A new form of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, a form of personalized cancer immunotherapy, dramatically improved the treatment’s effectiveness in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancers, according to results of a clinical trial led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The findings, published April 1, 2025 in Nature Medicine, offer hope that this therapy could be used to treat a variety of solid tumors, which has so far eluded researchers developing cell-based therapies.

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) benefits metabolic health, yet sex differences in its effects are often overlooked. A study by Sichuan Agricultural University published in Life Metabolism reveals TRF impacts liver metabolism differently in males and females. TRF promotes amino - acid - driven lipid synthesis in females and suppresses lipid production in males, linked to liver ERα. Experiments with knockout models confirm ERα’s role. The research uncovers molecular mechanisms, aiding personalized nutrition and metabolic disorder interventions.

Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) encompasses various disorders characterized by progressive loss of retinal photoreceptor cells, ultimately leading to vision loss and blindness. Among the numerous genetic factors implicated in IRD, mutations in the CRB1 gene stand out as significant contributors to severe forms of retinal degeneration, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Recent research has unveiled a novel mechanism linking CRB1 mutations to retinal degeneration through bacterial translocation from the gut to the eye, opening up promising therapeutic avenues.

The CRB1 gene encodes a transmembrane protein crucial for maintaining the integrity of epithelial barriers in both the retina and the colon. In the retina, CRB1 plays a vital role in the structure and function of photoreceptor cells and the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Recent studies have shown that CRB1 is also expressed in colonic enterocytes, where it maintains the integrity of adherens junctions (AJ) and the colonic epithelial barrier. Mutations in CRB1 disrupt these barriers, creating a "leaky gut" and "leaky retina" phenomenon that allows gut bacteria to translocate to the retina.

Immunodeficiency disorders linked to cytoskeleton defects are rare and complex, often presenting with diverse clinical features. This case report highlights a patient with recurrent eosinophilia and a novel homozygous ARPC1B mutation, expanding our understanding of genetic factors in immune-related conditions.

Lung cancers with SMARCA4 deficiency are rare, typically showing aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. These tumors rarely harbor common targetable oncogenes like EGFR, ALK, or ROS1. This case report details a nonsmoking middle-aged woman with SMARCA4-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and rare EGFR mutations who achieved significant tumor response with afatinib.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a significant health concern for women of reproductive age, manifesting as a complex endocrine disorder with diverse clinical presentations. Characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, PCOS affects 5% to 20% of women and stands as a leading cause of anovulatory infertility. The pathophysiology of PCOS involves abnormal folliculogenesis, resulting in arrested follicular development and the accumulation of small antral follicles. This follicular arrest is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, contributing to poor oocyte quality and developmental potential. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of neurotensin (NTS), a gut-brain peptide, in the regulation of ovulation and its dysfunction in PCOS.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with high prevalence, especially in children. Current treatments like topical glucocorticoids have limitations due to side effects and resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers alternative solutions, with Qin-Zhu-Liang-Xue (QZLX) decoction showing efficacy in AD treatment. This study explores the mechanisms of QZLX using network pharmacology and evaluates its clinical effects through trials and animal experiments.