Researchers found that salicylic acid and jasmonic acid increase in response to fungal infection, increasing plant resistance without negatively affecting growth. High levels of both hormones make trees more resistant to fungal attack.
The study found that T-cell immunity was effective against Omicron variants in approximately 90% of vaccinated Europeans. The researchers identified a specific HLA-DRB1*03:01 variant that allowed the virus to evade immune recognition, particularly affecting individuals with this genetic variation.
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
A blood test can predict which patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are most likely to become severely ill. Researchers found that levels of certain host proteins increased or decreased at different stages of hospitalization, providing insight into the progression of disease.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are testing a novel therapy that combines local laser ablation and immunostimulants to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer. The treatment aims to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells, with promising preliminary results in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.
A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.
A team of researchers developed a novel chip-based infection model to study invasive aspergillosis, a mold infection that affects the lungs. The model allows for live microscopic observation of damage caused by fungal hyphae and the response of immune cells.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that ovarian cancer tumors activate FAK protein to regulate CD155 expression, creating a shield against immune detection and evading treatment. New molecular targets may boost immune response and lead to new combinatorial strategies for this disease.
Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.
Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with increased response to anti-PD-1 therapy and higher immune-related side effects in lung cancer patients. The variant, found in 15.7% of exceptional responders, may be used to identify patients who would benefit from treatment.
Researchers discovered that individuals with depressive disorders have increased blood cell deformability, particularly in lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. This suggests a potential link between immune system changes and sustained immune responses.
Researchers analyzed genomic profiles of over one million cells from 1,000 people, identifying a link between specific genes and immune cell types in autoimmune diseases. The discovery could lead to tailored treatments and refine clinical trials.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases immune responses in patients with multiple myeloma, but a subset remains vulnerable. The study found that 88% of patients developed antibodies after the third dose, leading to improved neutralization of the wild-type virus.
Ira Mellman, PhD, is being honored with the 2022 AACR-CRI Lloyd J. Old Award in Cancer Immunology for his seminal work on dendritic cell function and its impact on atezolizumab and neoepitope vaccines. His research has made a major impact on cancer immunology and has the potential to stimulate new directions.
The COVID-19 Variant Immunologic Landscape (COVAIL) trial aims to understand the immune responses to various additional COVID-19 booster shots and prototype vaccines. The study is being conducted to inform booster shot recommendations and protect against future variants.
The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.
Researchers found that prior infection with common human coronaviruses does not provide immunity against SARS-CoV-2 due to limited cross-reactive antibodies. This suggests no significant adverse effects from antibody-dependent enhancement, reducing the risk of COVID-19 complications.
Researchers discovered that obesity changes molecular underpinnings of allergic inflammation in both mice and humans. The treatment in obese mice makes their skin worse instead of healing, but a specific drug can 'de-fatten' obese mice without changing body weight.
Researchers at Temple University found that individuals with prior COVID-19 infection experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, but showed little increase after the second dose. This contrasts with those without a history of infection, who exhibited massive responses after the second dose.
Researchers discovered that mice infected with tuberculosis are resistant to developing COVID-19, suggesting a potential protective effect against the virus. The findings may explain why double infections of both diseases are rare in humans and contribute to the high rates of infection for each disease individually.
A team led by Professor Charles Gauthier is developing a glycoconjugate vaccine using sugars expressed on the surface of Burkholderia pseudomallei. The vaccine aims to stimulate an immune response and increase its efficacy.
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have identified a key mechanism by which the coronavirus causes inflammation in the brain's immune cells, potentially explaining some symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that adequate funding is needed to further develop this research and its potential applications.
A study found that double vaccinated individuals generate a potent and broad neutralizing antibody response after a delta breakthrough infection. This response provides protection against current variants of concern, including omicron.
Researchers have developed a vaccine using CRISPR technology to protect against Leishmania mexicana, a parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas. The vaccine is safe and effective in mice, preventing skin lesions and infection for over 10 weeks.
A comprehensive review of over 60 studies confirms that COVID vaccination is around 80% effective in protecting people with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mRNA vaccines were found to be the most effective, and multiple vaccinations are recommended for better protection.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that adding an antibody to the widely-used TB vaccine significantly improves its long-term effectiveness. The combination of the vaccine and an IL-10 blocker allows for better control of TB infection in mice, with improved lung health and increased memory immune cells.
The investigational vaccine targets both the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, producing neutralizing antibodies and inducing T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2. COH04S1 is being studied in Phase 2 trials for immunocompromised patients and as a booster for healthy adult volunteers.
A Moffitt study found that COVID-19 vaccination led to seroconversion in most cancer patients, but with differing antibody response rates among various cancer types and treatments. Patients with blood cancers had lower seroconversion rates compared to those with solid tumors, highlighting the need for personalized immune responses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a critical step in the molecular circuitry of immune cells that mobilizes the immune system to fight off foreign invaders. The findings, published in iScience, shed light on subtle genetic variations among human populations that may explain individual responses to infections.
Researchers discover unique glycoprotein structure of Nipah and Hendra viruses, which could provide blueprint for vaccine design and antibody treatments. The findings suggest a multi-pronged approach to prevent and treat these deadly illnesses.
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can resist neutralizing antibodies and therapeutics, highlighting the need for improved vaccines and treatments. The study mapped out these 'escape variants' to understand their molecular mechanisms.
Researchers have discovered that bioprosthetic heart valve patients develop an immune response against foreign sugars in the valves, leading to calcification and deterioration. By genetically engineering these sugars out of the valves, durability can be increased, offering a potential solution for patients.
A new study by University of Bonn researchers found that cow's milk protein casein triggers an autoimmune response in mice, damaging neurons and myelin sheath. This cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system mistakes similar molecules for each other.
Researchers have revealed that during Type 1 Diabetes development, pancreatic duct cells reprogram to suppress autoimmune T cell responses. This discovery advances understanding of the disease by creating a map of pancreatic islet cells over time.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop durable immunity against variants for at least 11 months. The research suggests that immune protection may endure long-term, potentially reducing the need for vaccine booster shots.
A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can affect certain regions of DNA, influencing immune function and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. The research has important implications for counseling transgender children and adolescents about the effects of hormone therapies.
A UC Riverside-led study has identified a potential antiviral therapy for SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses by targeting the papain-like protease enzyme. The research reveals that subgroup 2b PLpros selectively target specific host immune pathways, making them a promising target for future coronavirus therapeutics.
A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that two groups of regulatory CD4+ T cells develop at different times to combat acute inflammation. The early Tregs reduce autoimmune damage, while the second wave shuts down the entire immune response to signal infection clearance.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...
A recent study found that a subset of immune cells within the alveolar bone marrow were activated by the presence of commensal oral microbes, leading to increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and bone loss. Reducing the burden of commensal microbes through oral antiseptic rinses can help protect against alveolar bone loss.
Researchers tracked antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination and found that antibodies improve in quality for months after vaccination. Even low levels of antibodies provide some protection as long as the virus doesn't change.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed bionanoparticles derived from corn that selectively target and inhibit the growth of cancer cells, inducing tumor necrosis factor-α release. These findings suggest a novel, economical, and safe anti-cancer therapy approach.
A new study finds that certain COVID-19 variants can escape the human immune system's cytotoxic T cell response in a significant portion of the population. The researchers identified 1,222 epitopes associated with major HLA subtypes, covering about 90% of the human population.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2022
A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.
Scientists sequenced the gene expression profiles of more than 170,000 individual cells to shed light on a key mystery: the role of Type I Interferons (IFN) during viral infections. The study reveals interferon plays a crucial role in clearing the virus by alerting immune cells, such as macrophages, to search and destroy infected cells.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that many cancer patients can build up sufficient immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after the third vaccination. However, patients with blood cancers may not develop protection due to immunosuppressive treatments.
Researchers found that current COVID-19 vaccines provide robust protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron variant through induced cellular immunity. The study showed that CD8+ T cell responses were over 80% cross-reactive with the original strain, suggesting a key role in vaccine protection.
A study by UConn Health and Washington University School of Medicine found that eating more meat correlates with worse MS symptoms, altered gut bacteria, and increased immune cells. The research identified key bacteria and metabolites associated with the disease, providing new insights into its causes.
Researchers found a distinct microbial profile associated with long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia. Patients with long COVID had a less diverse and abundant gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.
A new study reveals the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a wide range of antibodies effective against both Delta and Omicron variants. The findings suggest that vaccination strategies could be improved by leveraging this broad immunity.
Immunosequencing of T cells combined with machine learning techniques reveals that participants with higher numbers of pre-existing memory CD4 T cells develop immunity more quickly and produce more antibodies following vaccination. This study has significant implications for immunity and vaccine development efforts.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a new host protein interaction in chickens that triggers a strong immune response against viral infections. The discovery sheds light on the differences between bird and human immune responses to zoonotic viruses.
A new study finds that breakthrough infections following vaccination and natural infection followed by vaccination provide roughly equal levels of enhanced immune protection. Researchers at OHSU found that both groups generated greater levels of immunity compared to those who were vaccinated with no infection.
A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.
The four-year programme will investigate the chemical signatures that trigger immunity in fungal infections, which kill an estimated 1.6 million people worldwide annually. By understanding these signatures and how fungi disguise them, researchers hope to uncover the origins of antifungal immunity.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and targeted therapies may mount inadequate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination. The authors recommend antibody level testing and booster vaccinations for these patients.
Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital discovered that vitamin D activates the tolerance program of dendritic cells through epigenetic modification. This finding offers new hope for treating autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis by optimizing tolerogenic dendritic cells.