A pioneering liquid metal combination is shaping up as a potential secret weapon in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, and promises to outlast existing implant materials.   

While also able to combat infections, new research at the Flinders University Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory also confirms the special metallic material is far more biocompatible with bones – giving patients potential for quicker healing and device longevity after major orthopaedic surgery.  

Researchers at The University of Osaka have discovered precursor T follicular regulatory cells (preTfr), comprising 30-50% of circulating Tfr in human blood. preTfr are significantly reduced in severe COVID-19 and sepsis, correlating with increased anti-interferon-gamma autoantibodies and activated atypical B cells. Unlike stable conventional naïve regulatory T cells, preTfr are specifically depleted during severe disease. When stimulated, preTfr up-regulate suppressive molecules including IL-1RA and show enhanced wound healing capacity. Conversely, mRNA vaccination increases preTfr frequency, suggesting controlled immune participation. The findings identify preTfr as a therapeutic target for preventing autoantibody production during severe infections.

Researchers investigated how autoimmune gastritis alters the gastric microbiota and disrupts metabolism, shedding light on mechanisms that contribute to the development of neuroendocrine tumors.