Scientists discover protein c-FLIP-R that confers protection on immune cells against apoptosis, a type of cellular suicide. The discovery reveals mice with elevated c-FLIP levels are less susceptible to Listeria infections, sparking hope for potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that vitamin C can kill drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) bacteria in laboratory culture, suggesting a new approach to shorten TB therapy. The study found that vitamin C induced a Fenton reaction, causing reactive oxygen species that kill the TB bacteria.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have found a breast milk protein complex, HAMLET, that can help restore sensitivity to antibiotics in drug-resistant bacteria. The study showed that HAMLET can lower the dose of antibiotics needed by a factor of eight or more, making it a promising treatment option for superbugs like MRSA.
A study found that Peli1 promotes microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory response in the central nervous system, contributing to autoimmune inflammation. The protein's role in protecting against excessive inflammation was also discovered.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a 'rheostat' mechanism in T cell receptors that regulates the immune response, enabling cells to scale their response according to the threat. This finding offers insights into advancing understanding and treatment of problems like autoimmune disorders and cancer.
A big data analysis identified 37 RNA molecules that may predict survival in breast cancer patients with the most common form of invasive ductal carcinoma. The study found a concise RNA signature associated with patient outcome, including early-stage tumors and those with clinical and molecular subclasses.
A new therapy uses radioactive Listeria bacteria to selectively infect tumor cells and deliver radioisotopes, dramatically decreasing the number of metastases in a mouse model of highly aggressive pancreatic cancer. The treatment also showed promise in reducing metastases by 90% in mice with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Scientists at Benaroya Research Institute and Baylor Institute for Immunology Research report a comparative study of molecular immune responses to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. The study utilized cutting-edge web technology to improve data dissemination, allowing researchers to investigate the primary data from a web portal.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered how the SAMHD1 protein regulates HIV-1 replication in white blood cells. Phosphorylation of SAMHD1 is essential to protect macrophages from HIV infection, and maintaining this state could prevent reservoirs of HIV-1 from forming.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein that disrupts cholesterol levels in cell membranes, blocking virus entry. The findings have potential for developing anti-viral therapies targeting the endosome compartment.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute discovered that T cells contribute to host protection against dengue virus infection, contradicting current scientific understanding. This finding may lead to a new approach in dengue vaccine design, potentially improving its effectiveness against the deadly disease.
James Allison's discovery of the drug ipilimumab, which blocks CTLA-4 and treats T cells not cancer, has led to a significant increase in survival rates for patients with late-stage metastatic melanoma. The AACR-CRI award recognizes his contributions to cancer immunology and builds on Dr. Lloyd Old's pioneering work in harnessing the i...
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a new approach for stopping herpes infections by identifying the molecular key that herpes viruses use to infect cells. The finding could lead to new drugs for treating or suppressing herpes virus infections.
Researchers identified a unique subset of helper T cells that stimulates protective antibody responses following seasonal influenza vaccinations. The study found that these T cells boost production of existing antibodies by stimulating memory B cells, but do not help produce new antibodies by naïve B cells.
A team of researchers from La Jolla Institute and Cardiff University has identified a novel cellular mechanism that could aid in creating a CMV vaccine. The study found that a specific CMV protein blocks the ability of immune pathways to kill infected cells, providing an important piece of the CMV puzzle.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers have been awarded a $12 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a drug-impregnated intravaginal ring to prevent HIV infection in women. The device aims to provide safe and effective prevention strategies for women at increased risk of HIV infection.
The study found that green leafy vegetables interact with a cell surface receptor to switch on the T-bet gene, producing innate lymphoid cells crucial for immune surveillance and gut health. These immune cells may aid in treating bacterial infections, promoting good bacteria, and preventing bowel cancers.
A study published in The Journal of Immunology found that inhibiting a group of proteins can decrease inflammatory responses associated with diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and sepsis. This suggests that targeting these proteins could be a potential treatment for various diseases.
Moffitt researchers found that silencing the retinoblastoma gene can regulate the differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into a more aggressive form. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these cells in cancer treatment.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a natural protein called cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) that can block the entry of HIV and other deadly viruses into cells. The protein, which is activated by interferon, produces an oxysterol that can permeate cell walls and inhibit viral growth.
Richard A. Flavell and Ruslan Medzhitov have been awarded the 2013 Vilcek Prize for Biomedical Science for their pioneering work on the fundamental roles of the innate immune system. Their research has led to important insights into immune responses, with implications for various fields of biomedical studies.
The discovery of the Mcl-1 gene's critical role in keeping antibody-producing cells alive could lead to better treatments for diseases like myeloma and chronic immune disorders. Without this gene, plasma cells die within two days.
Researchers have identified a key protein, IFITM3, in T-cells that provides resistance to influenza. Increasing the production of these resistant T-cells could lead to longer-lasting immunity.
Researchers have discovered that mature CD4+ helper T lymphocytes can reprogram into killer-like CD8+ T lymphocytes, gaining killing functions. This unexpected plasticity expands the functional capabilities of CD4+ T cells, suggesting they may play a direct protective role in immune responses.
The study found that CD4 helper T cells can transform into killer cells by overcoming a suppression mechanism triggered by a transcription factor. This transformation enables the helper cells to take on the role of killer cells in mounting an immune attack against viruses, cancerous tumors, and other damaged or infected cells.
Researchers found that during a nematode-induced inflammation, the immune system increases cholecystokinin levels, reducing leptin production, which drives defense mechanisms against the parasite. The study suggests a novel mechanism for parasite expulsion in intestinal infections.
Researchers discovered that Tip-dendritic cells activate naive CD8+ T cells to recognize myelin protein, leading to autoimmune reactivity. This finding sheds light on the complex role of CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis pathology.
A new study published in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology shows that immunotherapy using peanut protein drops can desensitize patients to peanuts by up to 10 times. After 44 weeks, 70% of participants increased their safe consumption level from 3.5mg to 496mg.
The World Allergy Organization Journal is transitioning to BioMed Central's open access publishing platform, increasing global accessibility to allergy research. This move aims to improve knowledge-sharing and dissemination of research in the field of allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology.
Scientists at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute receive $16 million in funding to develop new methods for analyzing complex data sets and understand the adaptive immune response. The funding will support researchers in developing treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, malaria, and cancer.
Researchers at UNC discovered that the hepatitis C virus binds with microRNA miR-122 to protect itself, promoting viral replication. This interaction presents a promising target for new drugs to treat the infection.
Researchers found that cancer cells use unfolded protein response (UPR) to manipulate immune cells, making them ineffective against tumors. Tumor cells exploit UPR to promote their survival and growth, and this mechanism is being targeted for potential therapy and improved cancer vaccines.
A new Dream Team project, Immunologic Checkpoint Blockade and Adoptive Cell Transfer in Cancer Therapy, aims to expand and optimize combinations of two novel immunotherapies. The team will unite laboratory and clinical efforts to develop durable responses in patients suffering from various types of cancer.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that blocking myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T-cell reconstitution improves adoptive T-cell therapy for melanoma. This blockade is achieved after total body irradiation eliminates these cells, leading to delayed tumor growth and enhanced survival in mice.
Researchers found that tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant leukemia stem cells accumulate DNA damage, potentially leading to disease relapse. Identifying this source of genomic instability may help develop new treatment strategies against CML and other resistant diseases.
Hepatitis C virus triggers liver cell entry through PI3K and AKT pathway activation, potentially leading to cancer, cirrhosis, or organ failure. Researchers identified a novel target for anti-HCV drugs by disrupting the PI3K-AKT pathway.
A study published in the Journal of Immunology suggests that blocking the activity of C5aR can effectively prevent and treat periodontitis. Researchers found that mice treated with a molecule blocking C5aR developed less inflammation and bone loss compared to those without treatment.
Arturo Casadevall, Ekaterina Dadachova, and Joan Berman received funding to develop novel vaccines for tuberculosis (TB) and an innovative HIV treatment. They will use radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to target and destroy HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system.
A recent study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests that pesticides used for water purification can lead to food allergies. The research found a correlation between high levels of dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and weakened food tolerance in individuals.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that a common diarrhea-causing bacterium triggers an overactive immune response, worsening illness in hospital-acquired infections. Researchers found that activating a protective mechanism involving the PPARgamma pathway can reduce disease severity and be activated by existing diabetes drugs.
A NIH study found that changes in immune gene function may cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Decreased DNA methylation led to increased IL17RC protein, promoting inflammation and immune cell recruitment that damages the retina.
Bioinformatician Professor Terry Speed has received a 2012 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation for using statistics to solve biomedical research questions. His work has led to new techniques in cancer, infectious diseases, immunology, and inherited diseases.
The study found that 80% of allergist Twitter users have more than 50 followers, while 78% follow at least one peer. Allergy-related tweets accounted for 49% of the analyzed content, with 52% containing hyperlinks.
A new study at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that only 15% of patients with anaphylaxis received epinephrine from paramedics. The authors recommend improving paramedic education on epinephrine use for allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
A study predicts that pollen counts will more than double in 28 years, with expected peaks earlier and longer seasons. Allergy sufferers can benefit from early treatment and strategies to avoid triggers.
A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that individuals with severe anaphylaxis are less likely to have seen an allergist in the previous year. Regular care from an allergist can prevent severe allergic reactions and reduce hospitalization rates.
A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that peanut allergy rates are higher in families with higher economic status. The 'hygiene hypothesis' suggests that a lack of early childhood exposure to germs may contribute to allergic diseases.
Researchers assessed genetic ancestry's impact on asthma in African Americans. The study found that African ancestry was linked to increased severe asthma attacks among males but not females. This suggests a potential genetic factor contributing to the higher risk of severe asthma in this population.
Studies found that half of children with egg allergies can tolerate baked eggs, and 55% outgrow the allergy entirely. Baked eggs are found to be less allergenic than raw eggs, making them a safer option for those with egg allergies.
Angioedema, a rare but serious condition, can be misdiagnosed or under-treated due to lack of understanding. The report aims to provide best clinical practices for diagnosing and managing all its forms, helping patients find relief and live healthy lifestyles.
A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found a higher incidence of alpha-gal sensitization in regions with lone star ticks. This allergy causes delayed reactions after consuming red meats, such as beef, pork, and lamb, posing a life-threatening risk.
A recent study has revealed the existence of a rare sub-group of activated immune cells that act as bodyguards to protect stem cells from premature differentiation. These macrophage cells secrete prostaglandins, which delay differentiation and preserve the youthful state of the stem cells.
Renowned immunologist Dan R. Littman, MD, PhD, has been elected a member of the Institute of Medicine for his seminal contributions to immune recognition, HIV pathogenesis, and commensal bacteria in immune system development. His work has major impact in both immunology and virology.
Researchers found that administering immunotherapy for three years can achieve long-term control of allergic asthma and reduce symptoms. After three years, 50 percent of children with dust mite-induced asthma experienced remission, needing reduced or no controller medications.
A new study found that misconduct accounts for two-thirds of all retracted scientific papers, with fraud or suspected fraud being the leading cause. The number of retractions has increased 10-fold since 1975, attributed to a winner-take-all culture in science that rewards publication and reputation over integrity.
The La Jolla Institute has secured a seven-year, $22 million contract renewal to further develop the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), a global resource for mining information on immune responses to diseases. The database contains thousands of epitopes and experimental data points, which are crucial for designing vaccines and treatments ...
A new study found that 70% of reported cases receive a physician's diagnosis for their child's food allergy, but only 1 in 5 receives an oral food challenge test. Lower-income and minority households are more likely to have undiagnosed food allergies, with 32% not receiving diagnostic testing.
Research suggests cancer produces negative immune response in dendritic cells, hindering desired responses. Flawed dendritic cells could aid in preventing autoimmune disorders, however.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin found that immunodeficient patients with secondary lung disease can experience improved pulmonary function and radiographic abnormalities when treated with a combination of rituximab and azathioprine. This treatment targets specific types of lymphocyte...
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered a new 'first response' mechanism that the immune system uses to respond to infection, challenging current understanding of immunity. This fast-acting immune response is orchestrated by inflammatory monocytes and can provide immediate protection against microbes.