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Severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes in children is on the rise: A pediatric investigation review probes deeper for insights

A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateJul 19, 2022

Vaccine-induced immune response to omicron wanes substantially over time

A new clinical trial found that COVID-19 booster vaccinations in adults elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant, but these antibody levels decrease substantially within 3 months. The immune response to Omicron sub-lineages shows reduced susceptibility to rapidly emerging variants.

Oncotarget | Predicting cancer immunotherapy response from gut microbiomes using machine learning models

A new study uses machine learning models to predict cancer patients' responses to immunotherapy based on their gut microbiome features. The research identifies common gut bacterial taxa associated with responders versus non-responders, providing a potential tool for distinguishing and predicting immunotherapy responders.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2022

Nasal sprays will be essential to thwart variants, UVA collaborative research confirms

Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccinations have an underperforming immune response in the airways compared to natural infection. Nasal sprays could provide a boost to protect against emerging variants and offer higher cellular and humoral immunity. The study suggests that mucosal antibodies play a crucial role in neutralizing the virus.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 19, 2022

Anti-rejection medication and immunotherapy kicks cancer and protects kidney transplants

Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Scientists identify what makes the Delta variant dangerous and explain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections

Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2022

Bacteria in donor organs complicate immune response after transplantation

A study by researchers from the University of Chicago reveals that bacteria in donated organs complicate the immune response after transplantation. The findings show that immune responses against commensal bacteria add to the rejection of the organ, reducing the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs and causing damage to the graft.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination activates antibodies targeting parts of virus spike protein shared between coronaviruses

A new analysis suggests that the COVID-19 vaccine generates antibodies targeting unique and conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The immune system's history with other coronaviruses shapes the patient's response, and the antibody response to common cold coronaviruses appears to follow different paths than to SARS-CoV-2.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2022

Fourth-generation vaping devices increase risk to immune cells

A new study published by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that fourth-generation vaping devices are associated with unique changes in markers of immune responses inside airways. The study compared the respiratory immune health effects of different types of devices, including third-generation and fourth-generation models.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2022

Genetic and molecular insights into dangerous tick bite-related meat allergy revealed

Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified key molecules linked to the mammalian-meat allergy caused by tick bites. The study reveals that a particular antibody type has a natural pocket into which a sugar molecule, galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), snugly fits.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Wistar scientists identify novel therapeutic approach to re-activate immune response against tumors

Wistar scientists have identified a novel therapeutic approach that inhibits the gene KDM5A, which improves immune cell infiltration and attack on tumors. This approach has shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies, including reduced tumor burden and improved survival rates in mice with ovarian cancer.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

Nanoparticle sensor can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia

Researchers developed a nanoparticle sensor that can accurately distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia within two hours using a simple urine test. The sensor uses the host's immune response to infection, detecting specific protease patterns that serve as signatures of bacterial or viral infection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2022

Unvaccinated children mount COVID-19 immune response, but vaccination may be key to strengthening immunity

A study found that unvaccinated children develop a rapid immune response to SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to less severe symptoms, but limits the development of an immune memory response. Vaccination is believed to strengthen immunity by inducing key components such as memory T cell and B cell responses.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalImmunity·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2022

Targeted micronutrition ameliorates allergy symptoms

Researchers at the Messerli Research Institute developed a lozenge that compensates for micronutrient deficiencies in immune cells, reducing inflammation and allergic reactions. The study showed a 45% reduction in symptom burden during peak pollen season, presenting a new approach to allergy care.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In Practice·DateJun 7, 2022

Studies reveal new insights into gut microbiome impact on immunotherapy response in multiple cancers, including glioblastoma

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found distinct gut microbiome signatures associated with immunotherapy response in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The study identified a link between gut microbiome signatures and immune checkpoint blockade response in melanoma, NSCLC, and sarcoma.

Decoding the language of immune responses

A new study by McGill University and US National Cancer Institute researchers reveals that antigen strength, rather than quantity, drives T cell responses. This discovery has implications for predicting vaccine efficacy and designing more effective immunotherapies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2022

Threat of bioaccumulation: New study investigates impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on bay scallops

Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Fruit flies prioritize mating over survival

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Usefulness of monitoring IgG against Antigen-85b for prediction of tuberculosis development from latency: From an elephant tuberculosis analysis

Researchers developed a new test method to detect tuberculosis (TB) progression from latent infection in elephants using IgG antibodies against Antigen 85B. High levels of IgG against ESAT6/CFP10 remained constant, while IgG against Ag85B increased before disease onset and declined with treatment.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2022

Model finds COVID-19 deaths among elderly may be due to genetic limit on cell division

A University of Washington model found that the body's ability to create cloned immune cells falls significantly with age, leading to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly. The study suggests that genetic limits on cell division may play a role in the devastating effects of COVID-19 on older adults.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Why do some people get sicker than others from COVID?

Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2022