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Brain microglia serve as a stable viral reservoir for latent HIV

As a part of its life cycle, the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) inserts a copy of its DNA into human immune cells. Some of these newly infected immune cells can then transition into a dormant, latent state for a long period of time, which is referred to as HIV latency.

16 Jun 2023

Connecting the inflammatory dots: Obesity, depression, and Alzheimer's linked by neuroinflammation

Obesity-induced neuroinflammation significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of depression and Alzheimer's disease. Targeting midlife stage for intervention is crucial to potentially prevent Alzheimer's pathology.

13 Jun 2023

New process for creating a “meta-cell overcomes the challenges of studying single-cell secrets

University of California, Irvine neuroscientists probing the gene changes behind Alzheimer's disease have developed a process of making a "meta-cell" that overcomes the challenges of studying a single cell.

13 Jun 2023

Study shows how blood makes the brain’s immune cells toxic

In patients with neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, immune cells in the brain known as microglia that normally fulfill beneficial functions become harmful to neurons, leading to cognitive dysfunction and motor impairment.

8 Jun 2023

New insights into the importance of microglia in controlling anxiety-related behaviors

The pandemic and its aftermath have raised anxiety to new levels. But the roots of anxiety-related conditions, including obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD), are still unclear.

5 Jun 2023

Is translocator protein distribution volume elevated in the brain after acute COVID-19 infection with sequelae of depressive and cognitive symptoms?

Researchers discuss the occurrence of neuroinflammation after coronavirus disease 2019.

5 Jun 2023

New insight into how click chemistry EV/peptide/chemokine nanomissiles repair CNS injuries

This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses click chemistry extracellular vesicle/peptide/chemokine nanocarriers for treating central nervous system injuries.

31 May 2023

Unlocking the Secrets of Multiple Sclerosis Progression: Brain-Immune Cell Communication

To commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day, we speak to Dr. Cameron McAlpine about his latest research that sought to understand better the proteins and signals that act as messengers between brain and immune cells in MS.

30 May 2023

Gut bacteria toxins: A hidden trigger for Parkinson's disease?

Gut dysfunction and the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), leading to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Modulating the gut microbiome and reducing LPS levels may hold potential as treatment strategies for PD.

24 May 2023

Study sheds light on the importance of a subset of microglial cells in cognition and memory

A new study sheds light on the importance of microglia, the immune cells of the brain, in cognition and memory.

15 May 2023

Study offers hope for better recovery of stroke patients

Ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, is a common cause of death and disability.

11 May 2023

Boosting gut health with short-chain fatty acids

Research paper provides an overview of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and their role in regulating gut homeostasis. It also discusses SCFA-producing bacteria and potential therapeutic approaches to boost SCFA levels in the gut to treat related diseases.

9 May 2023

Mount Sinai researchers identify a new therapeutic target for MS and other brain disorders

Cross-talk between brain cells and peripheral immune cells can modulate the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), Mount Sinai researchers have discovered.

8 May 2023

UVA researchers advance understanding of how the brain responds to seizures

New University of Virginia School of Medicine insights into how the brain responds to seizures could facilitate the development of much-needed treatments for the third of patients who don’t respond to existing options.

8 May 2023

Manipulating microglia behavior with light

An international research team, comprising scientists from DZNE, University Hospital Bonn, the Netherlands, and the US has been awarded a US$ 1.3 million grant by the "Human Frontier Science Program" to investigate brain immune cells and manipulate them via light irradiation.

5 May 2023

How does air pollution impact perinatal mental health?

Researchers show strong associations between air pollution and poor perinatal mental health.

2 May 2023

Understanding how biological sex and immune system contribute to shaping the developing brain

Researchers have established that biological sex plays a role in determining an individual's risk of brain disorders.

26 Apr 2023

Depressed? Anxious? Air pollution may be a factor

In the 1990s, residents of Mexico City noticed their dogs acting strangely — some didn't recognize their owners, and the animals' sleep patterns had changed.

25 Apr 2023

Targeting antiviral pathway may offer a new approach to fight Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia

Targeting part of an antiviral pathway triggered by the accumulation of a key pathogen shared in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia may one day offer a new therapeutic approach to deterring or delaying cognitive decline, according to preclinical research led by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists.

24 Apr 2023

Dreaded tick-borne encephalitis virus affects different cell types in the brain, study shows

The dreaded tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus infects different types of brain cells in different parts of the brain, depending on whether the affected person's immune system is activated or not.

17 Apr 2023