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Australian scientists believe that chameleon cells can define the future of vaccines

Adam Layaan Kurik Riza

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3 years ago

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Australian scientists are assured that they have found significant implications for the future of T cell-based vaccines, including second generation COVID-19 vaccines.

Their findings were revealed on Tuesday and were published in Nature Immunology, which gives an insight into the function tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells play in the immune system, and describe how the cells behave in different body tissues.

TRM cells are only found in tissues, they will not be in circulation or the blood, and are required for immune protection against viral infections and are able to control melanoma skin growths.

The research team, led by University of Melbourne Professor Laura Mackay, a laboratory head at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, looked at the behavior of TRM cells in various body tissues.

The comparison of barrier organs that are exposed to the environment, such as the skin, to solid organs such as the liver, the immunologists found that the place in which TRMs are raised impacts how they contribute to immunity.

Researcher Susan Christo said finding out the molecular signatures of TRM cells in specific tissues would help in the development of T cell-based vaccines and immunotherapies.

“For example, if you want effective T-cell mediated immunity against a respiratory virus like SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, you want to induce TRM cells in the lung,” Christo said. “That way, the memory of the infection exists at the site of potential pathogen encounter. We found that TRM cells act like chameleons when they enter into a new tissue – they rapidly adapt to the molecules and proteins around them and can take on a new ‘image’ or phenotype.”

“The tissue surroundings also control how these cells behave – TRM cells in the skin are suppressed by a particular protein called TGF-b, which acts like a handbrake to stop these cells from unnecessary activation that may cause autoimmunity, such as psoriasis, but still allows them to fight against dangers like melanoma.”

“One key advantage of skin TRM cells is they can last a really long time and will be ready to attack when the body is in true danger.”

The team found the TRMs in the liver do not have this TGF-b “handbrake” and therefore have a greater ability to form a bigger pool of cells. “You could think of them as generating a large army of soldiers that fight the infection,” Christo said. “However liver TRMs have a shorter half-life and might not be around to fight future battles.”

“This is also the case for short-lived TRM cells in the lung, which has significant implications on the durability of vaccines against the flu and COVID-19. Therefore, our study provided the first evidence of what our immune cells need to last the distance and protect us for a long time.”

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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Fushidhiggaru project ongoing, will finish on time: Government

FI

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3 hours ago

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28/04/2024

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The Maldives government on Sunday assured Fushidhiggaru reclamation project, a key initiative under the vision of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has not stalled and would be completed on the scheduled date.

President’s Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed this on Sunday at a press conference, while providing details on other government initiatives.

The state has responded about the large-scale development project amid speculation in social media and by political opponents, claiming the initiative has stalled.

In response, Heena highlighted that the sand dredging in the project is currently on pause, stressing this was not indicative of the entire project being halted.

“I would like to ask, if they gauge the ongoing status of a capacity based on whether sand dredging is ongoing or not. Although sand dredging has stopped, there would be several other associated components of the project that requires attention and execution,” Heena commented.

She further said the project requires administrative and other work, all of which, she added, were ongoing.

“In response, I would like to reply that the Fushidhiggaru project has not stalled, it is ongoing. The project would conclude as per the scheduled date announced by the President,” she said.

Under the large-scale development project, 1,153 hectares of land will be reclaimed, which is thrice the combined size of Hulhumale’ Phase I and II.

The iniatiative commenced officially on December 18, 2023 while the Maldives President assured the reclamation component will conclude within eight months from the date of commencement.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Efforts underway to submit new laws to Parliament

FI

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3 hours ago

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28/04/2024

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Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office Heena Waleed has stated that efforts are underway to complete the administrative preparations for introducing new laws and amendments to the Parliament, with the government achieving a super majority in the parliamentary elections.

Heena stated there are several crucial laws to be presented to Parliament under the government’s week-14 legislative agenda. As such, laws relating to housing, the criminal justice system, social security are to be submitted. On this stance, Heena affirmed that the laws and amendments which have been stalled in the committee phase will be given a top priority to be implemented by the end of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure.

Furthermore, Heena revealed that over 200 laws are to be implemented, aiming to fulfill President Dr. Muizzu’s commitment outlined in the government’s manifesto. She assured that the elected Parliament will play a significant role as their views align with that of the president.

Observing that the government attained a super majority during the parliamentary elcetions was due to the unwavering trust in President Dr. Muizzu, Heena affirmed that this advantage will not be exploited. She guaranteed that the super majority will assist the government in implementing and enforcing policies that will benefit the public as per the respective policies.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Islamic Minister discusses expanding Zakat House

FI

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1 day ago

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27/04/2024

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Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has met with the Director General of Zakat House Director Dr. Majid Sulaiman Al-Azimi to discuss upgrading the Maldives Zakat House.

The minister confirmed this via X (formerly Twitter), highligting that the two discussed about expanding the services of the Zakat House, including staff and Sharia Board training, and the legal requirements of Zakat recipients.

Earlier, the minister announced the administration’s plan to introduce a financial aid system to extend aid to orphans permanently. Dr. Shaheem said orphans will receive financial support annually until adulthood.

However, the minister did not specify how much the government intended to provide as financial support each year.

The current administration established the Maldives Zakat House with the objectives of increasing public awareness on the importance of paying Zakat, and foster love among the public towards the Islamic sacred act.

Under the Zakat Fund, government provided financial support to 52 individuals earlier in March 2024.

Statistics recently provided by the Zakat House showed the fund had been disbursed mainly in four areas, which are;

For Cancer Treatment – MVR 190,822.50
Brain Surgery – MVR 180,407.19
Heart Surgery – MVR 8,482.00
Transplants – MVR 25,443.00

Additionally, another MVR 227,872.50 was disbursed for various other areas.

Source(s): sun.mv

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