Scientists Discover Explosive Immune Cells in Flatworms

Topic: Biology

Stanford researchers found a new type of immune cell that explodes like a bomb to destroy nearby cells. This discovery was made while studying planarian flatworms, which can regenerate their bodies. The scientists named these explosive cells 'ruptoblasts'.

Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a new way that some immune cells in the body work. They found a type of cell called a ruptoblast that explodes like a bomb to destroy nearby cells. This process is so fast and complete that it leaves almost no trace behind.

The researchers made this discovery while studying planarian flatworms, small aquatic animals that are known for their ability to regenerate their bodies. Even when cut into pieces, these worms can rebuild missing tissues and sometimes even create new organisms. The scientists wanted to learn more about how the immune systems of these worms have survived and adapted over hundreds of millions of years.

The researchers found that when they sliced flatworms lengthwise and fused them with part of another worm, the fused worms rejected tissue from unrelated individuals. This reaction was similar to what happens in humans when our bodies reject a transplanted organ. However, the cellular response in flatworms was much more extreme.

The researchers used special techniques called live cell microscopy and flow cytometry to examine what was happening inside individual cells. They found that when these cells were exposed to a hormone called activin, they would suddenly burst open, release substances that killed nearby cells, and disappear within five minutes.

Why It Matters

This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by bacteria, which are often resistant to antibiotics. It also shows how scientists can learn from the unique abilities of certain animals, like planarian flatworms, to develop new medicines.

Key Facts

• Stanford researchers discovered a new type of immune cell called ruptoblasts that explodes like a bomb to destroy nearby cells.
• The discovery was made while studying planarian flatworms, which can regenerate their bodies.
• The scientists found that when exposed to the hormone activin, ruptoblasts burst open and release substances that kill nearby cells within five minutes.
• Ruptoblasts destroyed E. coli bacteria, human kidney cells, and mouse blood cells in experiments.
• This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by bacteria.

Key Terms

Activin

A hormone that plays a role in the immune system of planarian flatworms.

Ruptoblasts

A type of immune cell that explodes like a bomb to destroy nearby cells.

Planarian flatworms

Small aquatic animals that can regenerate their bodies and are used in scientific research.

Implications

This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by bacteria, which are often resistant to antibiotics. It also shows how scientists can learn from the unique abilities of certain animals, like planarian flatworms, to develop new medicines.