This research group has previously studied how hematopoietic stem cells respond to infections, in particular, those caused by the opportunistic and pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, to increase the production of innate immune system cells (the first cells to respond to infection). In addition, they found that these stem cells caused ‘improved’ innate immune cells to fight the infection, establishing what is known as ‘trained immunity.’ 

This new study, led by researcher Alberto Yáñez, explores the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating this immune memory in hematopoietic stem cells. More specifically, the research group has observed that the GM-CSF molecule (Granulocyte-macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor), which is responsible for stimulating the production of innate immune system cells, is capable of activating unknown molecular mechanisms in hematopoietic stem cells that trigger epigenetic changes (alterations that affect genetic activity without changing the DNA sequencing) to modify the immune response.

Additionally, the research group has noted that the changes induced by GM-CSF can be modified by certain drugs to enhance or reduce the function of innate immune cells. “The results of this study could contribute to the development of new immunotherapies to combat diseases in which the immune system plays an important role, such as infections, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, and cancer,” explains one of the study’s primary authors and pre-doctoral researcher of the UV Paula Guerrero.

The research has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Blood of the American Society of Hematology https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2024024330