A study found distinct immune responses occur quickly when diets change, with the vegan diet prompting innate immunity and the keto diet adaptive immunity. Metabolic changes and microbiome shifts were also observed, highlighting the need for further research on the health effects of these dietary interventions.
Researchers at NIAID have successfully created a strain of Coxiella burnetii without the genetic flaw that makes it virulent, enabling safe use in laboratory settings. The new strain, NMII-E, has implications for diagnostic sensitivity and vaccine development.
Three different HIV antibodies independently protected monkeys from acquiring SHIV, providing statistically significant protection and dose-dependent effect. The findings support the HIV fusion peptide as a promising preventive vaccine target.
A monoclonal antibody treatment increased food-allergic children and adolescents' tolerance to common foods, reducing allergic reactions. Omalizumab, approved for other indications, is being reviewed for a new indication based on the trial's interim analysis.
A new study suggests that stronger responses from immune cells called CD8+ T cells may be key to increasing HIV immunity. Future HIV vaccine candidates may benefit from additional doses or longer persistence in the body to further stimulate the immune system.
A six-month multidrug regimen is being evaluated against the standard nine-month treatment for adults and adolescents with tuberculous meningitis. The trial aims to generate evidence that could lead to improved treatment options and reduced mortality rates, particularly for high-risk groups such as pregnant women and adolescent children.
Research found that young children's immune systems produce protective antibodies at high levels for up to 300 days after infection. Unlike adults, children have high levels of inflammatory cytokines in their noses but not in their blood, potentially explaining the mildness of COVID-19 in this age group.
A Phase 1 trial of a preventive HIV vaccine candidate has begun enrollment in the US and South Africa. The vaccine, VIR-1388, aims to instruct immune cells to recognize and respond to HIV.
The NIH has released a strategic plan for research on herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, outlining four priorities: improving fundamental knowledge, accelerating diagnosis, treating HSV while seeking a curative therapeutic, and preventing infection. The plan aims to reduce the burden of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in the US.
A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.
Researchers have found that certain strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae are more likely to survive in blood and serum than others, while neutrophils are less effective at killing them. The study suggests a vaccine approach for prevention/treatment of infections may be feasible.
A new NIH study found that high levels of certain minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The presence of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum was positively associated with increased incidence of lung infections.
A NIH-funded study found that severe COVID-19 can cause lasting changes in the innate immune system, boosting inflammatory cytokine production and leading to chronic inflammation. Early treatment with IL-6 inhibitors may help mitigate these effects.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates antibodies in pregnant people that cross the placenta and protect their newborns against severe COVID-19 disease. Booster doses also increase maternal and newborn immune defenses against COVID-19, supporting the use of vaccination during pregnancy.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded five projects to better understand Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), which affects 10-20% of Lyme disease patients. The research will explore possible causes of persistent symptoms, including a misguided immune response and ongoing infection.
A clinical trial of a three-month tuberculosis treatment regimen has been closed due to high rates of unfavorable outcomes. Participants who received the investigational treatment experienced ongoing or recurring TB at rates above thresholds set in the study protocol.
Widespread newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) has increased the five-year survival rate from 73% to 87%, with 92.5% of children surviving five years or more after treatment. The study, led by NIAID, demonstrates that early identification and prompt treatment have saved countless lives.
A Phase 1 clinical trial has started to test the safety and tolerability of an experimental oral drug called HOPO 14-1 in healthy adults. The study aims to determine how the drug removes radioactive contaminants from the body, which can occur after nuclear accidents or exposure to dirty bombs.
A clinical trial has started enrolling volunteers to test the experimental H1ssF-3928 mRNA-LNP vaccine, developed by NIAID's Vaccine Research Center, for its safety and ability to induce an immune response. The trial aims to find an optimal dosage and compare it with a current seasonal flu vaccine.
Researchers at NIH have characterized idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia, a rare immune deficiency that affects the body's ability to fight off infections. People with severe cases of ICL are at higher risk of acquiring or developing multiple diseases, including cancers and autoimmune disorders.
According to a new joint study, most children diagnosed with Lyme disease (75%) fully recovered within six months of completing antibiotic treatment. However, 22% of children experienced persistent symptoms after treatment, including some classified as post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD) syndrome.
Researchers recognize the need for improved COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission and infection. Mucosal vaccines targeting the respiratory tract could be effective in blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission and reducing disease burden.
A daily statin medication reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 35% among people living with HIV. The NIH study, REPRIEVE, enrolled over 7,700 volunteers and found that pitavastatin calcium lowered cardiovascular risk without increasing adverse drug events.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that doxycycline can reduce the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by two-thirds when taken within 72 hours after condomless sex. The research also highlighted a slight increase in antibacterial resistance, emphasizing the need for further exploration.
Scientists have identified an autoinflammatory disease called Lyn kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis (LAVLI) linked to mutations in the LYN gene. The research suggests that Lyn kinase may be a potential therapeutic target for drugs treating non-syndromic small vessel vasculitis and inflammation-induced liver fibrosis.
A new study has found that SARS-CoV-2 infection damages the CD8+ T cell response, which is crucial for fighting the virus. Vaccination after infection can still provide protection, but booster shots may be needed to boost immune-cell responses.
A Phase 1 trial of a thermostable tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate found it to be safe and stimulated both antibodies and cellular responses. The vaccine, ID93+GLA-SE, was well-tolerated and produced higher levels of antibodies in recipients compared to a non-thermostable formulation.
A new study found that eliminating animal milk alone from the diet of adults with eosinophilic esophagitis is just as effective as eliminating six common foods, including animal milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and nuts. The one-food elimination diet may be a more manageable option for people with EoE.
The NIH is conducting a clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of S-217622, an investigational antiviral drug, in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. The trial aims to determine if S-217622 can improve recovery times compared to a placebo.
Scientists have developed a mouse model of mpox virus, revealing differences in virulence among genetic groups. The new model shows that the current outbreak strain, clade IIb, has a significantly lower mortality rate than previous strains.
A new NIH-developed vaccine, VSV-SUDV, has been shown to completely protect cynomolgus macaques against a lethal Sudan virus challenge. The vaccine, based on the Ebola VSV vaccine concept, demonstrates cross-protective immune responses and provides rapid protective immunity to Sudan virus.
An experimental vaccine against Marburg virus demonstrated a good safety profile and induced strong, long-lasting immunity in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccine candidate, cAd3-Marburg, induced an immune response in 95% of participants and maintained that response for over 48 weeks.
A Phase 3 clinical trial testing an experimental HIV vaccine regimen found the treatment to be safe but ineffective in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial involved over 3,900 volunteers and concluded that the number of HIV infections were equivalent between the vaccine and placebo arms.
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a probiotic reduced S. aureus colonization by 96.8% in the stool and 65.4% in the nose. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis was administered orally, surviving passage through the stomach, and did not harm gut microbiota.
Researchers explore challenges and propose next-generation vaccine strategies for mucosa-replicating viruses, which evade full immune response due to short incubation periods and nasal mucosa replication. To overcome immune tolerance, significant knowledge gaps must be filled on ideal vaccine formulations, dosage, and techniques.
A recent NIH study found associations between exposure to ozone and fine particulate matter and molecular changes in children's airways during non-viral asthma attacks. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could improve human health, particularly in urban communities with high-risk asthma populations.
The Ebola vaccine trials found all three regimens safe in both age groups, with antibody responses detectable for one year. The study enrolled over 3,100 volunteers in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
Dr. Fauci highlights the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines as a significant success in responding to emerging infectious diseases. He emphasizes the need to improve capabilities for established diseases like malaria and tuberculosis while addressing new threats.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded over $12 million to three institutions for the development of antiviral therapies against pandemic viruses. The funding will support the optimization, development, and clinical testing of promising antiviral candidates.
Researchers found that IV administration of the experimental cancer vaccine, SNAPvax, boosted cytotoxic T cells capable of infiltrating tumor cells and engaged the innate immune system. This approach overcomes tumor-induced immunosuppressive activity, enabling enhanced T-cell immunity.
A monoclonal antibody was found to be up to 88.2% effective at preventing malaria infection in healthy, non-pregnant adults during a six-month malaria season in Mali, Africa. The study suggests that this antibody could complement other measures to protect vulnerable groups from seasonal malaria.
Researchers developed investigational monoclonal antibodies targeting EBV's gH and gL proteins, blocking infection in human cells and providing nearly complete protection against EBV infection in mice. The findings highlight viable vaccine targets and potential treatment options for immunocompromised patients.
A clinical trial begins in the Democratic Republic of Congo to evaluate tecovirimat's safety and effectiveness in treating monkeypox. The trial will enroll up to 450 participants, comparing those who receive tecovirimat to placebo, and gather data on disease severity, mortality, and recovery.
A new approach to allergy treatment has shown promise in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis by 36% after just one year of treatment. The combination of a monoclonal antibody with cat allergy shots was found to be more effective than allergy shots alone in providing long-lasting symptom relief.
Researchers analyzed eight patients who experienced COVID-19 rebound after taking Paxlovid and found robust T-cell responses. The study suggests that rebound symptoms could be driven by the cellular immune response to residual viral RNA rather than an impaired immune response.
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis who carry Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The trial aims to reduce bacterial load in the lungs using a phage cocktail that targets specific bacteria, providing a potential new treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is enrolling adults and children with monkeypox infection in the US to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tecovirimat (TPOXX). The trial aims to gather data on lesion healing, pain scores, disease progression, and safety.
A clinical trial evaluating alternative strategies for administering the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine has begun enrolling adult volunteers. The trial aims to expand the vaccine supply and provide important information on immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of alternative dosing approaches.
Higher SARS-CoV-2 antigen levels in hospitalized patients correlate with worse pulmonary function and longer hospital stays. Antigen levels also predict disease severity and outcomes, suggesting their potential as a biomarker for COVID-19 treatment.
The NIH experts reviewed the current outbreak of monkeypox, noting similarities with early AIDS cases among men who have sex with men. They call for detailed observational studies to learn more about the epidemiology of the current outbreak.