Ligand News and Research

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COVID-19 immunity stays specific and barely boosts protection against common cold coronaviruses

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination generate strong, highly specific spike-binding immune responses with only modest effects on immunity to endemic common cold coronaviruses. Pre-existing coronavirus immunity patterns remain largely intact, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 has integrated into the human viral landscape without broadly reshaping cross-reactive protection.

5 Jan 2026

Novel mRNA therapy rejuvenates immune function in aging mice

Can the weakened immune systems of older individuals be rejuvenated? Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the HI-STEM institute, and the Broad Institute have demonstrated that this is possible with an innovative approach.

17 Dec 2025

Circadian control of neutrophils limits heart damage after myocardial infarction

Neutrophils cause time-of-day–dependent collateral tissue damage after sterile injury through an intrinsic circadian program. Activating a CXCL12–CXCR4 checkpoint repositions neutrophils, limiting inflammatory injury without impairing antimicrobial defense.

15 Dec 2025

Cryo-EM reveals NPFFR1 activation and guides novel ligand design

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying ligand recognition, subtype selectivity, and activation of neuropeptide FF receptor 1 (NPFFR1)-a Gi/o-coupled receptor that responds to endogenous RF-amide peptides (RFRP-3 from pro-NPFFB, NPFF from pro-NPFFA) and regulates physiological processes like opioid function, pain, and energy homeostasis.

13 Dec 2025

New findings show why the human intestine uniquely presents gluten to T cells

Human intestinal M cells function as dendritic cell-like antigen-presenting cells, displaying constitutive MHC-II activity and specialized machinery for processing gluten. Their ability to deamidate and present gliadin peptides positions them as key initiators of immune responses relevant to coeliac disease.

11 Dec 2025

Why soybean oil may fuel weight gain

Researchers investigate how soybean oil may disrupt fat metabolism to potentially increase the risk of obesity.

4 Dec 2025

Researchers identify key differences between two subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and their international collaborators have identified key developmental and molecular differences between the two main subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CLL.

18 Nov 2025

Single-cell study reveals how HPV shapes immune landscape in penile cancer

Although penile cancer represents less than 1% of male malignancies, it carries substantial physical and psychological burden, with a five-year survival rate near 50%.

13 Nov 2025

Drinking orange juice daily may fine-tune genes tied to cardiovascular wellness

Regular orange juice consumption reprograms immune-cell gene activity linked to blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and inflammation in healthy adults. The molecular effects differ by body weight, suggesting BMI-tailored benefits from this everyday beverage.

9 Nov 2025

GLP-1 drugs calm inflammation beyond diabetes and weight loss

This Journal of Clinical Investigation review describes how glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)–based medicines reduce systemic and tissue inflammation through both weight-dependent and weight-independent mechanisms. It details preclinical and clinical evidence linking GLP-1 receptor activation to cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neural, and joint anti-inflammatory effects while outlining uncertainties and future research needs.

4 Nov 2025

Lactate and lactylation drive metabolic, epigenetic reprogramming in gynecological cancers

Lactate, once considered a metabolic waste product, is now recognized as a key regulator of cellular homeostasis and disease progression.

31 Oct 2025

Immune cell dysregulation and inflammatory mediators shape epilepsy risk

Emerging evidence implicates immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, yet the causal mechanisms remain unclear.

31 Oct 2025

Integrating physicochemical laws into future AI models for better drug design

Proteins play a key role not only in the body, but also in medicine: they either serve as active ingredients, such as enzymes or antibodies, or they are target structures for drugs.

30 Oct 2025

Novel computational platform can design synthetic protein receptors from scratch

Cancer immunotherapy, especially using T cells, is showing a lot of promise in treating blood cancers. Bioengineered T cells, especially those equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells), have revolutionized cancer treatment.

28 Oct 2025

New study reveals how the glucocorticoid receptor forms complex structures inside cells

Drugs to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases - such as asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or Chrousos syndrome - act mainly through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).

27 Oct 2025

Advancements and clinical translation of intelligent nanodrugs for breast cancer treatment

A comprehensive review in "Biofunct. Mater." meticulously details the most recent advancements and clinical translation of intelligent nanodrugs for breast cancer treatment.

24 Oct 2025

Novel molecule found to be a key player in kidney injury and repair

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood.

23 Oct 2025

Researchers develop a novel approach to monitor CD8⁺ T cell activity over time

The ability of immune cells-particularly CD8+ T cells-to launch a rapid burst of proliferation inside tumors is key to the success of modern day cancer immunotherapies.

21 Oct 2025

Machine learning advances drug discovery through generalizable models

The drug development pipeline is a costly and lengthy process. Identifying high-quality "hit" compounds-those with high potency, selectivity, and favorable metabolic properties-at the earliest stages is important for reducing cost and accelerating the path to clinical trials.

16 Oct 2025

How shifting antibodies fuel aging and the new therapies aiming to slow it

This review uncovers how aging reshapes immunoglobulins, particularly IgG, IgM, and IgA, driving inflammation, cellular senescence, and tissue degeneration. By dissecting B-cell dysfunction, glycosylation changes, and Fc receptor pathways, it reveals immunoglobulins as both biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in aging.

14 Oct 2025