Researchers have discovered a new method to fight bacterial infections associated with contact lenses, breaking apart molecular scaffolding that encases bacteria and reducing infection rates by 79.2%. The treatment has promising early results for treating microbial keratitis, cystic fibrosis, and severe burns.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found that 84-93% of foods avoided due to suspected allergies were restored after oral food challenges. The study highlights the need to balance clinical allergy testing with complete food elimination diets.
A study by National Jewish Health reveals that food allergies are more prevalent among people with asthma, especially in children, males and non-Hispanic blacks. The researchers found that peanut allergy was the most common food allergy, affecting 1.3% of the surveyed population.
Researchers will investigate why atopic dermatitis patients are susceptible to staph and other bacterial and viral infections, and evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D in reducing or preventing staph colonization. The study aims to contain drug-resistant MRSA infections and widespread viral skin infections.
Researchers found a significant link between African ancestry and pulmonary measurement in both men and women across all ages. Accounting for genetic ancestry improves prediction of normal lung function over a simple race-based classification, potentially leading to reclassification of severity in many lung diseases.
A molecule that binds toll-like receptors doubles the early antibody response to an antigen and shifts it to a more effective IgG form. The findings support bridge immunity, which links innate and adaptive arms of the immune response.
Researchers at National Jewish Health and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a precise protein fragment that can trigger diabetes in mice. The finding contradicts conventional wisdom and suggests that poorly presented peptides may cause autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.
Research on older cystic fibrosis patients reveals significant differences in disease outcomes between males and females, with females living longer and having delayed but equally severe disease. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the future treatment of cystic fibrosis as this population continues to grow.
Dr. Gregory Downey received the Recognition Award for Scientific Accomplishments for his outstanding contributions to respiratory disease research. He has published over 190 papers and is a leading expert in innate immunity, lung injury, and repair.
A study at National Jewish Health found that art therapy significantly improves problem-solving, communication, quality-of-life, anxiety, and self-concept scores in children with chronic asthma. The benefits persisted for six months after treatment stopped, suggesting art therapy as a valuable adjunct to traditional treatments.
Researchers propose a new theory on the cause of autoimmunity in diabetes, suggesting that unusual protein fragments can trigger an immune response. This discovery could lead to a new strategy for preventing type 1 diabetes.
Research at National Jewish Health found low vitamin D levels in children with asthma were associated with poorer lung function, higher allergy markers, and increased medication use. Vitamin D supplementation may help reverse steroid resistance and reduce medication needed for asthmatic patients.
Immunologist Roberta Pelanda and her team found that immature B cells require a positive signal from the B-cell receptor to mature and enter the spleen. Protein Erk helps deliver this signal, enabling B cells to escape the bone marrow and contribute to immune defense.
Families with food-allergic children face a life of constant vigilance and fear. Dr. Mary Klinnert's research aims to understand coping strategies and develop tools to support families.
Research by National Jewish Health faculty presents promising findings on vitamin D's effectiveness in boosting corticosteroid efficacy for asthma treatment. Additionally, early results show oral immunotherapy with egg-white solid to be effective in desensitizing children with egg allergy.
A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) is the most effective step-up treatment for children with poorly controlled asthma, according to a new study. The study found that children responded differently to different treatments, with African-Americans equally likely to respond best to LABA or corticosteroid step-up.
Researchers developed peptide vaccines that stimulate T cells to attack cancer cells in mice, achieving 100% tumor-free survival for at least 60 days. The successful vaccines stimulated T cells recognizing both the peptide vaccine and natural antigens, producing a large population of activated T cells.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered how Listeria monocytogenes triggers an endogenous pathway that dampens the host's own immune response. The bacteria makes infected immune cells release interferon-αβ, which reduces immune resistance to infection and causes food poisoning. This finding highlights the crosstalk betwee...
Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring lung lipid, POPG, can prevent RSV infection and inhibit its spread. In cell-culture studies, POPG was shown to block RSV infection, while in mice, it reduced the infection rate by 1700 times.
Researchers will create a genetic and molecular treasure trove to redefine COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The project aims to identify individuals at risk, diagnose earlier and develop personalized treatments.
Research at National Jewish Health found asthma control poor among 155 students with asthma, regardless of medical insurance or identified provider. Patients and parents must recognize when management is not optimal to seek help and improve asthma control.
A study characterizes eczema patients most at risk for serious viral infections, including herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses. The research highlights the importance of skin-barrier defects and antimicrobial protein production in increasing susceptibility to these infections.
B cells in every cell carry genes necessary to function, but only a small proportion matures into immune-system cells. Two chromatin remodeling complexes work in opposing directions to control epigenetic changes allowing for B-cell development.
Researchers have found that CSA-13, a synthetic compound, can kill vaccinia virus in cell cultures and mice, while also stimulating the innate immune system. The study showed that CSA-13 reduced skin lesions caused by vaccinia virus in infected mice.
A study by National Jewish Health researchers found that obesity is not associated with more severe asthma, but may reduce response to corticosteroid medications. Obese patients may require alternative treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a promising strategy to break down Pseudomonas biofilms, which form in cystic fibrosis patients and cause lung damage. A negatively charged molecule called aspartic acid polymer can disrupt the molecular bonds that hold together these difficult-to-treat infections.
Researchers discovered a gene, EC-SOD, that reduces mortality risk for patients with acute lung injury. The study identified specific SNPs in the gene that decrease inflammation and severity of lung injury.
Researchers developed a simple blood test that measures inflammatory gene expression to evaluate cystic fibrosis patients' response to therapy. The test identified genes CD36, CD64, and ADAM9 as accurate biomarkers for therapeutic response.
Research suggests that a mother's diet during pregnancy can induce epigenetic changes in her offspring, increasing their risk of developing allergic asthma. The study found that high-methyl-donor diets led to more severe airway disease and increased IgE levels in the blood.
Monitoring exhaled nitric oxide levels did not improve asthma management in patients managed according to NIH guidelines, but may benefit specific subgroups. The study suggests that most patients can control their asthma with relatively easy-to-measure symptoms and lung function.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found that glucocorticoids are 40% less effective in overweight and obese asthma patients than in those of normal weight. The study suggests a potential mechanism involved in the resistance, which could lead to therapeutic targets for future medications.
Researchers found that Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can block the lung's natural protective response to tobacco smoke, leading to increased oxidative stress and tissue damage. This co-factor may contribute to the development of COPD among smokers.
A study of 174 tuberculosis patients found that extensively drug-resistant TB patients were almost eight times as likely to die as those with multi-drug resistant TB. The study emphasizes the critical importance of optimal management of multi-drug resistant cases to prevent progression to XDR-TB and associated poorer outcomes.
A new mouse model reveals that the B-cell receptor cooperates with MYC oncogene to accelerate lymphoma development. Disruption of B-cell receptor signals can inhibit tumor growth, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that girls and children with exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke respond better to montelukast. The medication effectively controls asthma symptoms in these patients by reducing leukotriene levels.
A new trial aims to develop a preventive treatment for food allergies using immunotherapy. Researchers will administer increasing doses of peanut or egg protein to desensitize participants' immune systems. The goal is to achieve long-term results and offer relief from the daily fear of food.
National Jewish researchers present groundbreaking findings on asthma perception, air pollution effects, obesity resistance to medication, and salmeterol risk. They also discover household bleach can neutralize allergens, improving patient responses.
Researchers found that atopic dermatitis patients have lower levels of disease-fighting antimicrobial peptides, making them more susceptible to eczema vaccinatum. A potential therapy involving LL-37 and IL-13 neutralization could offer protection against this life-threatening side effect.
Researchers found that fibulins inhibit both tumor growth and blood-vessel formation in mice. The study showed that tumors producing fibulins grew up to 24-45% smaller than control tumors after three weeks.
Scientists discover that constant stimulation of antigens is necessary to maintain anergy in self-reactive B cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that pro-inflammatory products or bacterial infections may trigger the loss of anergy and activate these cells.
Researchers at National Jewish Health conducted the first human studies on bleach's ability to neutralize mold allergens. The study showed that dilute household bleach solutions significantly reduced allergic health effects in patients with Aspergillus allergies.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms develop faster in the presence of neutrophils, which are sent to fight infections. The biofilms become resistant to antibiotics and the immune system, leading to chronic lung damage and death.
The study found that low pulmonary function and allergic inflammation are key factors in responding well to inhaled corticosteroids. Younger patients with fewer years of asthma tend to respond better to leukotriene receptor antagonists.
A study of children with asthma in Denver found that winter air pollution had no significant effect on asthma exacerbations or lung function. However, upper respiratory infections more than quadrupled the odds of an asthma exacerbation and increased symptoms.
A study of children with mild to moderate asthma found that a significant number experienced a decline in lung function over four to six years. Children who were male, younger, and had shorter duration of asthma were more likely to experience this decline, regardless of treatment.
Early detection of COPD through a simple spirometry test can slow the loss of lung function, improve symptoms and quality of life, and prevent hospitalizations. Smoking cessation is the only known method to alter the loss of lung function seen in this disease.
Researchers have identified a protein, fibulin-5, that inhibits the sprouting of new blood vessels, which is crucial for cancer tumor growth. The findings suggest that fibulin-5 may be an effective cancer therapy and could also serve as a diagnostic tool to detect cancer status.
Researchers found that alum triggers the accumulation of Gr1 cells in the spleen, which prime B cells and facilitate their response to vaccines. The discovery sheds light on how adjuvants like alum enhance vaccine effectiveness.
The NIH has awarded $20.7 million to create a safer smallpox vaccine for individuals with atopic dermatitis, a condition that makes them susceptible to serious reactions. Researchers will conduct both laboratory and clinical studies to understand the disease and develop protocols to safely vaccinate these patients.
Scientists have created a system to identify specific protein fragments bound to T cells, allowing researchers to better understand the immune system's attack on foreign invaders. The breakthrough could lead to major advancements in preventing and treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.