Stem Cell – Derived Skin Organoids Reveal How Tuberculosis Drives Skin Fibrosis
Journal: Nature Communications
Author: Yue, L., Liang, Y., Zhong, P. et al., China
Researchers developed human pluripotent stem cell–derived skin organoids that successfully model cutaneous tuberculosis, revealing how Mycobacterium tuberculosis triggers fibroblast expansion, collagen remodeling, and the loss of nerve and fat cells. The study shows that fibrosis is driven by PI3K–AKT and AP1 signaling – and that inhibiting these pathways can reduce tissue scarring – positioning skin organoids as a powerful platform for studying CTB and testing antifibrotic therapies.
Patient-Derived Colonoids Uncover Lipid-Driven Metabolic Dysfunction in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Journal: Nature Communications
Author: Ojo, B.A., Zhu, Y., Heo, L. et al., USA
Using colon organoids from pediatric patients, researchers found that active ulcerative colitis epithelium shows hypermetabolism, cellular stress, and excessive lipid buildup driven by proton leak and overactivation of the lipid regulator PPAR-α. Blocking PPAR-α reverses these effects – reducing lipid accumulation, normalizing metabolism, and lowering inflammatory signals – highlighting colonoids as a valuable model for testing epithelial-targeted UC therapies.
Light-Responsive Amyloid NanoNETs Offer a New Strategy for Regenerative Antimicrobial Therapy
Journal: Nature Communications
Author: Xuan, Q., Li, H., Gao, Y. et al., China / Switzerland / USA/ Singapore
Researchers developed a biocompatible, NET-mimicking hydrogel made from reversible lysozyme amyloid nanofibrils that trap and kill pathogens, then disassemble under near-infrared light to release antimicrobial lysozyme and pro-healing Mg²⁺ ions. In animal models, these photo-responsive nanoNETs effectively clear MRSA infections and accelerate tissue and bone regeneration, highlighting their promise for treating drug-resistant wounds and periprosthetic infections.
Dietary Restriction Reprograms CD8+ T Cells to Boost Anti-Tumor Immunity
Journal: Nature Metabolism
Author: Oswald, B.M., DeCamp, L.M., Longo, J. et al., USA
Researchers found that dietary restriction reshapes CD8⁺ T-cell metabolism inside tumors, increasing ketone-driven oxidative capacity that enhances effector function while reducing T-cell exhaustion. This metabolic shift strengthens tumor control and works synergistically with anti-PD1 therapy, revealing nutrition-based modulation of T-cell fate as a powerful lever for improving cancer immunotherapy.
