challenges and proposing new standards for how data should be shared, the authors aim to support the development of valuable cancer treatment tools.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on cancer therapies.
A parsimonious 3-gene signature predicts clinical outcomes in an acute myeloid leukemia multicohort study.
2019
Blood advances
Wagner S, Vadakekolathu J, Tasian SK, Altmann H, Bornhäuser M +3 more
Plain English The study focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer that varies widely in how well it responds to treatment. Researchers identified a specific three-gene signature that can predict how well patients will do after treatment, separating patients into different risk groups. This new method proved effective in analyzing 905 adult patients and 145 children with AML, improving the accuracy of survival predictions.
Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by providing clearer insights into treatment outcomes based on genetic information.
Reverting Immune Suppression to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy.
2019
Frontiers in oncology
Guerrouahen BS, Maccalli C, Cugno C, Rutella S, Akporiaye ET
Plain English This study looks at how tumors avoid being attacked by the immune system and explores ways to improve cancer treatments that use the immune system to fight cancer. Researchers found that certain factors in the tumor environment make immune cells less effective, but newer treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors can help restore these immune cells' ability to fight tumors. This matters because combining different immunotherapies can dramatically improve cancer patients' survival rates.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells in the Bone Marrow Niche.
2018
Biomedicines
Tasian SK, Bornhäuser M, Rutella S
Plain English This research focused on the bone marrow environment and how it helps leukemia stem cells survive and grow. The study found that these leukemia stem cells can evade the immune system and resist treatment, which makes them difficult to eliminate. Understanding this interaction is crucial because it can lead to better therapies that specifically target these stem cells, improving outcomes for patients with leukemia.
Who this helps: This helps patients with leukemia by aiming to provide more effective treatment options.
Immune Reconstitution After Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Crohn's Disease: Current Status and Future Directions. A Review on Behalf of the EBMT Autoimmune Diseases Working Party and the Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation In Refractory CD-Low Intensity Therapy Evaluation Study Investigators.
2018
Frontiers in immunology
Pockley AG, Lindsay JO, Foulds GA, Rutella S, Gribben JG +2 more
Plain English This research paper looks at how a specific treatment, called autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT), can help patients with severe Crohn's disease (CD) who have not responded to other treatments. The authors found that this treatment can significantly reset the immune system and help control disease symptoms in many patients. In the study, they also monitored how well patients' immune systems recovered after the treatment, which is important for understanding how to make this method even more effective.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with severe Crohn's disease who have not found relief from standard treatments.
Neutrophils Kill Antibody-Opsonized Cancer Cells by Trogoptosis.
2018
Cell reports
Matlung HL, Babes L, Zhao XW, van Houdt M, Treffers LW +24 more
Plain English This study looked at how a type of immune cell called neutrophils kill cancer cells that have been marked by antibodies for destruction. Researchers found that neutrophils use a process called trogoptosis to attack these cancer cells, damaging their outer membrane and leading to cell death. They also discovered that blocking a specific interaction (CD47-SIRPα) can make this destruction even more effective.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by improving the effectiveness of antibody treatments.
An Artificial Neural Network Integrated Pipeline for Biomarker Discovery Using Alzheimer's Disease as a Case Study.
2018
Computational and structural biotechnology journal
Zafeiris D, Rutella S, Ball GR
Plain English This research examined how artificial intelligence, specifically an approach called Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), can help find biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, which is a common type of dementia without any cure. The researchers tested this new method on existing public data and found it effective in identifying new potential markers that could help understand and possibly treat the disease better. This is important because identifying these markers may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for patients in the future.
Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
Immune-Phenotyping and Transcriptomic Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From Patients With Breast Cancer: Identification of a 3 Gene Signature Which Predicts Relapse of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
2018
Frontiers in immunology
Foulds GA, Vadakekolathu J, Abdel-Fatah TMA, Nagarajan D, Reeder S +7 more
Plain English This study examined the immune systems of 85 breast cancer patients to find out how their immune cells might predict the likelihood of their cancer coming back, especially in those with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The researchers found that certain immune cells were more prevalent in patients with later stages of the disease, and identified a specific group of 3 genes in TNBC patients that could indicate a higher risk of relapse after treatment. This information is important because it could help doctors identify which patients are more likely to face a cancer recurrence, allowing for closer monitoring or different treatment strategies.
Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer, particularly those with triple negative breast cancer.
Dissecting the Immune Landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
2018
Biomedicines
Davidson-Moncada J, Viboch E, Church SE, Warren SE, Rutella S
Plain English This study looked at acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that affects blood cells and has different responses to treatment. Researchers found that many AML patients, between 50% and 70%, have genetic profiles that don’t clearly indicate their chances of survival, making it difficult to choose the right treatment. They emphasized the importance of better understanding how the immune system interacts with AML to create more effective therapies and improve treatment outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with acute myeloid leukemia by aiming to improve their treatment options.
Plain English This study evaluated how to better understand the immune system's response to cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapies. The researchers, part of a Task Force, focused on improving methods for collecting and analyzing samples from the tumor environment and immune cells, which can help identify important markers that predict treatment success. Their recommendations aim to standardize these processes, which is crucial for advancing cancer therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients receiving cancer treatment and their doctors by providing better tools to assess and tailor therapies.
T-Cell Manipulation Strategies to Prevent Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation.
2017
Biomedicines
Vadakekolathu J, Rutella S
Plain English Researchers studied ways to safely use stem cells from partially matched donors (haploidentical donors) for treating blood disorders without causing harmful reactions in the body, specifically graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). They found that new methods can reduce the risk of GVHD while still keeping important immune cells effective against tumors, significantly improving patient outcomes. This is important because it expands treatment options for patients who don't have perfectly matched donors and helps them recover better after treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing stem cell transplants who lack fully matched donors.
Discovery and application of immune biomarkers for hematological malignancies.
2017
Expert review of molecular diagnostics
Zafeiris D, Vadakekolathu J, Wagner S, Pockley AG, Ball GR +1 more
Plain English This study examined how the immune system interacts with blood cancer cells and what this means for treatment. The researchers found that using advanced techniques to analyze immune cell behavior and cancer data can reveal important immune markers, helping to design better therapies and predict how well patients will respond to treatment. Understanding these interactions is essential for improving cancer care and tailoring treatments to individual patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with blood cancers by guiding personalized treatment options and improving outcomes.
Integrative systems medicine approaches to identify molecular targets in lymphoid malignancies.
2016
Journal of translational medicine
Frazzi R, Auffray C, Ferrari A, Filippini P, Rutella S +1 more
Plain English This study looked at new ways to find specific targets for treating lymphoid cancers, which include blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The researchers used advanced genetic analysis tools to discover unique molecular features of these cancers, helping to improve treatment strategies. These findings are important because they can lead to better therapies and potentially higher survival rates for patients facing these diseases.
Who this helps: Patients with lymphoid cancers.
The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) controls macrophage phagocytosis in intestinal inflammation.
2015
Gut
Genua M, D'Alessio S, Cibella J, Gandelli A, Sala E +8 more
Plain English This study focused on the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and its role in managing inflammation in conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers found that when uPAR was absent in mice, they experienced more severe inflammation and produced higher levels of inflammatory chemicals, while human samples showed that macrophages from inflamed areas had low uPAR levels. These results highlight uPAR as a crucial factor in how immune cells respond to intestinal inflammation, suggesting it could be a target for developing new treatments for IBD.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Outcome of children with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia given autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the aieop AML-2002/01 study.
2015
Bone marrow transplantation
Locatelli F, Masetti R, Rondelli R, Zecca M, Fagioli F +13 more
Plain English This study looked at 243 children with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were treated with either autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplants after their cancer went into remission. The results showed that 73% of kids who received allogeneic transplants remained free of disease after 5 years, compared to 63% of those who had autologous transplants. Notably, kids who received stem cells from unrelated donor cord blood had an impressive 92.3% chance of staying disease-free for eight years, highlighting the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
Who this helps: This study benefits children with high-risk leukemia and their doctors by providing insights on effective transplant options.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Colitis in Mice via Release of TSG6, Independently of Their Localization to the Intestine.
2015
Gastroenterology
Sala E, Genua M, Petti L, Anselmo A, Arena V +12 more
Plain English This study looked at how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can help reduce inflammation in the intestines of mice with colitis. Researchers found that even though fewer than 1% of the MSCs reached the inflamed area, the treatment still improved the mice's condition by increasing their body weight and lowering inflammation markers. The key factor behind this improvement was a molecule called TSG6, which was released by the MSCs and found to effectively reduce colitis symptoms.
Who this helps: This study benefits patients with inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis.
Revving up Natural Killer Cells and Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Against Hematological Malignancies.
2015
Frontiers in immunology
Pittari G, Filippini P, Gentilcore G, Grivel JC, Rutella S
Plain English This study looked at ways to boost special immune cells called Natural Killer (NK) cells and Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells, which can attack cancer cells. Researchers found that using specific substances like interleukin-15 and interleukin-21 helps these cells grow better in the lab, making them more effective for treating blood cancers. This is important because enhancing these immune cells can lead to improved treatment options for cancer patients.
Who this helps: Patients with blood cancers.
Reduced cortical thickness in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure due to non-alcoholic etiology.
2015
Journal of translational medicine
Yadav SK, Gupta RK, Saraswat VA, Rangan M, Thomas MA +5 more
Plain English This study looked at patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and how the condition affects the thickness of their brain's outer layer. Researchers found that patients with ACLF had significantly thinner cortical areas in the brain compared to healthy people, along with lower levels of important metabolites like N-acetyl aspartate and altered levels of glutamate/glutamine. Even after treatment, while some recovery occurred in the brain thickness and metabolite levels, the ACLF patients still had abnormalities when tested against healthy individuals, indicating that their recovery wasn't fully complete.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers by providing insights into the brain health of liver disease patients, helping them monitor recovery more effectively.
Granulocyte transfusions in children and adults with hematological malignancies: benefits and controversies.
2015
Journal of translational medicine
Cugno C, Deola S, Filippini P, Stroncek DF, Rutella S
Plain English This study looked at the use of granulocyte transfusions in children and adults with certain blood cancers who often face severe infections due to low white blood cell counts after treatments like chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. Although clinical trials have shown mixed results, some earlier studies indicate that these transfusions could help specific groups of patients manage infections better. Understanding these benefits and controversies is important as it could improve treatment strategies for patients at high risk of infection.
Who this helps: This helps patients with hematological malignancies who are at risk for severe infections.
Circulating hematopoietic stem cells and putative intestinal stem cells in coeliac disease.
2015
Journal of translational medicine
Piscaglia AC, Rutella S, Laterza L, Cesario V, Campanale M +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how gluten affects certain stem cells in the blood and intestines of people with celiac disease, a condition triggered by eating gluten. Researchers found that patients with celiac disease had more stem cells in their blood initially, which increased even more after one week on a gluten-free diet but then decreased over time. After two years on the diet, all patients felt better, and their intestine appeared normal again.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with celiac disease by highlighting the importance of a gluten-free diet for healing their intestines.
Extracorporeal photopheresis for paediatric patients experiencing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
2014
Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis
Rutella S, Valentini CG, Ceccarelli S, Romano MT, Brescia LP +2 more
Plain English This research paper examines the use of a treatment called extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) for children suffering from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition that can occur after a transplant. The study highlights specific challenges in treating younger patients because of their smaller size and different body responses, while looking at ongoing clinical trials. ECP is important because it can help improve the health of children with GVHD, offering a potential solution for a serious condition.
Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with graft-versus-host disease.
HLA-haploidentical stem cell transplantation after removal of αβ+ T and B cells in children with nonmalignant disorders.
2014
Blood
Bertaina A, Merli P, Rutella S, Pagliara D, Bernardo ME +16 more
Plain English In this study, researchers looked at 23 children with noncancerous health issues who underwent a specific type of stem cell transplant, where certain immune cells were removed beforehand. They found that 21 out of the 23 children remained alive and free of disease after two years, leading to a success rate of 91.1%. This method also had a low risk of serious complications, making it a promising option for treating these children.
Who this helps: This benefits children with nonmalignant disorders who need stem cell transplants.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) activity in leukemia blasts correlates with poor outcome in childhood acute myeloid leukemia.
2014
Oncotarget
Folgiero V, Goffredo BM, Filippini P, Masetti R, Bonanno G +10 more
Plain English This study investigated the role of a protein called IDO1 in 37 children newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Researchers found that 51% of the samples increased IDO1 activity in response to a signaling molecule, which correlated with a much poorer outcome: only 16.4% of children with IDO1 activity survived without complications after 8 years, compared to 48% of those without it. This matters because it highlights how IDO1 may worsen the disease, suggesting that targeting IDO1 could improve treatment for these young patients.
Who this helps: This helps children with acute myeloid leukemia and their doctors.
A registry of HLA-typed donors for production of virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes for adoptive reconstitution of immune-compromised patients.
2014
Transfusion
Li Pira G, Ivaldi F, Starc N, Landi F, Rutella S +4 more
Plain English This study looked at a registry of potential blood and tissue donors to create immune cells that specifically target common viral infections in people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those who have received stem cell transplants. The researchers tested 111 potential donors and found that 64% had immune responses to cytomegalovirus, 40% to Epstein-Barr virus, and 51% to adenovirus, with 49% responding to all three viruses. This is important because it shows that many donors can contribute valuable immune cells that could help protect vulnerable patients from serious infections.
Who this helps: This benefits immune-compromised patients, particularly those who have undergone stem cell transplants.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to allogeneic T-cell depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in infants with severe combined immune deficiency: is it feasible?
2014
Intensive care medicine
Di Nardo M, Locatelli F, Di Florio F, Cecchetti C, Amodeo A +2 more
Mobilization of healthy donors with plerixafor affects the cellular composition of T-cell receptor (TCR)-αβ/CD19-depleted haploidentical stem cell grafts.
2014
Journal of translational medicine
Rutella S, Filippini P, Bertaina V, Li Pira G, Altomare L +10 more
Plain English This study looked at whether a drug called plerixafor can help collect more stem cells from healthy donors for use in a specific type of stem cell transplant when donors don't match perfectly. The researchers found that using plerixafor along with another medication increased the number of important stem cells collected from donors who initially had low levels, helping them reach a higher target of 40 cells per microliter. This is important because it improves the amount of usable cells for transplants, which can lead to better outcomes for patients in need.
Who this helps: This helps patients requiring stem cell transplants, especially children.
Recent advances on cellular therapies and immune modulators for graft-versus-host disease.
2014
Expert review of clinical immunology
Filippini P, Rutella S
Plain English This study looked at how new treatments can help prevent and treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious condition that can occur after certain types of stem cell transplants. GVHD affects about 15% of patients who receive these transplants and happens when the new immune cells attack the patient's body. Researchers discussed recent approaches that target immune cells to improve outcomes for patients at risk for this disease.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing stem cell transplants.
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) in inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis.
2014
Journal of translational medicine
Genua M, Rutella S, Correale C, Danese S
Plain English This study looked at the role of specific proteins called TREM in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes gut inflammation. Researchers found that TREM-1 increases inflammation while TREM-2 does too, which is surprising since TREM-2 was believed to have a different effect. Understanding how these proteins work can lead to new treatments for people with IBD.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease.