Immune system research reveals key roles of dendritic cells and HLA molecules

Recent scientific studies have provided new insights into how the human immune system recognizes and responds to threats, ranging from tumors to pathogens.

A study published in Science, coordinated by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, identifies conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) as the primary orchestrators of tertiary lymphoid structures within tumors. These small clusters of immune cells are associated with better prognoses and more effective immunotherapy. Researchers used advanced spatial analysis to observe how these specific cells manage the birth and survival of these structures, which are crucial for triggering effective anti-tumor responses.

In a separate study published in Nature Communications, researchers led by the HUN-REN BRC Szeged Momentum Systems Immunology Research Group investigated the role of HLA class II molecules. These molecules are responsible for presenting fragments of viruses or bacteria to T lymphocytes. By analyzing data from the UK Biobank and antibody responses from approximately 1,500 individuals, the team demonstrated that genetic variations in HLA-II molecules influence immune efficacy. Individuals with HLA-II variants that possess a broader repertoire of peptide-binding capabilities tend to show more frequent and robust antibody responses against pathogenic microbes.