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Researchers discover way to improve immune response

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalImmunity·DateJul 6, 2021

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

Immunity boost in the gut

A comprehensive review suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in immune responses to vaccinations. The study aims to improve vaccine effectiveness by understanding the microbiota's impact on B and T cell immune responses.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 27, 2021

Combining immunotherapies against cancer

Researchers developed a microparticle-based cancer vaccine that kickstarts an immune response, increasing the proportion of mice cured of tumors to 75%. Combining the vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors greatly improves treatment success, offering a promising approach to improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

A touch from a conversing robot is linked to positive emotional state

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who were touched by a humanoid robot during conversation reported a better emotional state. Those who received non-functional touch from the robot were more likely to comply with requests and exhibit positive behavioral responses, suggesting potential for robots to boost motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

Corals that "spit" algae

Corals use an ancient immune mechanism to select suitable microalgae as symbionts, tolerating them over time. The 'vomocytosis' process involves immune suppression that allows algae to establish a niche within the coral's cells, facilitating nutrient exchange.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 29, 2021

BIO Integration Journal, Volume 2, Issue Number 1, publishes

The journal publishes an editorial, two mini review articles, two opinion articles, and an interview on various topics including COVID-19 diagnosis, dental implant biomaterials, ferroptosis resistance in cancer, and sonoporation. BIO Integration Journal is a peer-reviewed, open access international journal dedicated to modern medicine.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateApr 15, 2021

Modifying an implant: Dental implant biomaterials

The use of dental implants for tooth replacement requires careful consideration of biomaterials, which must integrate into the body while minimizing negative immune responses. Researchers have compared titanium and zirconia, highlighting the importance of surface modification processes and coatings in optimizing implant performance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMar 22, 2021

Stimulating the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology have developed a cell-based assay that identifies highly potent IDO1 inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, which could lead to promising immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The new approach overcomes limitations of existing cell-free assays and holds promise for ...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 2021

New study points to novel drug target for treating COVID-19

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Florida have identified a novel mechanism that leads to MDA5 activation during virus infection, and found that inhibiting the PLpro enzyme may help strengthen the human immune response against SARS-CoV-2. This could potentially lead to new anti-COVID-19 therapeutics targeting the PLpro enzyme.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 16, 2021

One dose of COVID-19 vaccine provokes strong immune response in those previously infected

A recent study published in Eurosurveillance found that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine triggers a strong immune response in people who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also observed similar responses across multi-ethnic groups, suggesting that vaccination priority for those previously infected may not be n...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateFeb 11, 2021

Intranasal influenza vaccine spurs strong immune response in Phase 1 study

A new intranasal influenza vaccine demonstrated a durable immune response in a Phase 1 study, producing higher antibody levels compared to oral vaccination. The vaccine induced mucosal immunity and neutralizing antibodies at 26 weeks after vaccination, with sustained protection lasting up to five years.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2021