New York City-based Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Weill Cornell Medicine researcher David Artis, MD, and colleagues administered neuromedin U cells in mice which elicited a powerful immune response.
Researchers determined immune cells and nerve cells were “working together” to combat gut infections. Researchers discovered group 2 innate lymphoid cells have a receptor for NMU cells. When ILC2 cells were exposed to NMU, the ILC2 cells multiplied and secreted chemicals to trigger an “immune response or cause inflammation.” In the mice, the protein triggered an immune response that helped the mice expel parasites.
Dr. Artis said of the discovery, “Where we are most excited is thinking about multiple chronic inflammatory diseases that might be related to this neuronal-immune axis and where we might be able to intervene.”
Researchers believe the discovery could aid in the fight against inflammatory diseases including asthma, food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease.
Dr. Artis said the research was still in too early of a phase to determine if the receptors could be treatment targets, but he said researchers are studying the pathways to see if they lead to any possible therapies.
More articles on gastroenterology:
Acquisitions, legislator visits & more: 8 GI practices in the news
8 facts on medical coder salary — median, regional & historical data
GI center to know: East Valley Endoscopy
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
