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Unraveling the immunopathogenesis of Johne's disease

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 2, 2018

The factors that most affect our immune system

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.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 28, 2018

Understanding how the body builds immunity, to build better influenza vaccines

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2018

Self-defense for plants

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2018

'Man flu' may be real

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 11, 2017

Study provides insights on immune cells involved in kidney disease

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 7, 2017

The end of pneumonia? New vaccine offers hope

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 20, 2017

MicroRNA helps cancer evade immune system

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2017

FDG-PET/CT predicts melanoma patients' response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 5, 2017

CNIC scientists find the key to improved cancer immunotherapy

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.

New clues found to common respiratory virus

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 30, 2017

Deciphering an embryo-protecting protein

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 9, 2017

Immunologic changes point to potential for clinical investigation of combination immunotherapy for deadly kidney cancer

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.