Articles tagged with Immune Response
Northwestern University scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the Zika virus to evade the antiviral response of host cells. The study reveals how the virus suppresses interferon signaling to gain access to cells, providing a new target for antiviral therapeutics.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that non-neutralising antibodies can also protect against Covid-19 by facilitating phagocytosis. The findings suggest that broader protection from antibodies may be more effective in combating mutations of the virus.
Researchers discovered that pathogens can hijack mitochondrial defense mechanisms by mimicking host proteins, effectively disarming the mitochondria. This allows the pathogen to acquire essential nutrients and evade the host's immune response.
Researchers discovered the ZIP-1 gene acts as a cell's first-line response to infection, controlling immune responses to viruses and other threats. The finding could have implications for identifying similar genes that control immune responses in humans.
The Sanford Children's Genomic Medicine Consortium has initiated a whole genome sequencing research project to investigate undiagnosed illnesses in children with suspected inborn errors of immunity. The study aims to sequence the genomes of up to 25 patient genomes and learn information that can benefit patients and others.
Patients with skin-related side effects from immune checkpoint inhibitors tend to live longer, with a 22-50% decrease in mortality. These findings suggest that skin toxicities can be an indicator of treatment efficacy and may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from their current immunotherapy regimen.
A large population study found that living alone for several years and/or experiencing serial relationship break-ups are strongly linked to raised levels of inflammatory markers in the blood of middle-aged men. The researchers suggest that this combination may indicate a heightened risk of age-related ill health and death.
Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 develop a wide variety of autoantibodies up to six months after recovery, and these autoantibodies persist over time. The study suggests that understanding these autoantibody responses could help identify ways to treat and prevent long-term symptoms.
A new study reveals that mRNA vaccines activate a type of helper cell called T follicular helper cells, which assist in creating powerful antibodies and drive the development of immune memory. This strong response helps prevent severe disease and death, even against highly mutated variants like omicron.
Patients with sufficient fiber intake had improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma. A high-fiber diet was associated with slower tumor growth and increased CD4+ T cells in pre-clinical models, supporting the potential benefits of dietary interventions on cancer treatment outcomes.
A new study found that infection-fighting B cells retain better memory of the coronavirus spike protein in patients who recover from less-severe cases of COVID-19 than those recovering from severe cases. This hints at subtle differences in the quality of immune response based on COVID-19 severity.
A global study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with metabolic syndrome had a 20% higher risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and dying. The study examined records of over 46,000 patients in 181 hospitals across 26 countries.
A new study reveals the sophisticated mechanism by which adenoviruses infect human cells and transfer foreign DNA into their nucleus. Protein V plays a crucial role in increasing the virus particle's stability and preventing premature DNA release, which triggers an anti-viral alarm system.
Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.
A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.
The KEYNOTE-811 trial demonstrates a significant improvement in objective response rate (74.4%) and tumor size reduction compared to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The combination of pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy markedly reduces tumor size and induces complete responses in some patients.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that mRNA therapy improves the response of patients who weren't responding to cancer immunotherapy. The study identified a weak spot in T cells, white blood cells crucial for fighting cancer, and developed an mRNA-based strategy to enhance their response.
Researchers have discovered a fundamental role of the TBK1 enzyme in deciding B cell fate, crucial for developing effective vaccines for diseases like COVID-19 and malaria. The study reveals that TBK1 is necessary for germinal center formation and high-quality antibody production.
Research from Queen Mary University of London and Cardiff University found that certain MS treatments can reduce Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness in people with MS. The largest peer-reviewed study on the topic provides high-quality evidence to inform clinicians' guidance on treatment options.
Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.
A novel vaccine, TOH-Vac1, replicates inside the body's cells and generates a powerful immune response in mice and monkeys. The vaccine is based on a strain of vaccinia virus used to vaccinate against smallpox and can be programmed to protect against multiple variants.
A landmark study found that convalescent plasma was safe and effective in treating early COVID-19 patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. The trial showed improved outcomes in patients given high-titer plasma during the first quarter of the pandemic.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified Th1* cells as a key marker in the body's immune signature following BCG vaccination. The study found that these cells respond well to the vaccine and can help fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that causes TB.
A new study reveals that infant immune systems are robust and efficient, allowing them to quickly respond to new pathogens. This may explain why infants are less affected by COVID-19 than adults, who take longer to react.
Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Texas A¼M University identified a key mechanism used by SARS-CoV-2 to evade host immune systems, targeting the MHC class I pathway. The study found that the virus suppresses the activation of this pathway using the ORF6 protein, allowing it to persist in the body and infect others.
Researchers at Illinois provided insight into the signal transduction mechanism utilized by Staphylococcus aureus's TCS ArlRS in response to host-imposed manganese and glucose starvation. The study found that histidine kinase ArlS is necessary for activation of response regulator ArlR under both manganese and glucose-limited conditions.
A new particulate saponin/TLR agonist vaccine adjuvant has been shown to alter lymph flow and modulate adaptive immunity. This study demonstrates the potential of this ingredient as a more effective vaccine booster.
A study by Imperial College London found that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encountered through vaccination or infection influences subsequent immune responses to current and future variants. This 'immune imprinting' affects the rate of decay of protection and impacts antibody levels over time.
Researchers found that macrophages play a central role in COVID-19-related respiratory failure, leading to fibroproliferative ARDS and prolonged ventilation. Extensive tissue damage and scar tissue formation are characteristic of severe lung failure.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the COVID-19 Delta variant may have a reduced ability to be neutralized by vaccines. The researchers analyzed serum samples from vaccinated individuals and found that the Delta variant was more effective at evading vaccine-induced immunity than other variants, such as Beta and Alpha.
A Canadian study found that delaying the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine produces a stronger immune response, which could inform international vaccination strategies. This longer dose interval strategy enables early access to first doses and ensures better protection with the two-dose series.
Scientists discovered that fungal endophytes convert chitin to chitosan, a natural plant defense activator, to evade host defense. This conversion enables the fungus to live in symbiotic association with grasses, protecting them from biotic and abiotic stresses.
A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.
Antibodies that mimic the SARS-CoV-2 virus may explain lingering symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 and rare vaccine side effects like allergic reactions and blood-clotting. This theory, based on classic immunological concepts, suggests a cascade of immune responses that can lead to adverse effects.
Previous antibody responses to harmless coronaviruses contribute to SARS-CoV-2 immunity, reducing infection severity and hospitalization rates. Researchers found that people with strong immune responses to other human coronaviruses have some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
People taking immunosuppressants, especially TNF inhibitors, have a weaker antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines. A third dose can drive antibody levels back up, but the duration is unknown.
A study found that individuals under 65 had higher antibody levels than those over 65, with women outperforming men. However, by six months post-vaccination, antibody levels dropped significantly for everyone in the study group.
A novel gene therapy has shown sustained expression of clotting factor VIII, leading to a reduction or complete elimination of bleeding events in patients with hemophilia A. The trial demonstrated improved production of coagulation factor VIII over prolonged periods.
A new study by Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center investigators found that a COVID-19 booster shot helps most cancer patients with no immune response after two-dose vaccination, significantly increasing antibody levels. The study also shows that all cancer patients benefit from vaccination, particularly those with blood cancer.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that vaccination results in a more robust immune response than natural infection. Even with waning antibodies, vaccinated individuals still have protective immunity against severe disease and hospitalization.
A researcher at MUSC's Hollings Cancer Center is developing 'living drugs' by precision-engineering CAR Tregs to treat autoimmune diseases. The CAR Tregs can delay or reduce damaging inflammation, offering a potential solution for conditions like Type 1 diabetes.
A multi-center study assesses medicinal mushrooms and Chinese herbs for therapeutic benefit in treating acute COVID-19 infection. The MACH-19 trial evaluates the safety and feasibility of two investigational compounds, one in capsule form and another as a Chinese herbal formula.
Research suggests that obesity triggers inflammation, leading to an increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which break down bone tissue. This can result in gum disease and tooth loss. The study found a significant link between high-fat diets and increased osteoclasts and alveolar bone destruction.
Researchers discovered inhibiting or genetically deleting the MTHFD2 enzyme reduced disease severity in various inflammatory disease models. This suggests that MTHFD2 function is important for immune cell regulation, particularly for T cell subsets involved in inflammation.
Researchers found that geriatric cotton rats given ibuprofen cleared RSV more quickly than those without the drug. Ibuprofen improved immune response by lowering aging-related inflammation, suggesting a potential role for the drug in providing lasting immunity against RSV.
Researchers discovered a new biomarker, inactive AMPK (lo-P-AMPK), that may predict immune evasion in lung cancer. The finding could enable better personalized care for lung cancer patients by identifying those most likely to benefit from immunotherapies.
Recent research highlights microglia's involvement in Alzheimer's development and progression. A better understanding of microglial dysfunction may help explore signs and mechanisms of the disease, as well as enable microglia as a potential therapeutic target.
A study of 21 mothers found that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy had a varied immune response in their newborns, resulting in some infants developing antibodies and others not.
Researchers are developing a transformative technology called Multiscale Intelligent Convergence (MusIC) to map the complexity of T cells and identify attributes essential for patient benefit. The goal is to create more reliable biomanufacturing of T cell infusion products and engineering potent immune cells.
A new viral disease caused by Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has emerged, threatening global tomato production. ToBRFV overcomes the durable Tm-2² resistance gene, which had remained unbroken for over half a century.
Researchers aim to predict and contain the spread of SCTLD by tracking coral immune responses. The study will examine which factors contribute to a successful immune response, where corals can recover and survive.
Researchers identified two nanobodies that specifically target and stabilize the tetrameric form of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9, potentially repressing viral replication. These findings suggest a new antiviral strategy for diagnosis and treatment against COVID-19.
Researchers have identified a link between certain gut microbiome molecules and the immune system protein P-gp, which plays a critical role in gut inflammation. The study suggests that supporting a healthy balance of microbes in the gut may help regulate P-gp expression and prevent chronic inflammation.
A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that the Sputnik-V COVID vaccine elicits both robust antibody and T-cell responses. The research suggests that long-term immunity is possible, supporting the effectiveness of the vaccine against local virus variants.
Researchers discovered that a lower dose of the first shot, followed by a full-dose booster, significantly improved SARS-CoV-2 vaccine potency in mice. This approach, which involves an extended prime-boost interval, may lead to more robust and durable immune responses.
New study reveals that blocking interleukin-23 is more effective than targeting both interleukin-23 and interleukin-12 in treating psoriasis. Interleukin-12, previously thought to contribute to the disease, actually protects against it by maintaining normal skin cell function.
A study found that over half of double-vaccinated blood cancer patients have poor immune responses to COVID-19. Despite being vaccinated, these patients remain vulnerable to severe infection and are urged to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine have successfully suppressed HIV infections in mice using a novel treatment strategy that boosts the immune system's CD8+ T cells. The therapy, known as synTac, selectively targets HIV-infected T cells, eliminating them from the body and offering a potential path to a functional cure for HIV.