We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Peptide from Umbilical Cord Blood Shuts Down a Neutrophil Inflammatory Factor

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Sep 2016
Image: Infection fighting cells from umbilical cord blood (left) and circulating blood three days after birth (right) from the same prematurely born baby. Umbilical cord blood has high levels of neonatal NET inhibitory factor (nNIF), which inhibits formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) (Photo courtesy of Mark Cody/Diana Lim, University of Utah Health Care).
Image: Infection fighting cells from umbilical cord blood (left) and circulating blood three days after birth (right) from the same prematurely born baby. Umbilical cord blood has high levels of neonatal NET inhibitory factor (nNIF), which inhibits formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) (Photo courtesy of Mark Cody/Diana Lim, University of Utah Health Care).
Researchers have isolated a peptide in umbilical cord blood that blocks the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and reduces inflammation and risk of developing sepsis.

NETs are molecular lattices of decondensed chromatin embedded with histones, granule enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides that are extruded by immune system neutrophil granulocytes, (polymorphonuclear leukocytes or PMNs) to capture and contain bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Experimental evidence has indicated that NETs also cause inflammatory vascular and tissue damage, suggesting that identifying pathways that inhibit NET formation may have therapeutic implications.

After examining various potential sites for the presence of a NET inhibitor, investigators at University of Utah Health Care (Salt Lake City, USA) discovered a peptide in umbilical cord blood that inhibited NET formation in vitro and in vivo and that appeared to be an endogenous regulator of NET generation.

They reported in the September 6, 2016, online edition of The Journal of Clinical Investigation that in addition to this neonatal NET-inhibitory factor (nNIF), they had also identified additional nNIF-related peptides (NRPs) that inhibited NET formation. These nNIFs and NRPs blocked NET formation induced by pathogens, microbial toxins, and pharmacologic agonists in vitro and in mouse models of infection and systemic inflammation, and they improved mortality in mouse models of systemic inflammation.

"We found something we were not expecting, and it has taken us to new strategies for therapy that did not exist before," said senior author Dr. Guy Zimmerman, professor of internal medicine at University of Utah Health Care.

Related Links:
University of Utah Health Care

New
Gold Member
Latex Test
SLE-Latex Test
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
New
Automated Biochemical Analyzer
iBC 900

DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
PURITAN MEDICAL