A new role for an old immune cell may lead to novel therapies for infection and cancer
By sciencedaily.com
A new study has identified a previously undescribed role for a type of unconventional T cell with the potential to be used in the development of new therapies for infection and cancer.
The study, published today in Nature Communications, shows that Gamma Delta T cells are able to generate immunological memory against previous infections and cancerous targets.
The results challenge the textbook description of Gamma Delta T cells as 'natural born killers' with an innate ability to recognise and destroy abnormal cells.
Lead author of the study, Professor Ben Willcox from the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham, explains the key findings: "Instead of being 'natural born killers', we found these cells are actually quite smart. They adapt to and remember what they have encountered in life, which may include infections and pre-cancerous cells.
"This phenomenon of 'immunological memory' is what current vaccines exploit, but because Gamma Delta T cells recognise their targets in a different way, they present novel routes to generate vaccines, and also cell therapy approaches against infection and cancer."
In order to harness these "adaptive" abilities of Gamma Delta T cells, work is now required to identify the mechanism by which they recognise abnormal cells.
"We are working with other partners to understand exactly how these cells recognise signs of abnormality in infection and cancer, focussing on human cohorts. This knowledge will be crucial to help us build on the current study and explore how to develop new cell therapies and vaccines that exploit Gamma Delta T cells," adds Professor Willcox.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170301130506.htm
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Norvasc: Dosage Guide And Timing Considerations
Taking medication correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. For Norvasc (amlodipine), following the prescribed or recommended dosage schedule consistently is essential to achieving and maintaining therapeutic effects. The pharmacokinetic profile of amlodipine determines how quickly it is absorbed, how long it stays active in the body, and how often it needs to be taken. Antihypertensive medications work through several different mechanisms, and many patients eventually require two or more drugs to achieve adequate blood pressure control. Major classes include ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which relax blood vessels by blocking the renin-angiotensin system; calcium channel blockers, which reduce arterial stiffness; beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate and reduce its workload; and diuretics, which reduce blood volume by increasing fluid excretion through the kidneys. The standard dosing of Norvasc varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's age, weight, and kidney or liver function, and whether it is being used for acute symptom relief or chronic management. Full prescribing and dosage details, including dose adjustments for specific populations such as elderly patients or those with organ impairment, are available at https://mednewwsstoday.com/blood-pressure/norvasc-amlodipine/. Consistency is key when taking Norvasc. Skipping doses or stopping early can reduce the medication's effectiveness or, in some cases, allow the underlying condition to worsen. If a dose is missed, patients should generally take it as soon as they remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Doubling up to make up for a missed dose is not recommended for most medications. Those seeking comparative information on dosing and safety profiles across medications used for blood pressure management can refer to blood pressure management, where detailed profiles of individual medications in this category are maintained for patient education.
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