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Danish researchers take another big step toward HIV cure

A large international study led by Danish researchers may have brought us closer to a cure for HIV. The study found that patients who received monoclonal antibodies before pausing their regular treatment experienced a period of virus suppression, and some even saw their immune system partially or completely suppress the virus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023

Study helps explain SARS-CoV-2 variants’ rapid spread

New SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as BQ.11 and XBB.1.5, bind to cells more tightly and evade antibodies more efficiently than earlier variants, allowing reinfections and breakthrough infections. Previous infection or vaccination can generate antibodies that recognize some proteins on newer variants, reducing the risk of serious illness.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Can we assess our own immune system?

A study by the University of Konstanz found that people's self-assessments of their immune response to vaccination corresponded surprisingly well with actual antibody levels, especially when the immune response was weak. The researchers suggest that patients' self-perceptions provide valuable clues about their state of health, and phys...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBiological Psychology·DateAug 16, 2023

What is the next step in preventative therapies for treating liver cancer?

Recent studies have identified molecular inflammatory mechanisms that trigger the growth and transformation of progenitor cells into cancer stem cells, a key step in liver cancer development. Maintaining progenitor cell compartment integrity could be an attractive therapeutic strategy, while targeting IL-17 production may eradicate CSC...

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateAug 16, 2023

Rural environment supports children’s immune systems

A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalAllergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2023

Important step toward next-generation probiotics

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Alternative cellular ‘fuels’ boost immunity

A recent study published in Immunity has found that ketone bodies, produced by the liver during fasting or low glucose levels, power immune cells and improve T cell function. This discovery may pave the way for personalized dietary recommendations to augment treatments for infection, cancer, and other diseases.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia revealed by prospective study of immune responses to COVID vaccines between December 2020 and June 2021

A prospective study of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines found progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed that CLL patients experienced reduced antibody responses to the vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 29, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Combination therapy effective against canine melanoma

A study published in Cancers found that a combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is effective against oral malignant melanomas in dogs. The treatment strategy increased overall survival time compared to immunotherapy alone. Researchers are now exploring the optimal protocol for this therapy to increase its effectiveness.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancers·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Mutant KRAS regulates Y chromosome gene in colorectal cancer, driving metastasis and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity

A preclinical study has uncovered the role of Y chromosome gene KDM5D in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and promoting metastasis in male patients with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer. The study reveals that mutant KRAS drives upregulation of KDM5D, leading to reduced cell adhesion and immune recognition by the immune system.

Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier

Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Tuberculosis BCG vaccine found ineffective against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

The BCG vaccine, primarily developed to prevent tuberculosis, was found ineffective against COVID-19 in a large international trial involving nearly 4,000 healthcare workers. Researchers discovered that vaccination increased the risk of symptomatic disease during the first six months following enrolment.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

COVID-19 vaccine builds powerful immune response in First Nations peoples, study finds

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccination triggers effective immune responses against the virus in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The research shows excellent antibody and T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2, with high levels of antibodies binding to the virus following two vaccine doses.

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Journal of Clinical Immunology publishes Octapharma USA research on cutaquig® evaluating PI treatment options

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology suggests that cutaquig infusions at higher infusion rates and volumes are well-tolerated and effective, with reduced infusion time, fewer injection sites, and improved compliance. The study results will be presented at the Clinical Immunology Society 2023 Annual Meeting.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2023

New way to model human brain immune cells

Researchers create a human-brain-like environment to study microglia development and function for the first time in living human-derived tissue. The findings suggest that brain environment influences microglia development and function, particularly in diseases such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Study unlocks potential breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment

Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023