Immune Response
Articles tagged with Immune Response
Review highlights antimicrobial peptides as cross-seeding modulators at the neurodegenerative–infectious interface
Data hidden in tuberculosis screening tests sheds light on patients’ overall mortality
A study by UCLA Health researchers linked low immune responses to higher mortality rates in patients, using tuberculosis screening tests as a tool. The results suggest that these tests can predict mortality in various patient groups, including those undergoing organ transplants and cancer patients on immunotherapy.
Turning up the volume on macrophage-driven immune responses
New USF study tests whether AI can reliably predict immune responses
Researchers at USF Health developed a framework to test AI tools' accuracy in predicting immune responses, aiming to enhance cancer immunotherapies and vaccine development. The study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of current AI approaches, providing guidance for building safe and reliable AI tools for healthcare.
Disease-causing pathogen rewires gut metabolism to secure nutrients for growth: Study
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis reshapes intestinal cell metabolism to support its growth, causing diseases like diarrhea and colorectal cancer. The study provides new possibilities for intervention by targeting metabolic interactions between host and microbes.
Researchers uncover strategy to help exhausted immune cells fight tumors
A new study reveals that impaired protein recycling is the key factor in T cell exhaustion, allowing researchers to develop a 'tag and sort' fix to restore normal proteostasis. This approach boosts the potency of cell therapy against cancer.
Study of influenza D in human cells, tissue hints at spillover potential
A new study found that influenza D viruses can vigorously replicate in human cells and lung tissue samples, suggesting a strong potential to spill over to humans. Researchers also detected antibodies against Influenza D in people who work with cattle, but no active human infection has been discovered to date.
Gut microbiota impacts resistance to bacterial pneumonia: Study
Researchers found that antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota, suppressing protective immune system pathways and increasing severity of A. baumannii pneumonia. The study highlights the gut-lung connection as a potential therapeutic target for hospital-acquired lung infections.
SLA-I/II knockdown significantly reduces immune rejection in pig-to-primate xenotransplantation
Researchers developed pigs with knocked-down SLA-I/II molecules, showing reduced human complement-dependent cytotoxicity and stronger resistance to T-cell responses. The findings suggest a multi-pronged approach combining genetic modification and targeted immunosuppression for successful pig-to-human transplantation.
More immune protection, less dominance: a new phase in the corona-development?
A new phase in the corona-development has been identified, with recent SARS-CoV-2 variants spreading less rapidly worldwide and BA.3.2 infecting young children more frequently than other strains. This suggests that global immunity from vaccination and infections may be making it harder for new variants to spread.
AACR: Novel approach prevents cancer progression, spares surgery for majority of patients with precancerous oral lesions
A new treatment using low-dose nivolumab injections into precancerous oral lesions significantly reduced lesion size and risk of cancer progression. The study showed a 60% average reduction in lesion size and complete pathologic response in six patients, with no dose-limiting side effects.
Novel research reveals the active role that skin cells play in rabies infection
Keratinocytes play a more active role in rabies infection than previously thought, supporting viral replication and transmitting the virus to neurons. This discovery provides new insights into the risk of infection from superficial scratches or minor bites.
A lung cancer that changes its identity may be hiding in plain sight
A new study maps how rare mixed tumors evolve into hybrid cell states and immune-protected neighborhoods, pointing to new ways to detect and treat combined small-cell lung cancer. The findings reveal that these tumors do not arise from two separate cancers but rather from a single ancestral cell that evolves over time.
Researchers find new target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy
A study published in Cancer Research has identified DPY30 as an epigenetic target that can sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. By modulating DNA replication stress, DPY30 promotes the addition of activation signals at stressed replication forks, supporting cancer cell survival and proliferation.
Researchers identify blood-based biomarker for cancer risk in people with Lynch Syndrome
A new blood-based biomarker has been discovered to help identify individuals at higher risk of developing cancer in people with Lynch Syndrome. The biomarker uses immune signatures detected in blood samples to provide unique characteristics that can detect cancer risk, allowing for early detection and personalized surveillance.
This could be why COVID and flu are so dangerous to the elderly
A new study by UC San Francisco reveals that aging lung tissue can lead to catastrophic immune dysregulation, causing elderly individuals to become severely ill. The research suggests that targeting the damaged spiral of inflammaging could provide a promising therapeutic target for treating age-related respiratory diseases.
Existing medication can restore HIV-affected immune cells
Researchers at Linköping University found that an existing medication can restore immune cell function in people with HIV. The study showed that the medication blocks type I interferon and restored the function of immune cells, potentially improving health outcomes.
New mechanism for kidney repair discovered: Immune checkpoint VISTA protects against acute injury and prevents fibrosis
Researchers discovered VISTA as a critical immune checkpoint that balances immune activation and inflammation resolution during kidney injury. Administering exogenous VISTA protein shows potent protection against acute kidney injury and its progression to chronic disease.
Researchers Reveal Novel Octameric Resistosome and Immune Mechanism in Wheat
A team of scientists has identified a novel octameric resistosome formed by an activated wheat CC G10 -NLR immune receptor. The study reveals that the resistosome induces Ca 2+ influx and immune responses through a unique channel architecture, providing new insights into plant immunity.
Small shrinking organ may prove decisive for life or death
A new study from Aarhus University reveals the thymus, a small organ previously believed to cease functioning early in adult life, plays a lifelong role in the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The healthier the thymus, patients respond better to immunotherapy treatment.
Tsinghua University team discovers skin's hidden role in amplifying immune responses, paving way for novel vaccine adjuvants
Researchers reveal that skin-cell calcium channel TRPV3 is activated by plant-derived fragrant molecules, leading to enhanced immune responses and potential new vaccine adjuvants. The study provides a novel understanding of immune crosstalk and offers a safer approach to enhancing vaccine efficacy.
Chemotherapy candidate can marshall attention from the body’s natural defenses
Researchers discover a potential chemotherapy agent that causes cancer cells to release signals similar to those released by infected cells, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to a new approach in cancer treatment, using lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to recruit the immune system as an ally.
Building protection against infectious diseases with nanostructured vaccines
Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.
Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.
FAU awarded $2.4M NIH grant to study immune signaling and social behavior
Researchers will investigate the role of interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) in brain function, behavior, and psychiatric health. The study aims to define the physiological role of IL-1R1 in the brain and explore its influence on social behaviors.
Overcoming ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy
A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...
Microbe exposure may not protect against developing allergic disease
A new Cornell University study reveals that exposure to diverse microbes and allergens as adults may worsen the development of allergic airway inflammation compared to newborns. Researchers found a break point where protection from microbial exposure might wane, depending on life stage and timing.
Cloaked stem cells evade immune rejection in mice, pointing to a potential universal donor cell line
Researchers demonstrate that genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells can overcome immune rejection in mice, surviving for five months with humanized immune systems. The findings provide proof-of-principle for a potential universal donor hPSC line designed to resist immune attack.
Novel cellular phenomenon reveals how immune cells extract nuclear DNA from dying cells
Immune cells have been found to selectively extract nuclear DNA from dying cells, a regulated cellular function that challenges traditional views of the nucleus. This discovery, known as nucleocytosis, may hold implications for understanding autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer, as well as informing drug development strategies.
How age, sex and genetics shape our antibodies
A study found that age, biological sex, and human genetic factors determine the quantity and specificity of antibodies produced in response to viral infections. The research has significant implications for vaccine and therapeutic design, as it shows that individual profiles can be tailored to improve treatment effectiveness.
Existing drug unlocks immunotherapy potential against rare liver cancer
A Cornell University study reveals that an existing FDA-approved drug, AMD3100, can prevent the sequestration of immune T cells from tumors, allowing them to attack cancer cells. The treatment shows promise for fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare and fatal liver cancer with no cure.
Exploring how the immune system detects drugs coated with ‘stealth’ polymers
Study reveals how chills develop and support the body's defense against infection
A recent rat study identified the neural mechanism underlying chills, a cold sensation that supports the body's response to infection. The findings suggest that prostaglandin E₂ boosts cold signals from the lateral parabrachial nucleus to the central nucleus of the amygdala, triggering chills and promoting warmth-seeking behavior.
Researchers discover ABCA1 protein’s role in releasing molecular brakes on solid tumor immunotherapy
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that the ABCA1 protein plays a crucial role in directing how myeloid immune cells, particularly macrophages, behave. When ABCA1 is expressed, these cells become better at fighting cancer and supporting T cell function.
Gut microbe–derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy
A study published in Microbiome found that gut microbiome-derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy by promoting T follicular helper (Tfh) cell activity and mucosal antibody production. This discovery highlights the crucial role of gut environment regulation in controlling infections and enhancing vaccine resp...
Could these two genes make T cells unstoppable?
Researchers at Salk Institute uncover two transcription factors, ZSCAN20 and JDP2, that determine T cell fate. Turning off these genes reverses T cell exhaustion and restores their ability to kill tumors without losing immune memory. The study challenges the long-standing belief of inevitable immune exhaustion.
Yeast cells can be used for rapid testing of cancer immunotherapy
Engineered yeast cells can mimic real cancer cells and be used to test new cancer immunotherapies much faster and cheaper than before. This new technology enables researchers to assess which CAR T variants are most promising much more quickly, leading to safer and more targeted cancer treatments.
Preparedness for future pandemics: MERS vaccine candidate shows long-lasting immune response
A new MERS vaccine candidate has shown a stable and functional immune response in humans that persists for at least two years after a booster vaccination. The study demonstrates that such durable immunity can be achieved through targeted booster vaccinations, providing an important step toward an effective MERS vaccine.
How do nature and nurture shape our immune cells?
Researchers at Salk Institute debut an epigenetic catalog that shows genetic inheritance and life experiences have distinct effects on various types of immune cells, shedding light on individual differences in immune responses and potential new personalized therapeutics.
Could a dietary supplement make the difference between life and death during illness?
Salk Institute scientists discover that dietary supplementation of the amino acid methionine protects infected mice against inflammation-related wasting, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and death. Methionine boosts kidney filtration, reducing circulating cytokine levels and improving disease outcomes.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has made significant advancements in cancer care through its collaborative efforts between clinicians and scientists. These breakthroughs include an immune-targeting vaccine that shows promise in intercepting cancer in patients with Lynch Syndrome, a novel immunotherapy that demonstrate...
Should younger and older people receive different treatments for the same infection?
Salk Institute scientists found distinct disease courses and tolerance mechanisms in younger and older mice with sepsis, indicating a need for age-tailored therapies. The study suggests that future treatments may focus on controlling infection-generated damage rather than just targeting the pathogen.
TB and HIV treatments are not enough for a full recovery
A team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that even with effective treatments for TB and HIV, the immune system remains seriously out-of-whack following treatment. The study suggests that host-directed therapies specifically targeting the immune system could potentially restore lung immune system functionality.
Sequestered in immune cells, barium titanate nanoparticles stimulated by ultrasound launch inflammatory response
Boston College researchers used piezoelectric nanoparticles to trigger macrophages, a key part of the body's immune response. The study suggests that this method could be used to activate immune cells specifically at an infection or tumor site, avoiding side effects associated with systemic administration of drugs.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of immunotherapy before and after surgery in improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Additionally, a new study shows promise in using CAR T cell therapy to treat large B-cell lymphoma, reducing relapse rates.
Being infected or vaccinated first influences COVID-19 immunity
A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination influences long-term immunity, with those vaccinated first showing stronger antibody responses to Omicron variants. The study found higher levels of IgG and IgA antibodies in vaccinated individuals, but a stronger T-cell response in those infected first.
Influenza A(H3N2) Subclade K Virus – Threat and Response
The Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus is a growing concern due to its antigenic variants and reduced vaccine effectiveness. Researchers emphasize the need for swift responses to protect public health.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant discoveries in the treatment of rare bile duct cancers, with zanidatamab showing promising results. Additionally, a study identified RASH3D19 as a target to overcome treatment resistance in KRAS-mutant cancers.
Researchers identify why some people with HIV achieve remission after antibody treatment
A study from the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT and Harvard found that immune cells called CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in controlling HIV. Researchers discovered that having these CD8+ T cell features before treatment was most important for achieving remission.
LJI scientists discover how T cells transform to defend our organs
Researchers at LJI have discovered a cellular driver that leads to the development of tissue-resident memory T cells, which specialize in defending specific organs. The study found that GPR25 sustains TGF-\u00b2 signaling, promoting differentiation and transformation into these specialized immune cells.
Study reveals how the gut builds long-lasting immunity after viral infections
Researchers found that immune cells in the gut follow an atypical pathway to produce antibodies providing long-term protection against viruses. The study could help guide the development of better vaccines for respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
U of A researchers awarded $917K federal grant to explore topical immunoprevention for skin cancer
Researchers at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center are investigating novel immune-based approaches to prevent keratinocytic skin cancers. They aim to identify early immune signals that can activate the body's own immune defenses to prevent cancer before it starts.
1st death linked to ‘meat allergy’ spread by ticks
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
Immune reactions found behind human rejection of transplanted pig kidneys
Researchers have made breakthroughs in overcoming immune reactions behind human rejection of transplanted pig kidneys, paving the way for more successful clinical trials. The study reveals three major immune responses against the pig kidney and identifies potential biomarkers as early-warning systems for rejection.
Rice and Houston Methodist researchers to study brain-implant interface with Dunn Foundation award
A team of researchers from Rice University and the Houston Methodist Research Institute will study how the brain responds to neural implants. They aim to develop more stable and longer-lasting brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, which could treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and stroke.
Researchers uncover key mechanism behind chemotherapy-induced nerve damage
A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that a stress response in immune cells contributes to chemotherapy-induced nerve damage. By blocking this pathway, researchers aim to develop new treatments to protect cancer patients from debilitating side effects.
How age affects vaccine responses and how to make them better
Scientists discovered profound and specific changes in T cells as people age, leading to weaker immune responses to vaccines. This insight opens the door to designing more effective vaccines by compensating for age-related cellular changes.
New monoclonal antibody shows promise for preventing malaria infections
A new monoclonal antibody has shown dose-dependent full protection against the malaria parasite with minimal side effects. Researchers found that a single injection of the antibody could provide months-long protection, offering a fundamentally different way to prevent infection before it starts.
How immune cells deliver their deadly cargo
Researchers identified key genes connected to cellular lipid metabolism that guide the precise release of cytotoxic granules in human NK and T cells. This discovery explains how immune cells work and sheds light on diseases caused by genetic defects.