Breakthrough in stem cell research: New protein finds immune response!

Breakthrough in stem cell research: New protein finds immune response!

Research and medical advances in stem cell therapy are becoming increasingly important, not only for the treatment of blood diseases, but also for central aspects of the immune response. An international research team led by the University Medical Center Frankfurt and the Goethe University has now examined the development paths of blood cells in more detail. These findings could have far-reaching implications for the treatment of leukemia.

How puk.uni-frankfurt.de reported, blood consists of different cell types that arise from blood stem cells. This comprehensive study analyzed over 62,000 individual cells using advanced sequencing methods. A particularly notable finding was the discovery of the surface protein PD-L2, which is found on blood stem cells. PD-L2 can suppress the immune response of T cells, which could potentially prevent immune-mediated damage and is therefore of great importance for stem cell transplantation.

The process of blood formation

The research team found that an adult human produces around five million new blood cells every second. These blood cells arise in the bone marrow from unspecialized blood stem cells. The differentiation process leads to the formation of erythrocytes, platelets and various white blood cells. This differentiation plays a crucial role, both in maintaining health and in treating diseases that affect the blood.

The most important results of this study have been published in the renowned journal Nature Communications. Lead authors Hana Komic and Tessa Schmachtel worked on this important research under the direction of Prof. Michael Rieger.

Stem cell transplants and their forms

Stem cell transplants have emerged as an effective method for restoring blood cells destroyed by high-dose chemotherapy. While donated bone marrow was previously most commonly used, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCTs) are now the preferred option. Loud medde.org These stem cells circulate in the blood and can easily be collected and transfused.

Peripheral blood stem cells have several advantages. Above all, in many cases they provide better results in the recovery of platelets and neutrophils, especially when they come from unrelated donors. Such transplants can be carried out in three variants: autologous transplants (with the patient's own stem cells), allogeneic transplants (with stem cells from relatives or unrelated donors) and syngeneic transplants (with stem cells from an identical twin).

A significant advantage of PBSC donation is the less invasive collection process compared to bone marrow donation. When donating, the stem cells are taken from the blood. However, side effects such as body aches and flu-like symptoms are also possible.

Risks and future prospects

Despite progress, risks remain with stem cell transplants. Complications such as risks of infection, anemia and thrombocytopenia may occur. There is also a risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvH), in which the transplanted cells recognize the recipient as foreign and attack. To prevent such reactions, immunosuppressive medications must be given after the transplant, but these may increase the risk of serious infections.

Research on the subject of stem cells is far from complete. Recent insights into surface proteins and stem cell differentiation pathways may significantly change the direction for future therapies and improvement of existing treatment approaches. Ongoing development makes it possible to find approaches that better regulate the immune response and minimize complications.

Finally, modern research shows how important a deep understanding of stem cell biology is to address the challenges in cancer treatment and beyond.