The complement system protects against infection, positively responds to tissue damage, clears cell debris, directs and modulates the adaptive immune system, and functions in neuronal development, normal synapse elimination and intracellular metabolism. However, complement also has a role in aberrant synaptic pruning and neuroinflammation - processes that lead to a feedforward loop of inflammation, injury and neuronal death that can contribute to neurodegenerative and neurological disorders,...

There currently are no medications proven to be effective for the treatment of stimulant-use disorder (SUD). Sigma-receptor (σR) antagonists block many effects of stimulant drugs but not the reinforcing effects assessed with self-administration in rats. However, a recent study suggests that σR antagonism combined with a dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) blockade selectively attenuates stimulant self-administration. A compound with potential for dual DAT/σR inhibition, CM699, was synthesized and...

The spectrum of non-IgE mediated conditions includes well-defined conditions like Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE), Food Protein-Induced Enteropathy, and Food Protein-Induced Allergic Proctocolitis, but also the more controversial food protein-induced dysmotility disorders like food protein-induced gastroesophageal reflux disease (FPGORD) and food protein-induced constipation (FPC). Typically, non-IgE mediated reactions are delayed, with...

Astrocytes play a crucial role in eliminating unnecessary synapses, neural debris, and pathogenic proteins such as amyloid β plaque through phagocytosis. Emerging evidence suggests that the phagocytic roles of astrocytes are critical for remodeling our neural circuits during development as well as maintaining brain homeostasis in adulthood. Moreover, abnormal astrocytic phagocytosis can have direct implications for the initiation and progression of various brain disorders. However, classical...