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A protein has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for leishmaniasis vaccines

A study published in Cell Reports identified a protein called SHP-1 as a key player in the Leishmania parasite's evasion of the human immune system. By activating SHP-1, the parasite can limit the capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders and protecting itself from an immune response.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 11, 2020

The immunomodulatory activity of a drug would improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in breast cancer

A new study suggests that targeting the RANK signaling pathway can enhance antitumor immune responses, making breast cancer more responsive to immunotherapy. The findings come from a clinical trial and preclinical research, demonstrating the potential of this approach to convert 'cold' tumors into 'warm' ones.

AI may predict response to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with metastatic melanoma

A computational method combining clinicodemographic variables and deep learning of pre-treatment histology images accurately predicts response to immune checkpoint blockade. The model, validated in an independent cohort, achieves high accuracy and can stratify patients into high versus low risk for disease progression.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 18, 2020

The line of succession

A specific region of messenger RNAs plays a crucial role in brain cell function. The study reveals an unusual EXAR (EXon-Activated Rescue) mechanism that secures this process, using ELAV and FNE proteins to determine neuronal transcript signatures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 19, 2020

Natural killer cells also have a memory function

Researchers found that one third of human liver NK cells can remember viruses and respond specifically to them, making them an interesting target for prophylactic use in the fight against infections. This subset of NK cells exhibits a unique gene expression profile and could be used for specific vaccination strategies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 19, 2020

Protective antibodies persist for months in survivors of serious COVID-19 infections

A new study found that protective antibodies against COVID-19 persist for four months in survivors of serious infections, making them a valuable tool for tracking the spread of the virus in communities. The study also identified key antibody responses to COVID-19 that are relatively short-lived, declining within two and a half months.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 8, 2020

Smart virus

Researchers at HSE University have discovered microRNA molecules that can bind to coronavirus genomes, slowing down their replication and potentially allowing the virus to delay an active immune response. The study found four families of human miRNAs with binding sites for all seven types of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Severe viral infection overwhelms immune cells

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne has identified new mediators of immune exhaustion that may be targeted in therapies for cancer and severe viral infections. T cells can lose function within just a few days of severe infection, contrary to previous thought that it takes longer.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 24, 2020

Driving immunometabolism to control lung infection

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered a way to manipulate human immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tipping the balance in favor of patients. The study used an epigenetic inhibitor to release pro-inflammatory signals that aid in clearing the infection, promoting future vaccine strategies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 23, 2020

Biomedical instrument based on microvesicles

Researchers have developed a technology to obtain microvesicles from human stem cells, showing significant biological activity and therapeutic potential. The induced microvesicles can reduce the intensity of immune response and may be used to treat inflammations and autoimmune syndromes.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 2020

Scientists identify targets for COVID-19 vaccine using cancer immunotherapy tools

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a strategy to identify regions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to target with a vaccine, employing cancer immunotherapies. They prioritize viral targets based on their ability to stimulate a lasting immune response, predicted to be in the vast majority of the human population.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJun 8, 2020

New universal Ebola vaccine may fight all four virus species that infect humans

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center report development of a potential universal vaccine for Ebola viruses. The new vaccine uses glycoproteins from two Ebola virus species and has shown promise in neutralizing all four pathogenic species, generating cross-reactive responses against multiple viruses.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 16, 2020

Drinking green tea may help with food allergies

Research at Shinshu University found that green tea consumption increases Flavonifractor plautii bacteria in the gut, leading to a suppressed Th2 immune response to food allergies. This study suggests that drinking green tea may be a potential anti-allergy probiotic.

SourceShinshu University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 8, 2020