Obesity has been linked to skeletal muscle loss and deterioration. While M2 macrophages may play a role in regulating muscle function, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Now, researchers from Japan have found that deleting the signaling protein transforming growth factor-beta 1 from a specific population of M2 macrophages protected mice from obesity-induced muscle dysfunction. This enhanced muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for muscle loss associated with obesity.

An Australian-first study of twins will seek to find out why two genetically similar people respond differently to infections, diseases and treatments.

The Snow Centre for Immune Health and the University of Melbourne’s Twins Research Australia (TRA) will recruit 100 pairs of identical and non-identical twins as study participants.

The study aims to provide rare insight into how much of our immune function is written in our DNA, and how much is shaped by experiences and the environment we live in.

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have developed a novel treatment for periodontitis that selectively targets harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes essential for oral health. Unlike existing treatments such as antibiotics and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), this method maintains the balance of the entire oral microbial ecosystem.