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Immune ‘bouncers’ protect the brain from infection

New research at WashU Medicine has found that histamine-releasing immune cells cause the gates to the brain to close when bacteria are detected, blocking fluid movement out of the brain and pathogen access into the brain. (Image: Sara Moser/WashU Medicine)
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The itching, redness and swelling of an allergic reaction are caused by mast cells — the vigilant first responders of the immune system that spring into action with histamine-filled granules in response to a perceived threat.