Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have created an immune cell atlas, DICE, to decipher how natural genetic variation shapes the immune system's ability to protect health. The database provides detailed profiles of 15 immune cell types and 91 healthy donors, revealing a wide impact of genetic variation on gene activity.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers are studying the interaction between the gut microbiome and its effects on autism spectrum disorders. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can predict the development of ASD in genetically predisposed infants.
A team of researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified a previously unknown progenitor population with neutrophil characteristics, which promotes tumor growth. The discovery could serve as an early warning sign for cancer and drive new therapeutic approaches for treating neutropenia, chronic inflammation, and cancer.
A new study found that eczema is associated with a worse quality of life than several other chronic illnesses. Moderate and severe eczema were particularly burdensome, causing symptoms like blisters, pain, and sleep disturbance.
A new review suggests that vitamin D may play an integral part in the induction and regulation of critical immune tolerance in early pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.
A new AI model, CytoReason, has created the largest library of inter-cellular communications, mapping over 3,000 previously unlisted cellular interactions. This analysis provides valuable clues for drug development and sheds light on immune system dynamics.
Haipeng Liu, assistant professor of chemical engineering at Wayne State University, received a $539,422 NSF CAREER grant to develop molecular adjuvants that can enhance the effectiveness of cancer vaccines and overcome tumor-related immune suppression. His research aims to bridge the gap between synthetic chemistry and immunology.
The UKPID registry has provided valuable information on PID in the UK, especially regarding delays to diagnosis. The data show that longer diagnostic delays can lead to poorer long-term outcomes for patients.
Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti and Luke O'Neill were awarded the 2018 Seymour & Vivian Milstein Award for their major advances in understanding how our bodies recognize and respond to pathogens, leading to profound clinical benefits in treating diseases. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to cytokine and interferon research.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology develop a peptide vaccine that induces protective T cells and decreases plaque size in atherosclerotic mice. The vaccine targets the 'bad cholesterol' protein and expands a class of protective T cells, curbing inflammation.
A new study reveals that non-specific bystander T cells can counteract type 1 diabetes by limiting access to beta cells and interfering with inflammatory signals. This challenge to the traditional notion of regulatory T cells' anti-inflammatory effects opens up new avenues for treatment.
Researchers discovered that retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) in skin Tregs regulates immune response. Removing RORα from Tregs led to an increase in inflammatory cells and worsened eczema symptoms. The study suggests boosting RORα or targeting related pathways may be effective treatments.
A subset of T cells identified as an early childhood immune signature predicts the risk of developing asthma later on. The presence of house dust components stimulating the innate immune system decreases asthma risk, supporting the hygiene hypothesis. Researchers found MAIT cells to be protective against asthma.
Emory immunologist Max Cooper and Dr. Jacques Miller are recognized for deciphering the two types of lymphocyte lineages involved in adaptive immunity, laying the groundwork for understanding nearly all fields touched by immunology. Their discoveries have fueled advancements in anti-cancer drugs and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology identified a hitherto unknown precursor for a poorly understood subgroup of killer T cells. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed an unprecedented level of heterogeneity among immune cells, upending the traditional view of immune cells as unvarying entities.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection in pregnant rhesus monkeys caused placental tissues to become thickened and inflamed, leading to decreased oxygen levels and impaired fetal development. The study's findings may provide important insights into preventing Zika virus infection and disease during pregnancy.
A study published in Science Immunology suggests that Zika virus triggers an immune response that can cause abnormal placental development and restricted fetal growth. Researchers found that the immune system's antiviral proteins, known as type I interferons, can be detrimental to fetal development if present in excess.
The Michelson Prizes aim to support young scientists developing groundbreaking approaches to defeat major global diseases. Two $150,000 prizes will be awarded in June 2018 to identify innovative projects beyond conventional approaches.
Severe asthma defined as asthma requiring high-dose long-acting B2-agonists and/or additional controller medication or frequent oral corticosteroid use, emphasizing patient adherence verification before diagnosis.
A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology reveals that dengue immunity can confer protection against Zika virus. Cytotoxic T-cells have been identified as crucial in defending against both viruses, suggesting that vaccines targeting either dengue or Zika could be effective.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that breastfeeding may increase the risk of developing hay fever and eczema, while not having a clear effect on asthma. Lifestyle factors such as socioeconomic status and body mass index also played a role in the study.
A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that almost half of adult food allergies occur in adulthood, with shellfish allergy prevalence increasing by 44% among US adults. The risk of developing a food allergy to certain foods is higher among black, Asian, and Hispanic adults compared to whites.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology is developing guidelines for allergists on using telemedicine to provide high-quality care. This approach leverages technology to improve access to medical care and maximize patient experience. The goal is to have an exceptional user experience, putting the patient at the center.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.
Prof Laurence Zitvogel has been awarded the first ESMO Award for Immuno-Oncology for her pioneering work in advancing cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Her research focuses on understanding the gut microbiome's role in cancer immunosurveillance, with implications for predicting response to immunomodulators.
Researchers have developed a novel reagent to detect rare B cells indicating successful vaccination in veterinary animals. The method will be widely applicable for demonstrating immunity to other veterinary pathogens.
A study of 960 children found that breastfeeding lowers the risk of asthma exacerbations later in life. Breastfeeding may influence the immune system and gut microbiome, which can indirectly affect asthma development.
Researchers found that concurrent administration of anti-OX40 and anti-PD1 antibodies attenuated the effect of anti-OX40, resulting in poor treatment outcomes in mice. Sequential treatment with anti-OX40 followed by anti-PD1 improved therapeutic efficacy in some cases.
Researchers found that neutrophils lose oxygen-sensing protein, leading to overactive response to infection and chronic inflammation. Studying glucose regulation in neutrophils may lead to new treatments for patients with low oxygen levels and lung disease.
The new Max Planck Research Group for System Immunology aims to study the immune system as a whole, its interactions with the organism, and its impact on diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatism. The group will collaborate with non-university research institutes to promote holistic approaches in immunology.
Researchers from McGill University Health Centre cracked the code to understanding regulatory T cell function, a key component of our immune system. The study's findings have significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and Crohn's disease.
In a preclinical study, optimizing immunizations reliably elicits protective antibodies in non-human primates. Delivering the vaccine subcutaneously and increasing time intervals between immunizations improves efficacy and induces neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology identify tissue-resident memory T cells as an important distinguishing factor between cancer patients whose immune system mounts an effective anti-tumor response. The study found that patients with a high density of these cells in tumor tissue survived significantly longer.
Targeting a subset of immune cells called regulatory T cells could be an effective approach to treating cancers. By blocking or deleting a surface protein called neuropilin-1, researchers found that tumor growth was dramatically reduced in mice, suggesting this could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments.
Complement component C3 is produced by microglia in the brain within days of viral infection, suggesting a localized immune response. This finding adds to understanding of how increased expression of immunologic factors contributes to neuroinflammation and seizures following viral infection.
The Warren Alpert Foundation Prize recognizes scientists who elucidated fundamental mechanisms in cancer's ability to evade immune surveillance. The five honorees' work led to the development of effective immune therapies for several types of cancer, turning the tide in the global fight against cancer.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.
A Queen's-led European research project, INBIONET, has made huge strides in tackling antibiotic resistance and its impact on global health. The study found that various pathogens share a common anti-immune strategy, potentially leading to the development of new drugs to treat different types of infections.
Researchers found that platelets release TGF-beta to suppress T cells and promote immune tolerance to certain cancers. Adding antiplatelet drugs like aspirin may improve adoptive T cell therapy against melanoma and other cancers.
A diet high in short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria has been found to protect against the onset of type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that this special diet can improve immune tolerance and reduce inflammation.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that exhausted T cells have distinct DNA structures and activate specific genes, including NFAT and Nr4a proteins. These findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion and offer potential targets for improving cancer immunotherapies.
A study published in Science Immunology reveals that a variant of the SP140 protein, an essential epigenetic reader protein, is lacking in patients with Crohn's disease. This deficiency triggers intestinal inflammation and impairs the immune system's response to microbial signals. The researchers found that patients with reduced SP140 ...
Researchers found a previously unappreciated role for Abraxane in tumor immunology, suggesting ways to improve the drug and develop new combination treatments. Nab-paclitaxel enables macrophages to switch from immune-suppressing M2 cells back into M1 cells that amplify the body's effort to kill cancer cells.
Research highlights the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in regulating immune responses to viral infections. These cells have been shown to directly alter the viral infectious process, posing challenges for developing antiviral therapies.
Researchers used imaging technology to track immune cells in living animals and identified a molecule required for their entry into the joint, which sets off inflammation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory arthritis.
Researchers at UM SOM and SOD published 22 articles on infectious agents, vaccines, and immune system activation. Studies focused on Ebola, Clostridium difficile, biofilms, and other topics, advancing knowledge in infection and immunity research.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that CD8+ T cells, a subset of killer T cells, control Zika infection and limit disease severity. The study provides a new tool to track Zika-specific T cells, which can help understand the virus's transmission and neurological complications.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that the loss of TET proteins hinders T cell maturation and promotes aberrant proliferation, leading to a lethal disease resembling lymphoma. The study's findings suggest that TET proteins serve as tumor suppressors and may help block malignancy in cancers marked by TET mutations.
Research reveals that African American and Latino children have significantly higher rates of corn, shellfish, and fish allergies compared to white children. The study found that wheat allergy is also more common among African American children, potentially contributing to higher rates of anaphylaxis and emergency room visits.
A study of 577 children living in Puerto Rico found that closer proximity to major roads was associated with higher levels of interleukin 31, a cytokine promoting allergic inflammation. This increase in IL-31 levels is linked to increased asthma risk and severity in genetically susceptible children.
George Washington University researchers received a $2.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer development. They plan to use a novel computational pathway program, Telescope, to pinpoint HERV expression in various cancers.
A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that most colleges lack integrated systems to support students with food allergies. The study's lead author, Ruchi Gupta, MD, notes that these students value feeling secure and willing to work with school officials to create education around their needs.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4-6 months for high-risk infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy. Early introduction has been shown to benefit infants who are sensitized to peanuts in studies like LEAP.
La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers have developed a new method to inactivate specific genes in immune cells using enhancer targeting. This approach allows for the precise deletion of genes in one cell type while leaving others intact, opening up new possibilities for targeted therapies.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a novel mechanism by which neutrophil receptors latch onto vessel walls, dampening inflammation. Integrins assume an unorthodox shape that exposes the high affinity patch but maintains a bent conformation, preventing it from binding to ICAM-1 expressed on blood vessel cells.
The International Cytokine and Interferon Society has awarded Carl Nathan, John O'Shea, and Jan Vilcek for their outstanding contributions to cytokine and interferon research, leading to clinical benefits for thousands of patients. The award recognizes achievements in basic or applied fields, highlighting the critical role of interfero...
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded BRI a five-year, $8 million grant to collaborate with UW Medicine and SCRI on immune system responses to allergens in the lungs. This study aims to inform new treatments for allergies and asthma.
Researchers at Rockefeller University and La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology found that Zika virus can infect adult brain cells, specifically neural progenitor cells, leading to cell death and reduced neuron generation. This may have implications for cognitive decline and conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
Drs. Henry Boom and Moses Joloba at Case Western Reserve University and Makerere University, respectively, have received a $1.5 million five-year grant to strengthen Ugandan biomedical research capacity. The program aims to provide PhD-level training in microbiology and immunology to talented young Ugandan scientists.
Researchers discovered 122 genetic regions linked to immune cell infiltration in tumors, which could inform the development of future immunotherapies. The study analyzed a large public genomic database and identified new leads for cancer immunology research.