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Gut bacteria could be behind weaker immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine

A study published in Communications Biology suggests that gut bacteria's digestion of fucose sugar may be behind weaker immune responses to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Individuals with lower T-cell responses had higher expression of genes FOS and ATF3, which are part of a larger group controlling T-cell survival and activity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

NUS researchers uncover new differences in bacteria’s sugar coat to aid pneumococcal vaccine development

Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023

Organoids shown to speed glycoengineered vaccine development

Researchers have developed an organoid-based method to assess the potency of glycoconjugate vaccines, speeding up the vaccine development process. This method uses tissue from a single mouse to create hundreds of immune organoids, allowing for the assessment of dozens or even hundreds of vaccine candidates in just four days.

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 12, 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Challenges and opportunities

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a type of cell that plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The authors suggest that understanding CAFs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies. Research targeting CAFs has shown promise, but challenges remain due to their complex nature.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 5, 2023

Air pollution is linked to lower COVID-19 vaccine responses

A study led by ISGlobal found that exposure to air pollution before the pandemic was associated with lower antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in uninfected individuals. The study measured IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies in participants exposed to fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

SARS-CoV-2 unlikely to cause type 1 diabetes

A study published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that the incidence of type 1 diabetes among Finnish children increased by 16% during the pandemic. Researchers believe that social isolation and lockdowns rather than SARS-CoV-2 infection may have contributed to this increase.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 20, 2023

Allergies in Europe: regional differences in sensitization profiles identified in children for the first time

A comprehensive European allergy atlas has been compiled, revealing regional and climate-related differences in sensitisation to allergens. The study found varying sensitisation patterns across Europe, with certain regions having lower sensitivity to house dust mites and higher sensitivity to peanut and fruit allergens.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateMar 9, 2023

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University researchers find that new approach to boosting protein production could advance mRNA and protein-based medicines

A new approach to boosting protein production has been discovered, which could lead to the generation of a universal booster for protein production. The breakthrough centers on Exin21, a sequence that increases mRNA synthesis and stability and protein expression and secretion.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateFeb 20, 2023

LJI scientists uncover the structure and function of Inmazeb, the first FDA-approved drug for Ebola virus infection

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the detailed mechanism of action of Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail designed to combat Ebola virus infection. The study reveals new information about how the drug interacts with the virus and its potential effectiveness against additional species of Ebolavirus.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Synthetic genes for flu test

A new method for rapid and specific antibody detection has been introduced, using programmable gene circuits, cell-free transcription, and electrochemical detection. The system can detect antibodies in complex samples such as blood serum and is adaptable for a wide variety of other antibodies.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

AI model proactively predicts if a COVID-19 test might be positive or not

Researchers developed an accurate predictive model to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative test outcomes. The study found that symptom features, such as fever and difficulty breathing, play a significant role in predicting test results, with molecular tests yielding lower positive rates due to their dependence on viral load.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSmart Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2022

Study conducted at hospital in São Paulo state detects measles antibodies in only 75% of under-fifteens

A study conducted in Brazil reveals that only 75.8% of under-fifteen children in São Paulo have antibodies against measles, falling short of the ideal 94% target to prevent outbreaks. The finding is a warning sign that Brazilian children are not achieving herd immunity, making them susceptible to infection.

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

CHOP researchers find COVID-19 vaccination leads to higher antibody levels than natural infection in both pregnant people and their babies

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination results in higher antibody concentrations compared to natural infection, providing robust protection for mothers during pregnancy. The study also suggests optimal vaccine timing can maximize the transfer of antibodies to babies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 9, 2022

Duke-NUS scientists shed new light on key differences in immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A new study led by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists found that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit a broad immune response against different proteins on the virus, while mRNA vaccines stimulate a single spike protein response. This broader T-cell response may be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Scientists shed light on COVID-19 booster dose effectiveness among the elderly in Japan

Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

Random defense: Cells play ‘molecular roulette’ to determine how body fights disease

Researchers discovered that B cells randomly allocate antibody classes to fight infections and diseases, leading to varying probabilities of developing conditions like asthma. This 'molecular roulette' process can be predicted using a formula, paving the way for understanding individual susceptibility.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Acquired immunity against random food allergens may protect some lucky people against COVID-19

A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022