Hye Jin

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder driven by dysregulated B and T cell responses. This study explores the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells and their interaction with other immune cells in SLE, using Sanroque mice as a model. Researchers found that Treg cells expand, maintaining suppressive function, yet fail to fully control autoimmunity. Defective inducible T cell costimulator signalling reduces Treg cells and disrupts germinal centre (GC) B cell responses but does not prevent autoantibody production, suggesting that non-GC B cell responses are involved. Notably, Nrp-1 hi CD4 T cells, which are self-reactive, outcompete Treg cells for dendritic cell engagement, and promote age-associated B cells, contributing to autoantibody production. These findings suggest that targeting inducible T cell costimulator signalling in SLE may have dual effects, potentially reducing Treg cells and activating non-GC responses. Future research could explore therapeutic strategies targeting Nrp-1 hi CD4 T cells to manage SLE more effectively.

Bispecific antibodies that target the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and mediate transport into the brain parenchyma are being used to increase the therapeutic potential of IgGs and other biologics.

Dynamic changes in the nanostructure and rheology during the hydrolysis of poly( D L -lactic acid) (PLA)-bearing hydrogels were investigated using

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern hepatic stellate cell (HSC) fate is essential for developing effective antifibrotic therapies.

We investigate the effects of environmental noise on cooperation in a spatial evolutionary game model with variable population size. Building on a one-dimensional lattice model in which vacancies promote cooperation through spatial selection, we add random noise to the environmental quality parameter and consider two distinct types: annealed noise, where the environmental quality fluctuates independently at each site and each time step, and quenched noise, where each site is assigned a permanently fixed random value. For annealed noise, we develop a mean-field theory by replacing the noise-dependent death probabilities with their distribution averages, and find that increasing the noise intensity shifts both the cooperator-defector phase boundary and the absorbing boundary upward in the parameter space, simultaneously expanding the cooperative regime and the extinction region. These predictions are confirmed by numerical simulations. In contrast, quenched noise leaves the phase boundary nearly unchanged across all noise levels, exerting only a weak effect on cooperator frequency. Together, these results demonstrate that temporal fluctuations, rather than static spatial heterogeneity, are the primary driver of noise-induced shifts in the cooperative phase structure.

Continuous monitoring of vocal cord vibrations and laryngeal movements is essential for early diagnosis of speech disorders and dysphagia, yet

Bisphenol A (BPA) has long been recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) with obesogenic properties, prompting widespread industrial

G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) is a receptor primarily found in immune cells and is involved in metabolic and immune responses. This study addresses the challenge of understanding GPR84's ligand specificity and signaling pathways, which are crucial for its role in diseases such as inflammation and cancer. Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to capture the structures of GPR84 in both active and inactive states, bound to the agonist ZQ-16 and antagonist GLPG1205, respectively. These structures revealed how different ligands interact with GPR84, influencing its signaling pathways. The active state showed how ZQ-16 promotes pro-inflammatory responses, whereas the inactive state demonstrated how GLPG1205 inhibits these pathways. These findings provide a structural basis for designing selective modulators of GPR84, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving immune responses. Future research could explore endogenous ligands and diverse signaling mechanisms across cell types.

Background Autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD), the leading cause of diffuse thyroid disease in children and adolescents, can severely impact growth and development if undetected. Many pediatric patients present with goiter despite normal thyroid function, creating diagnostic uncertainty regarding the need for serological evaluation. This study aimed to identify ultrasonographic and clinical features associated with AITD in children and adolescents with simple goiter and normal thyroid function, with emphasis on the diagnostic utility of combined sonographic abnormalities for risk stratification. Methods From January 2000 through January 2024, 88 consecutive children and adolescents with goiter and normal thyroid function underwent thyroid US and biochemical evaluation of thyroid autoimmunity within 3 months. Patients were subcategorized into AITD (n = 34) and non-AITD (n = 54) groups based on thyroid antibody status. Clinical features, laboratory data, and US findings were analyzed, including echogenicity, echotexture, vascularity, and combined US abnormalities for risk stratification. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent two-sample t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results The AITD group showed significantly higher family history of AITD (26.5% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.03) and older age (14.29 ± 4.06 vs. 11.56 ± 3.88 years, p = 0.01) compared to non-AITD group. US findings showed more hypoechogenicity (41.2% vs. 3.7%), heterogeneity (85.3% vs. 33.3%), and increased vascularity (76.5% vs. 25.9%) in AITD patients (all p < 0.001). Combined US abnormalities (≥ 2 findings) demonstrated 85.3% sensitivity; in multivariate analysis (Model B), the composite criterion showed OR = 4.63 (95% CI: 1.39–15.44, p = 0.013). Conclusions These findings support the use of thyroid US as a risk stratification adjunct in the evaluation of pediatric goiter, enabling early identification of high-risk patients who may benefit from expedited serological testing. The presence of ≥ 2 sonographic abnormalities provides a sensitive trigger for prioritized antibody evaluation, particularly in resource-limited settings or when optimizing clinical workflow; however, prospective multicenter validation is needed before widespread implementation. Clinical trial number Not applicable.