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Ebola vaccines provide immune responses after 1 year

A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 14, 2017

Study: Experimental malaria vaccine plus chloroquine protects against controlled infection

An experimental malaria vaccine strategy, PfSPZ-CVac, combined with antimalarial medication protected all nine clinical trial volunteers given three high-dose vaccinations. The vaccine induced a response from T cells and identified 22 malaria parasite proteins that could be the targets of protective immune responses.

Gene editing takes on new roles

Researchers have combined CRISPR gene editing with single-cell genomic profiling to understand nuanced cellular processes. The new technology enables precise manipulation of genes in individual cells, revealing previously unknown functions and advancing the field of genetic engineering.

Blood-borne HPV antibodies indicate head, neck cancer prognosis

A new study suggests that blood-borne HPV antibodies can serve as a reliable biomarker for predicting the outcome of all types of head and neck cancer. The researchers found that patients with an immune response to HPV have a lower risk of dying during the five-year follow-up period, regardless of the exact location of their tumors.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 8, 2016

Mobilizing our immune system to fight viruses

Researchers at Monash University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how T cells recognize viruses, challenging decades-old immunological concepts. By using the National Synchrotron, they gained key molecular insights into the T cell-virus interaction, revealing a new way T cells 'see' viruses and triggering an immune response.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·DateOct 20, 2016

Genetic regulation of the thymus function identified

A team of researchers has identified the genes controlled by Foxn1, a protein essential for thymus development and function. The study reveals that Foxn1 regulates vital functions in the postnatal thymus, providing insights into its role in autoimmune diseases, vaccination responses, and tumor defense.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Flesh-eating infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients spur new discovery

Researchers discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking IL-1beta inhibitors are 300 times more likely to experience invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, highlighting the molecule's critical role in sensing bacterial infections. The study also suggests that inhibiting this immune response can put patients at risk for infe...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 19, 2016

Why malnutrition is an immune disorder

New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateMay 26, 2016

Taking control of key protein stifles cancer spread in mice

A new study reveals that suppressing a key protein, Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), restores multiple antitumor responses in the lungs of mice, preventing cancer spread. Researchers tested an intervention that boosted the RIG-like helicase pathway, which counteracts CHI3L1's effects and decreases tumor-inducing responses.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2016

Healthy intestinal flora keeps the mind sharp -- with some help from the immune system

A recent study by Dr. Susanne Wolf found that white blood cells act as an intermediary between the gut microbiome and the brain, playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and memory function. The research suggests that antibiotics may disrupt this communication pathway, leading to impaired neurogenesis and memory deterioration.

Curcumin may help overcome drug-resistant tuberculosis

Researchers found that curcumin successfully removes Mycobacterium tuberculosis from infected cells in culture by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. The study suggests a potential new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis that could be less prone to resistance development.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 24, 2016