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Receptors for the immune defense

Researchers discovered that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar immune receptor gene structures despite independent evolution. The findings provide insight into the evolution of the adaptive immune system and its importance for human health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020

A new approach to calm that angry nose

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that semaphorin protein contributes to allergic reactions and development of nasal polyps in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Elevated levels of semaphorin protein were associated with disease severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Hiring antibodies as nanotechnology builders

A team of researchers at the University of Rome Tor Vergata has developed a novel approach to build and dismantle DNA nanostructures using antibodies. They engineered DNA bricks with recognition tags that assemble in the presence of specific antibodies, enabling the creation of intelligent nanostructures with potential applications in ...

SourceUniversità Roma Tor Vergata·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2019

Scientists close in on malaria vaccine

A team of researchers identified protective antibodies against severe malaria in children, paving the way for a potential vaccine. The discovery uses genomic sequencing and machine learning to pinpoint specific proteins and antibodies that provide immunity.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 14, 2019

Bats in Northeast India carry filoviruses that can infect humans

Researchers found filovirus antibodies in 5.9% of human samples and up to 13.3% of bat species, including those with Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus, Sudan virus, Marburg virus, and Mengla virus antibodies. The study highlights the need for surveillance at the human-animal interface.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 31, 2019

New method to purify cell types to high purity

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have created a new method called GateID that allows for the purification of cell types to high purity without using antibodies or genetic reporters. This enables the detailed study of individual cell types, such as stem cells and tumor cells, which are crucial for understanding their properties and...

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2019

Birth defects associated with Zika virus infection may depend on mother's immune response

New research suggests that the risk of developing microcephaly due to Zika virus infection depends on the types of antibodies produced by pregnant mothers. Antibodies from mothers of babies with microcephaly are more effective at neutralizing the virus, but also show enhanced ability to boost viral entry into human cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 14, 2019

Researchers discover therapy to treat drug-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A new combination treatment regimen enhances the immune system's ability to kill leukemias that do not respond to standard treatments. The regimen includes a therapeutic antibody designed to attract natural killer immune cells to cancer cells, resulting in increased killing of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by up to 35%.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJul 29, 2019

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel vaccine that induces antibodies that contribute to protection

Mount Sinai researchers have developed a novel vaccine consisting of DNA and recombinant proteins, which was tested in monkeys and induced antibodies similar to those associated with protection from HIV. The vaccine targets the V1V2 loop of the gp120 envelope protein and showed strong protective effects against HIV infection.

Tightening the tumor-targeting abilities of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy

Scientists have developed a novel nanoparticle formulation targeting PD-L1 with high specificity, allowing for improved infiltration of T cells into tumors and increased sensitivity to checkpoint blockade. This approach achieved an 80% mouse survival rate over 70 days, outperforming traditional antibody therapies.

Anaphylactic shock: IgG antibodies and neutrophils play an unexpected role

Researchers have identified a new pathological mechanism responsible for 10-20% of unexplained anaphylactic cases involving IgG antibodies that activate neutrophils, releasing harmful vasodilating mediators. This discovery may help improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with anaphylactic shock.

Old protein, new tricks: UMD connects a protein to antibody immunity for the first time

Scientists have discovered a newly found function of the US11 protein that impairs antibody immunity, allowing human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to evade white blood cells and potentially leading to birth defects and immune system dysfunction. This breakthrough has significant therapeutic prospects for treating autoimmune diseases like lupus.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2019