A new study has found that immune cells shed the sugars on their surface prior to entering the inflamed skin in people suffering from psoriasis. These findings could lay the foundation for understanding how this disease progresses and lays the groundwork for new approaches to treating psoriasis.
The study, whose findings were published in the Science Signaling journal, was conducted by a team in the UK, namely, Doctor Amy Saunders who works at Lancaster University, Doctor Douglas Dyer who works at the University of Manchester, and Doctor Megan Priestley, who was a PhD student to both Sanders and Dyer. Priestley now works at MIT in the U.S.
The cells in our bodies, especially the cells lining the walls of our blood vessels, have a thick layer of molecules made from complex sugars as their coating. This coating is referred to as the glycocalyx. It plays many roles, such as protecting the walls of blood vessels from chemical and mechanical damage. Recent research has revealed that this glycocalyx plays a role in regulating how immune cells travel through the body.
The trio that conducted this study in the UK discovered that our immune cells, which also have the glycocalyx layer as their coating, shed this glycocalyx to enable them leave the blood and move into the skin tissues of people having inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. This finding challenges the previously held view that only the glycocalyx of the walls of blood vessels shed the sugar coating to facilitate the process of immune cells entering inflamed skin.
When immune cells enter inflamed tissues, they help in combating and bringing down that inflammation while also fighting infections. However, the entry of immune cells into inflamed tissues can, in some cases, be harmful. For instance, the entry of immune cells plays a role in driving a number of inflammatory conditions like psoriasis that affect the skin.
Dr. Saunders explained that the research team was excited to discover that the glycocalyx coating existed on immune cells and was shed prior to their entry into inflamed tissue like the skin. She hoped that their findings would open the door to additional studies geared at finding ways to use their study results in the quest for new approaches to treating inflammatory diseases. Dr. Dyer added that they were happy to work on a project that helped to redefine what has been known about the way in which immune cells are recruited to sites of inflammation.
As more research teams at other entities like Soligenix Inc. (NASDAQ: SNGX) engage in R&D work intended to bring to market novel treatments indicated for inflammation, a lot more could be uncovered about the diseases that are driven by this condition.
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer
BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is powered by IBN
A review published recently has underscored how patients afflicted with central nervous system (CNS) cancers…
ECG data is necessary for the diagnosis of all cardiac arrhythmias in order to assess…
A recent report published by the American Lung Association shows that only a tiny fraction…
The financing initiatives underscore a disciplined approach to capital management at a critical stage for…
Soligenix revealed updates to its U.S. Medical Advisory Board for CTCL designed to support the…
The company revealed the trial at the Australia Translational Breast Cancer Research Symposium (“ATBCR”) Sapu-003…