The publisher Taylor & Francis is investigating a paper claiming DNA contamination in COVID-19 vaccines after concerns were raised on PubPeer, just as the CDC committee is set to review vaccine safety, with the authors suggesting their findings will be discussed in upcoming meetings. The study's methods and references have been questioned, highlighting issues with the measurement techniques and regulatory compliance, raising broader concerns about peer review and scientific accuracy.
Loss-of-function mutations in the PLD4 gene are linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with affected patients showing immune dysregulation characterized by overactivation of the type I interferon pathway, impaired exonuclease activity of PLD4, and increased activation of TLR7/9 pathways, leading to autoimmune manifestations. Mouse models confirm the role of PLD4 deficiency in autoimmunity, and JAK inhibitors like baricitinib show therapeutic potential by reducing inflammation and autoantibody levels.
Researchers at Osaka University have identified a protein complex, COMMD3/8, that plays a role in accelerating rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. They discovered that celastrol, a compound extracted from the root of a medicinal plant commonly referred to as the “Thunder God vine”, is an effective inhibitor of the COMMD3/8 complex. Celastrol binds to COMMD3 covalently and prevents the formation of the COMMD3/8 complex, thus impairing the antibody response and blocking the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in a mouse model.
Researchers are conducting clinical trials to find treatments for long Covid, a complex and life-limiting ailment that affects millions of people. Long Covid is likely a smorgasbord of diseases that fall under one big umbrella, making it difficult to design clinical trials. Trials are targeting different mechanisms, such as using Pfizer's antiviral drug, Paxlovid, to eradicate any lingering remnants of SARS-CoV-2, or using low-dose naltrexone to hamper inflammation in the body. Researchers hope that successful treatments for long Covid could shed light on other long-overlooked chronic illnesses.
Viruses like herpes, HIV, Epstein-Barr, and others can cause long-term health issues, including chronic conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases. Long COVID is the latest long-term condition caused by a virus, and researchers are studying its similarities to other post-viral fatigue ailments. While some viruses are transient and go away quickly, others like EBV can linger for years or even a lifetime. There are currently over 300 clinical trials for long COVID treatments, and prevention options like Paxlovid and metformin are showing promise. Long COVID specialty clinics are now available in every state except South Dakota and Kansas.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein complex, COMMD3/8, that promotes the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and found that celastrol, an extract from the root of a medicinal plant, is a potent inhibitor of the COMMD3/8 complex. Celastrol impairs the antibody response and blocks the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in a mouse model. The COMMD3/8 complex is central to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions, making it a promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.
