A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators explores the influence of biological sex on transplant outcomes. Researchers found that female donor sex is associated with increased transplant organ rejection rates in male recipients, while hormone receptors may play a role in these differences.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals distinct molecular changes in gene expression between men and women with major depressive disorder, suggesting different pathology and treatment needs.
A new study has identified a specific structure within memory cells that enables them to respond rapidly to infections and vaccinations. This discovery sheds light on how the body remembers disease-causing pathogens and can react more quickly upon renewed exposure.
A new study led by researchers at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that plants use SOG1 to repair DNA damage, but unlike p53 in animals, SOG1 targets genes involved in immune response only to fungal infections.
A large-scale study of French volunteers found significant immune variation among individuals due to differences in sex and age, as well as genetic variations. These findings shed new light on potential causes of diseases such as pollen allergy and lupus erythematosus.
A new study by Gladstone Institutes researchers shows that infection sites impact the immune system's response to a virus and its spread through the body. The study found that different routes of sexual transmission trigger distinct immune responses, influencing the virus's dissemination.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 35 healthy adults and found a marked increase in antibody-producing B cells and circulating T follicular helper cells after vaccination. The study's findings suggest that intranasal vaccination might be more effective than injections, with implications for ideal inoculation routes.
A multidisciplinary team of Penn researchers will investigate immune system response to cancers and develop new therapies for gynecologic cancers. The team will examine how patients vary in their responses to different anti-cancer therapies and identify key factors contributing to treatment success.
Researchers identified the role of Gimap5 in regulating T cell function and found that GSK3 inhibitors can improve immune system function in mice and restore normal T cell function in human cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, or asthma.
Researchers developed a new method to track cell-to-cell interactions, dubbed LIPSTIC, which allows for the identification and counting of specific cells involved in immune responses. This breakthrough enables scientists to better understand how the immune system functions in live animals.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have developed a method to screen millions of human antibodies for rapid therapeutic discovery, overcoming limitations of single-cell cloning. The breakthrough technology identifies highly potent antibodies and provides insights into human immune responses to vaccines and infections.
A Brazilian research team discovered a cellular signaling pathway involved in both the immune response to Zika and neurogenesis, a process of new neuron formation. The study found that peptides from the renin-angiotensin system played a key role in this pathway.
Researchers found that SOBER1, a plant protein, removes acetyl groups added by bacterial proteins, preventing the plant's immune response. This discovery could lead to strategies to boost plants' natural immunity or contain infections threatening agricultural crops.
Researchers have identified an antibody that can block entry to the host cell, providing a basis for safe and broad-spectrum anti-dengue therapy. The study also revealed the structural basis of the antibody binding to individual dengue viruses, which could help explain why some vaccines may not work.
Researchers explore the use of nanoparticles, microneedle patches, and polymer particles to enhance vaccine effectiveness and delivery. These innovative biomaterials may improve responses in HIV, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, reducing medical waste and expanding vaccine accessibility.
A Canadian academic investigated the claim of man flu, suggesting adult men have a higher risk of hospital admission and influenza-associated deaths compared to women. Men also exhibit higher rates of complications and mortality from acute respiratory diseases due to their less robust immune system.
A novel compound omaveloxolone has been shown to restore immune response in patients with melanoma, improving antitumour responses when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. The study found a 57% overall response rate in patients who had not received prior checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
Researchers have discovered that macrophages form a barrier around kidneys and that dendritic cells communicate with each other to control the magnitude of the immune response. This complex mechanism challenges previous ideas about how the kidney reacts to injury, and may lead to new strategies for protecting individuals' kidney health.
A new Zika vaccine has demonstrated well-tolerability and induced potentially protective immune responses in three phase 1 clinical trials. The vaccine, called ZPIV, was developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and is being evaluated in several trials to determine its safety and efficacy.
A research group at Osaka University has identified key molecules involved in severe malaria. The study found that RIFIN proteins expressed on infected erythrocytes suppress the host immune response by binding to an inhibitory receptor, contributing to the pathogenesis of severe malaria.
New research from the University of Queensland shows that chronic stress can lead to a weakened immune response in cancer patients. The study found that lymphoma progression was accelerated in mouse models when stress pathways were induced, resulting in reduced effectiveness of immunotherapies.
A Yale study finds that Zika infection triggers immune cells to attack neurons, causing paralysis and death in mice models lacking antiviral response. Suppressing the immune response might be an approach to treating Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition affecting some people infected with Zika.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a previously unknown mechanism by which immune responses are regulated. The discovery found that Th2 cells express EGFR, releasing defense molecules only in response to parasites, preventing tissue damage.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to combat cancer using synthetic designer cells that mimic T-cells. These cells can detect and kill cancer cells while minimizing side effects, offering a promising new treatment option.
Researchers at Salk Institute identify Lkb1 protein as key regulator of Tregs, which play a crucial role in preventing autoimmunity and suppressing cancer growth. The discovery has significant implications for developing effective treatments for these diseases.
A study on guppy fish reveals how their immune genes evolve to resist parasites while maintaining critical function over millions of years. The research sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of the immune system and its ability to adapt to new threats.
A new vaccine under development offers comprehensive coverage against up to 90 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, targeting deadly forms of the bacterium that cause pneumonia. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and may provide universal coverage against pneumococcal disease.
Researchers developed nanofiber sutures loaded with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and pam3CSK4 peptide, releasing the former on a sustained basis over four weeks. The sutures activated immune responses, producing the LL-37 peptide that kills microbes by disrupting their membranes.
Researchers found that people exposed to more sandfly bites had higher anti-saliva IgG immune responses and a greater risk of developing cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study provides insights into the mechanisms governing resistance or susceptibility to Leishmania parasite transmission.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals how defective viral genomes can help infected cells survive despite an immune system attack. The researchers discovered that signaling proteins encoded by these genomes protect infected cells from apoptosis, enabling them to persist in the face of an antiviral response.
A new DNA-based Zika vaccine candidate has demonstrated both safety and the ability to elicit an immune response against Zika in humans. The phase 1 clinical trial showed that participants produced an immune response against Zika with minimal adverse effects.
Researchers found that targeting the CTLA-4 molecule at the right time during malaria infection allows mice to quickly clear the disease and develop lasting immunity. The study suggests a new approach for combating malaria, potentially involving immunotherapy drugs or small molecules.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover two microRNAs that help cancer cells survive and subvert the immune response by lowering cGAS levels. Inhibiting these microRNAs in tumor cells slowed tumor growth, but their effect was diminished in immune-deficient mice.
A Melbourne research team has identified a protein called SIDT2 as critical for cells to detect viral components and initiate an immune response. This discovery has important implications for delivering new therapeutics based on dsRNA.
A new study discovered a sugar 'warehouse' in dendritic cells that fuels immune responses, providing a novel regulatory target to regulate immune activity. Enhancing or depleting this sugar warehouse could influence or dampen immune reactions.
Early FDG-PET/CT scanning can accurately predict melanoma patients' response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, providing a more effective treatment approach. The study developed criteria with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, identifying a small increase in tumor uptake as an indication of responsiveness.
Researchers at New Zealand's University of Otago have discovered that Natural Killer (NK) cells act as helper cells to start the immune response, patrolling the body to destroy abnormal cells. The NK cells' ability to recognize fragments of tumor cells released into the blood enhances the immune system's recognition of these fragments,...
Researchers identified gene signatures associated with a stronger flu vaccine response in younger adults but not in older adults, highlighting age-related differences in immune response.
Researchers have identified a gene, H2-Ob, that enables mice to resist persistent viral infections by producing specific antibodies. This gene is part of the MHC locus and acts as a negative regulator of the immune response, keeping chronic infections in check.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a 'checkpoint' manned by immune cells that can halt allergic disease development. This discovery provides a potential new target for drug developers to regulate overly aggressive allergic responses.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a plant-based Zika vaccine that is more potent, safer and cheaper to produce than existing alternatives. The vaccine targets the DIII domain of the Zika virus and has been shown to induce 100% protection against multiple Zika virus strains in mice.
Researchers discovered how DNA damage cues immune cells to arrive at cancer cells, leading to increased tumor response. Inhibiting cell division can prevent micronuclei formation and reduce immune responses to cancer cells.
Researchers at UNC are testing a therapeutic vaccine to target HIV reservoirs and boost the immune system's response. The goal is to potentially pair the vaccine with latency-reversing agents to clear the virus.
Researchers found that generating an optimal immune response against cancer requires the cooperation of two types of memory T cells: those that circulate in the blood and those that reside in tissues. This discovery has the potential to improve current cancer immunotherapy strategies, especially in preventing metastasis.
Scientists have found that human immune cells contain particles with neurotransmitters like dopamine, which play a crucial role in immune responses. This discovery opens the door to using available drugs to improve therapies for lymphoma, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency disorders.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered clues to how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes disease. The study reveals that a specific protein, NS1, interferes with the body's ability to fight off RSV, potentially leading to new targets for vaccine or treatment development.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a new way to measure tiny amounts of antibodies in foals, helping to understand how quickly they start producing their own. This will aid in optimizing vaccination schedules for young horses.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that pups born during warm years had lower antibody levels and were unable to respond to an immune challenge. High sea surface temperatures can lead to prey declines, forcing sea lions to extend foraging trips and eat lower-value prey.
Researchers develop a microneedle patch for flu vaccination, producing robust immune responses and eliminating injection discomfort. The patch is safe, easy to administer, and can be delivered in the mail, with potential economic and manufacturing advantages.
In a preclinical study, optimizing immunizations reliably elicits protective antibodies in non-human primates. Delivering the vaccine subcutaneously and increasing time intervals between immunizations improves efficacy and induces neutralizing antibodies.
Targeting a subset of immune cells called regulatory T cells could be an effective approach to treating cancers. By blocking or deleting a surface protein called neuropilin-1, researchers found that tumor growth was dramatically reduced in mice, suggesting this could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies carrying Wolbachia bacteria are better equipped to fight off other infections when infected orally rather than via injection. The study also found that male flies experience greater disease protection with Wolbachia than females, highlighting potential differences in immune response between sexes.
A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has uncovered the structure of a protein called HLA-G2 that protects embryos from being attacked by their mothers' immune systems during pregnancy. The structure was found to be similar to another class of human leukocyte antigens, suggesting its evolutionary origin.
Wild mice have highly-activated immune systems due to exposure to infections, with more activated myeloid cells compared to laboratory mice. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering natural variability when interpreting research results.
Studies reveal that genes involved in immune regulation are linked to brain thickness and memory functions, particularly emotional experiences. A specific gene variant is also associated with increased activity in regions of the brain important for traumatic memories.
A research team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has revealed a previously unknown immune machinery underlying neutrophilic dermatosis, a group of autoinflammatory skin disorders. By mapping the biological pathways involved, the researchers identified key molecules and signaling nodes that drive inflammation and tissue damage.
A new live-attenuated Zika vaccine has been successfully developed in mice, offering complete protection against the virus after a single dose. The vaccine's safety profile is promising, with no adverse effects observed in mice compared to other clinically approved vaccines.
A new study found that combining nivolumab and bevacizumab resulted in a 53% complete or partial response rate for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The combination therapy showed promising clinical activities and measured immunological changes, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Scientists at UVA have discovered an unexpected connection between the immune system and the testes, which may explain why some cancer vaccines are failing to work. This finding could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and male infertility, as doctors target specific antigens released by the testes.