Innate reaction of hematopoietic stem cells to severe infections

(University of Zurich) Researchers at the University of Zurich have shown for the first time that hematopoietic stem cells detect infectious agents themselves and begin to divide -- that is, without signals from growth factors. This direct production of defensive cells damages hematopoiesis in the long term, however, which could lead to malignant hematopoietic stem cell diseases at advanced age.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news