Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.
Ira Mellman, PhD, is being honored with the 2022 AACR-CRI Lloyd J. Old Award in Cancer Immunology for his seminal work on dendritic cell function and its impact on atezolizumab and neoepitope vaccines. His research has made a major impact on cancer immunology and has the potential to stimulate new directions.
A University of Gothenburg study found that IgA antibodies present in the respiratory tract protected healthcare workers from contracting COVID-19. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, suggests that these antibodies may play a crucial role in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 continue to produce antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) for up to 3 months, indicating a more durable immune response in those with severe disease. ASC levels are higher in patients with more severe symptoms.
Researchers have identified a unique population of memory CD4 T-cells that produce IL-9, which plays a key role in allergic memory responses. Blocking this cytokine may lead to reduced lung inflammation and improved treatment options for seasonal asthma.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed two human antibodies that target Ebola virus and Sudan virus, showing promise for a powerful antiviral therapy. The antibodies, 1C3 and 1C11, can block three glycoprotein sites on the virus at once and target the fusion machinery used by the viruses to infect host cells.
A new report from a Japanese research consortium found that short-term indicators may not reveal the real impact of immunology and allergy research. The study compared funded research and evaluation measures in Japan, the UK, and the US, revealing differences in quality and public engagement.
A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers has identified new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells that are linked to autoimmune disease risk. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare gene expression in over 1 million CD4+ T cells from 89 healthy donors, revealing sex-based differences in immune cell functio...
A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that two groups of regulatory CD4+ T cells develop at different times to combat acute inflammation. The early Tregs reduce autoimmune damage, while the second wave shuts down the entire immune response to signal infection clearance.
The study defines the lung macrophage as a major target of IL-9, which promotes allergic lung inflammation. The researchers found a correlation between IL-9 and the diagnosis of asthma in patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for treatment.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that macrophages in artery walls can sense octanal, leading to inflammation and atherosclerosis. By blocking this detection, they reversed disease progression. Further research is needed to explore the role of olfactory receptors in cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a link between TET enzyme deficiency and the formation of unusual DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops, which contribute to genomic instability. The study suggests that regulating these structures may be key to controlling cancer development.
A recent study found that over 50% of products containing sesame did not declare it on the label, leading to accidental ingestion and allergic reactions. Clear and specific product labeling is essential for preventing adverse reactions, especially anaphylaxis, in food-allergic individuals.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified Th1* cells as a key marker in the body's immune signature following BCG vaccination. The study found that these cells respond well to the vaccine and can help fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that causes TB.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.
Researchers have designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that significantly improves antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria, and influenza. The adjuvant speeds up lymph flow to lymph nodes, helps antigens reach B cells before breaking down, and activates inflammatory cytokines for a stronger response.
A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified a trio of proteins - TWEAK, TNF, and IL-17 - that control inflammation in psoriasis patients. Targeting this protein complex may lead to more effective treatments for the disease.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that vaccination results in a more robust immune response than natural infection. Even with waning antibodies, vaccinated individuals still have protective immunity against severe disease and hospitalization.
A researcher at MUSC's Hollings Cancer Center is developing 'living drugs' by precision-engineering CAR Tregs to treat autoimmune diseases. The CAR Tregs can delay or reduce damaging inflammation, offering a potential solution for conditions like Type 1 diabetes.
A new study finds that children who didn't have eggs introduced by 12 months were more likely to develop an egg allergy at 6 years. The research suggests early and frequent egg consumption during infancy may be protective against the development of egg allergy.
Erica Ollmann Saphire and her team at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have received a $2.6 million grant to develop a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The team aims to create a single vaccine that can protect against future outbreaks of any coronavirus, including SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A study published in Science Immunology found that the lung and lymph nodes of COVID survivors store the memory of the infection, which can provide long-term protection against reinfection. The discovery has important implications for designing and administering vaccines to target immune cells in these tissues.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that allergic stimulation activates mast cell precursor cells, which can produce cytokine IL-13 contributing to asthma development. This challenges the idea that only mature immune cells are involved in immune reactions.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center technology has led to the discovery of an 'ultra-potent' monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The antibody's unique characteristics make it a valuable addition to therapeutic candidates.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that LRP1 is the vehicle by which retinol enters myeloid cells, suggesting a potential target for treating inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease. The study also found that inhibiting this process could boost immune activity, making oral vaccines more effective.
A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology shows that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine generates durable T cell memory and antibodies, even in people over 70. The researchers found strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to the vaccine, comparable to those seen in recovered COVID-19 patients.
A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that Covid-19 vaccines stimulate different immune responses in organ transplant patients. While antibody tests alone are insufficient, combining vaccines with T cell analyses provides better protection.
Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that Vitamin C and TET proteins can work together to generate stable induced Tregs, which could potentially treat autoimmune diseases. The study reveals an intriguing connection between TET enzymatic activity, Vitamin C and IL-2/STAT5 signaling.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology report that T cells can be engineered to clear tumors without succumbing to T cell exhaustion. Altering CAR T cells to overexpress BATF boosts the 'effector' program, making T cells better against solid tumors.
Researchers from UNIGE and Harvard Medical School have discovered the difference between desired immune responses targeting cancer cells and unwanted responses affecting healthy tissue. By understanding these differences, they aim to develop new therapeutic approaches that minimize toxic side effects and maximize treatment efficacy.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that people who recovered from COVID-19 or received Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have cross-reactive T cells that can target several SARS-CoV-2 variants. This reactivity is key to the body's immune response, allowing it to kill infected cells and stop severe infections.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that TET enzymes play a crucial role in keeping immune cells on a healthy track, suggesting potential new avenues for controlling cardiovascular disease. The study also identified the minor but important role of TDG enzyme in immune cell demethylation.
New research suggests that treating cancer patients with anti-CTLA4 therapies before anti-PD1 treatment can improve overall survival. High numbers of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells in tumors may be to blame for the lack of response to anti-PD1 therapies.
The La Jolla Institute for Immunology has launched the Cancer Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (CEDAR), a new global cancer immunology resource, thanks to $4.2 million in National Cancer Institute funding. Researchers can now easily search and contribute data on potential immune system targets on various types of cancer cells.
The La Jolla Institute for Immunology has partnered with Synbal, Inc. to develop multi-gene, humanized mouse models for COVID-19 research. These new models are expected to provide a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity, enabling the development of more effective vaccines and therapies.
Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that human T cells can target more than 1,400 sites on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, revealing a broad and diverse immune response. This analysis can help monitor effective responses to COVID-19 vaccines and track variations in T cell responses.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that people with venom allergies are nearly 10 times more likely to suffer from mastocytosis, a bone marrow disorder. The study analyzed 27 million US patients and revealed the condition in over 0.1% of venom allergy patients.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose to produce a sufficient antibody response. In contrast, those who have not had COVID-19 require two doses to achieve strong levels of immunity.
A new study reveals how Ebola virus's VP40 protein uses human mRNA to transform into different shapes, adapting to various functions. This discovery sheds light on the fundamentals of genome-encoded information and highlights VP40 as a key vulnerability for effective therapies.
Researchers pinpointed cysteine leukotriene receptor 2 (CysLT2R) as a new target for treating chronic itch. The study found that activating this receptor induces itching in mouse models of atopic dermatitis, highlighting its potential role in contributing to the condition.
Studies found that disrupting interaction between p53 and Mdm2 in tumor cells is less effective than thought, as it can impair immune cell function. New compound APG115 showed promise in boosting T cell activity against cancer, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have finally understood how their cytomegalovirus-based vaccine works in monkeys, generating a unique type of immune response to fight off SIV. The breakthrough sheds light on the design of future CMV-based vaccines and offers new hope against HIV.
Researchers have identified a key protein, DAPK3, that plays a crucial role in the body's early immune response to cancer. The discovery highlights a new approach to cancer immunotherapy, where targeting the tumor's own innate immune system can help slow tumor growth and improve treatment outcomes.
A phase 2 trial led by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) shows a promising combination therapeutic candidate for adults with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. The treatment combines anti-IL-21 antibody with liraglutide and has been found to increase endogenous insulin secretion without safety concerns.
A new study reveals that people with severe COVID-19 cases have stronger long-term immunity due to a higher number of protective memory T cells. In contrast, those with milder cases may experience T cell exhaustion, which can hinder their ability to build long-term immunity.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered NIK protein essential for T cell metabolic shift during activation, regulating anti-tumor immunity. Elevated NIK activity in T cells may improve adoptive therapy efficacy.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to researchers who discovered the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The discovery was made possible by the perseverance and determination of thousands of scientists worldwide. Their work has paved the way for future research into HCV and potential cures.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology created 3D maps of how enhancer sequences and genes interact in several types of immune cells. The new study opens the door to understanding individual risk for diseases from asthma to cancer.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado have characterized the development of Natural Killer cells and innate lymphoid cells, crucial components in human health and disease. The findings pave the way for tailored therapies for children and adults undergoing cancer treatments.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found elongated neutrophil-derived structures (ENDS) in the blood of septic patients, which break off from immune cells and change shape as they course through the body. ENDS are 100-fold more detectable in sepsis patients than healthy individuals.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that exposing children to small, regular doses of peanuts can reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions. Nearly 80% of preschoolers were able to eat a full serving of peanuts without reaction, protecting them from 99% of accidental exposures.
A study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that individuals with severe COVID-19 responses exhibit increased levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a suppressor of cell inflammation. This discovery could provide a warning light for disease progression, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that food allergies negatively affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them, particularly for Asian patients and their parents. The study showed higher negative quality of life scores for Asians compared to white and Black patients.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that blocking OX40L and CD30L, two key immune molecules, is crucial to preventing asthma attacks. The study shows how these molecules contribute to inflammation in the lungs during an allergic reaction.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that even healthy individuals have high numbers of preproinsulin-specific T cells in their pancreas. These cells are believed to be the prime suspects in triggering the autoimmune response that causes type 1 diabetes.
A new study has created a comprehensive map of how immune cells learn to fight infections and preserve memories of these encounters. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, could help scientists develop new vaccines and therapies for various diseases by targeting specific immune cells.
Researchers observed an overactive B cell response in severely ill COVID-19 patients, reminiscent of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may inform treatment decisions. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients with severe immune dysregulation.
Researchers found a significant correlation between matched DBS and serum samples, with minimal differences in results. DBS achieved 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein antibodies.
A new study provides an in-depth look at how CD4+ T cells respond to SARS-CoV-2, revealing a novel T cell subset that may contribute to severe COVID-19 cases. The research also found that dysfunctional TFH cells can lead to reduced antibody production and worsen disease severity.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology describes the crucial role of neutrophils in boosting the immune response against viral infections. By sacrificing themselves, these cells release essential molecules that help activate specialized T cells to target and destroy infected cells.