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Challenging metabolism may help fight disease

Researchers at Swansea University's Medical School have found that immune cells can re-programme their metabolic pathways to provide energy and building blocks when challenged. This discovery suggests that manipulating metabolism could lead to new therapies for infectious diseases and cancer.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2019

Vaccine design can dramatically improve cancer immunotherapies

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) that stimulate powerful anti-cancer immune responses, completely eliminating tumors in 30% of animals and improving overall survival. The study's findings highlight the importance of chemical structure and three-dimensional presentation in vaccine design.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019

Tumor-selective angiotensin blockers may improve response to cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that combining tumor-selective angiotensin blockers with immune checkpoint blockers significantly improves breast cancer treatment in mouse models. The combination treatment normalizes the tumor microenvironment, inducing changes in gene expression and activating immunosupportive pathways.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

Fighting another virus? Blame your parents

A new study of twins found that genetic factors significantly impact the body's immune defense networks. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1835 twins and thousands of siblings to understand how effectively their bodies deploy disease-fighting molecules.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 8, 2019

Mutations boost immunity: Toward a cancer vaccine

Researchers develop method to identify tumor-specific factors in blood that can elicit a protective immune response, potentially leading to an effective vaccine against cancer. The technique relies on peptide arrays and frameshift mutations, which have been shown to be more effective stimulators of immune response than point mutations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2018

Autoimmune response drives vision loss in glaucoma

Researchers discover immune cells in eye contribute to progressive vision loss from glaucoma. Elevated eye pressure triggers autoimmune response attacking neurons, leading to optic nerve degeneration and permanent vision loss. The findings offer a promising new target for future therapies.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2018

Certain antibodies against a sugar are associated with malaria protection

A new study found that levels of α-Gal antibodies vary with age and are higher in low transmission zones. IgM response was associated with protection against clinical malaria, especially in infants, while total IgG were linked to malaria risk. The results suggest α-Gal could be a promising molecule for future malaria vaccines

E. coli infection induces delirium in aging rats

Research reveals that E. coli infection can induce delirium in aging rats by reducing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for long-term memory formation. The study suggests that immune system activation, such as after surgery or infection, may contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 29, 2018

How intestinal worms hinder tuberculosis vaccination

Research in mice shows that chronic intestinal worm infection reduces the number of white blood cells in lymph nodes near the BCG vaccine injection site, hindering the immune response to tuberculosis. De-worming treatments can restore immune function after infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 17, 2018

Virus inhibits immune response of caterpillars and plants

A new study reveals that a polydnavirus suppresses the defense mechanisms of both caterpillar hosts and plant hosts, allowing parasitic wasps to thrive. The virus reduces glucose oxidase in caterpillars' saliva, triggering lower enzyme activity and defense-gene expression in plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018

High immune function tied to stunted growth

A University of Oregon-led project found that high immune function during childhood is associated with significant growth reduction. Chronic exposure to parasitic worms was linked to reduced stature and lower-leg growth, highlighting the metabolic cost of a robust immune system.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018

Novel hormone replacement therapy trial demonstrates improved memory function in adrenal patients

A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that a novel hormone replacement therapy can improve cognitive function and working memory capacity in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The therapy involves replicating the natural secretion patterns of cortisol, resulting in better outcomes compared to traditional constant infusion methods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018