
Jesús de la Osada: “You have to enjoy your work every day and do it with the highest quality possible”
19 December, 2024
The Government of Aragon finances the hiring of 65 predoctoral researchers with 6,9 million euros
23 December, 2024A study reveals how immunological alterations contribute to the development of this rare type of blood cancer, characterized by the accumulation of abnormal mast cells with a genetic mutation in various tissues and organs of the body.
A team from the Cancer Research Center (CIC-IBMCC), in collaboration with the Mastocytosis Institute of Castilla-La-Mancha, has identified a Direct relationship between the immune system and mastocytosis, a disease that affects about 1 in 10.000 people and manifests with symptoms such as skin lesions, abdominal pain or anaphylaxis.
Genes related to the immune response promote uncontrolled proliferation of mast cells, which can accumulate in organs such as skin, bones and bone marrow.
.
The study, published in the journals allergies y Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, it's based on Genetic analysis and cellular experiments which have made it possible to identify how alterations in certain genes linked to the immune response facilitate the uncontrolled proliferation of mast cells. These cells, essential in allergic and inflammatory processes, can accumulate in organs such as the skin, bones and bone marrow, triggering the manifestations of the disease.

Therapeutic strategies
"These findings allow us to better understand the causes of the disease and explore new therapeutic strategies that could modify its progression," said the authors of the work, who underline the importance of a integral approach in the study of immunological diseases.
Other diseases with immunological components could benefit from similar research strategies.
To carry out the research, samples from patients with different variants of mastocytosis were analysed, which allowed for a better classification of the characteristics of each subtype and the associated clinical implications. This level of detail not only facilitates a more precise diagnosis, but also opens the door to the development of personalised and effective treatments adapted to the needs of each patient.
In addition to its clinical relevance, the work raises questions about the interactions between the immune system and other tissuesAccording to the authors, other diseases with immunological components could benefit from similar research strategies.
Source: SINC Agency
Rights: Creative Commons
Main Image: Cytology of a tumor. The cells seen are mast cells. Source: Joel Mills CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.