A new study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center finds that people with long COVID-19 produce higher levels of antibodies against the virus than those without. The elevated antibody levels persist for months longer than expected after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, sparking further research into the condition.
Researchers discovered a 'cocktail' of human antibodies that show promise in fighting severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, including Omicron variants. The study revealed how the original Moderna vaccine could prompt the body to produce these broad-spectrum antibodies.
A cell therapy using myeloid cells bound to drug delivery microparticles reduces disease burden in a preclinical multiple sclerosis model. The therapy partially reverses hind limb paralysis and improves motor functions.
Research from Lund University shows that feeding small birds during winter reduces the need to lower body temperature, allowing them to fight infections more effectively. This study highlights the importance of access to food during winter in modulating a bird's immune response and ability to combat infection.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that tissue resident memory cells are crucial for inducing a powerful immune response against Salmonella. Molecules like interleukin-1 and 2 enhance the formation of these cells in the liver, providing a rapid-response force.
Researchers identified potential novel receptors for SARS-CoV-2 that utilize multiple receptors to facilitate its life cycle. The study reveals a strong correlation between tissue age-dependency and SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced receptor expression, with older adults being more susceptible to severe outcomes.
A study found that mutant strains of Salmonella cause more severe infections in commercial poultry than wild-type bacteria. The deletion of genes ttrA and pduA led to increased immune response and pathogenicity, emphasizing the importance of animal health measures and proper food conservation.
A new study creates an experimental combo vaccine by adding a key protein from norovirus to a harmless strain of rotavirus, generating antibodies against both viruses. Mice produced neutralizing antibodies in response to the vaccine.
A team from Osaka University discovered that celastrol blocks the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting a protein complex that promotes autoimmune responses. The researchers found that celestrol binds to COMMD3 covalently, preventing the formation of the COMMD3/8 complex and impairing antibody production.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that long-term pancreatic cancer survivors have a robust immune response and enriched gut microbiome species, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The research suggests that these bacterial species may promote immune response to pancreas cancer.
Researchers have discovered the critical role of linker histone protein H1 in plant immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections. The study found that mutant plants with knocked-out H1 isoforms exhibited higher defense gene expression and resistance to infection, but lacked priming ability.
The study successfully generated functional patient-specific T-cells and thymic epithelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells using thymus organoids. This breakthrough provides a new experimental model system to investigate thymic insufficiency and function, potentially leading to cell-based treatments for thymic defects.
A new study found a protein that regulates macrophage function, clearing residues from regenerating muscle and recovering regenerative capacity in aged mice. The discovery holds promise for regenerative medicine and aging, potentially improving the success of current stem-cell based therapies.
Researchers created a three-dimensional structure that mimics bone and houses osteosarcoma cells beside immune cells, finding increased inflammation reduces chemotherapy effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of the tumor microenvironment in disease progression and treatment.
A study published in Nature Immunology found that female mouse and human NK cells have more of a specific epigenetic regulator called UTX, which boosts anti-viral function while repressing NK cell numbers. This suggests that therapies need to be tailored to individual differences, including sex.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered an immune cell in women with pancreatic cancer that blocks the immune response, leading to poor survival. The study identifies a specific protein FPR2 as a potential therapeutic target for immunotherapy in women.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
A meta-analysis of seven studies found that sleeping less than six hours per night reduces the immune response to vaccination. The deficit was equivalent to two months of antibody waning. This suggests that getting good sleep may also extend the duration of protection provided by vaccines.
Researchers have discovered higher levels of immune proteins in the blood before and after epileptic seizures. The study suggests a potential biomarker for epilepsy, which could be identified using a simple blood test. This finding may help distinguish epilepsy from other conditions, such as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
Researchers have created a bacterial 'suicide squad' that targets tumors and attracts immune cells to destroy them. The engineered E. coli bacteria release their contents when they reach a quorum inside a tumor, triggering an immune response.
A study from Swansea University found that reducing social media use by 15 minutes a day can significantly improve physical health and psychological well-being. The results showed a 15% improvement in immune function, 50% improvement in sleep quality, and 30% fewer depressive symptoms.
Researchers at UIC hope to understand how the human immune system regulates lung tissue and develop new treatments for conditions like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The grant aims to create an infrastructure for collaboration among researchers studying lung endothelial cells and their role in inflammation.
A new study shows that patients with liver cirrhosis have a lower immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, but this does not affect the vaccines' effectiveness. Age, type of vaccine, and viral hepatitis etiology also play a role in immune responses.
Patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma who received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those receiving adjuvant therapy only. The study found improved event-free survival rates in the neoadjuvant group, suggesting that starting immunotherapy before surgery generates better outcomes.
A new method developed by Flatiron Institute researchers can diagnose COVID-19 with near-perfect accuracy, even in asymptomatic patients. The technique monitors the body's molecular response to a viral attack and measures mRNA molecules to identify an immune response.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of immune surveillance by liver-resident macrophages called Kupffer cells that prevent liver metastasis from escaping. They successfully cleared tumors in various animal models using a new method for in situ targeted expression and remodels of KCs' anti-tumor function.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that human T-cell receptor genes exhibit unexpectedly high variability among individuals, with each person having a unique set of gene variants. The researchers identified 175 new gene variants originating from Neanderthals, which are present in up to 20% of modern humans in Europe and Asia.
A new Northwestern University study suggests that COVID-19 boosters may be less effective due to pre-existing antibodies from initial vaccinations. The study found that these antibodies can rapidly clear the booster from the body, limiting its efficacy. Increasing time between vaccinations is also beneficial for the immune response.
Researchers at Osaka University found that male patients with COVID-19 have a faster loss of circulating Treg cells, leading to dysregulated antibody responses. Females, on the other hand, have higher levels of these cells, which may help protect them from infection.
Researchers found that white guests are less likely to book with non-white hosts if they see featured reviews from previous white guests, but this effect is more pronounced for Black and Asian guests. Same-race endorsements on Airbnb can actually reduce racial discrimination in host selection.
Researchers highlight CD200's role in regulating immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and propose alternative strategies for its neutralization. Unbiased genomic- and proteomic-based approaches may help clarify CD200 expression regulation across various human cancers.
A high-fat diet allows the immune system to eliminate a parasitic worm that causes long-lasting infections in the large intestine. This discovery may lead to new treatments for millions suffering from intestinal parasitic infections worldwide.
Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the detailed mechanism of action of Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail designed to combat Ebola virus infection. The study reveals new information about how the drug interacts with the virus and its potential effectiveness against additional species of Ebolavirus.
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that promoting autophagy with rapamycin restores intestinal barrier function during sepsis. The study also identifies the PLK1-mTOR axis as a crucial regulator of autophagy and intestinal barrier dysfunction, providing novel insights for treatment of sepsis.
A study by OHSU researchers found that immunity from COVID-19 gathers strength over time, indicating that vaccination should not be delayed. The study suggests that vaccine boosters can be spaced no more frequently than a year apart among healthy individuals.
Research reveals that commonly used antiretroviral drugs TAF and TDF directly impact mitochondria's energy production in immune cells. The study suggests a larger energy reduction when combined with other antiretrovirals, sparking concerns about potential long-term effects on human cells.
Research suggests that avoiding or withdrawing from tough conversations can lead to emotional distress, bad feelings about the relationship, chronic inflammation, and lowered immune function. Couples who exhibit negative communication patterns report fewer positive emotions and slower wound healing.
A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.
Researchers found that high levels of mucosal IgA antibodies in the airways protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least eight months, with a 90% lower risk of re-infection. Participants with prior infections generated stronger mucosal immune responses to Omicron breakthrough infections.
A recent study found that transfusion of COVID-19 convalescent plasma is associated with reduced mortality in immunocompromised patients. The research suggests this therapy may be beneficial for these patients, who are at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
New research finds Filamin A positions GABA-B receptors to control brain activity and slow down electric impulses. This discovery could lead to new therapies for neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and epilepsy.
A multicenter study found that COVID-19 vaccination following multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is safe, with mild reactions and no serious complications. The study included 385 patients aged 5 years or older, all of whom received at least one vaccine dose without any reports of myocarditis or MIS-C reoccurrence.
Research from Michigan Medicine reveals that high levels of ammonia in colon tumors can lead to reduced T cell growth and immunotherapy resistance. A study published in Cell Metabolism found that using an FDA-approved drug to lower ammonia levels made tumors more sensitive to treatment.
A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM found that pregnant individuals have a similar long-term immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination as non-pregnant individuals. The study also showed that vaccination during pregnancy provides protection to unborn babies, which is essential for their C...
Researchers at Lund University discovered an antibody with potential to protect against Strep A infection and a rare form of binding that leads to effective immune response. The finding could explain why many Group A strep vaccines have failed.
Researchers found that graphene oxide exposure altered the gut microbiome and triggered a type 2 immune response in zebrafish, which could inform strategies to mitigate adverse effects of nanomaterials.
Researchers found that Covid vaccines effectively protect HIV-positive individuals, particularly after a third booster shot. The study also revealed a surprisingly strong cellular immune response in HIV-positive people, similar to those in healthy individuals.
A recent study found that Denisovan DNA sequences near immune-related genes in modern Papuans regulate their activity, affecting how people respond to infections. The research suggests that Denisovan DNA contributed to the adaptation of early modern humans living in New Guinea and nearby islands.
A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.
Researchers uncovered distinct DNA methylation profiles in ocean microbes, shedding light on population dynamics and interactions. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding pathogenicity and developing new approaches to monitoring environmental health.
A newly discovered immune response inside the nose fights off viruses, but is suppressed by colder temperatures, making an infection more likely to occur. The study offers the first biological mechanism to explain why viruses like COVID-19 spike in colder seasons.
Research finds that individuals who received monoclonal antibodies before COVID vaccination exhibit a diverse antibody response, increasing the coverage provided by vaccines. This phenomenon, known as antibody feedback inhibition, is beneficial for diversifying immune responses to viruses.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that the circadian body clock influences immune responses to vaccines. The research discovered that the shape of mitochondria in dendritic cells changes throughout the day, impacting their ability to break down vaccines.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has been awarded funding for three Collaborative Research Centers in the life sciences, including CRC 1551 and CRC/Transregio 355. The centers will focus on investigating polymer concepts in cellular function and heterogeneity of regulatory T cells in distinct microenvironments.
The German Research Foundation has approved a new Collaborative Research Center at the University Medical Center Mainz, exploring regulatory T cells in immune-related and tissue-specific diseases. The project aims to develop tailored immunotherapies using Treg cells, which could lead to breakthroughs in patient care.
Researchers analyzed a child's genetic data to identify novel mutations in the GTF3A gene, which impair the innate immune response. The study found that these mutations make cells more susceptible to HSV-1 infection and loss of antiviral immune response.
Researchers review myeloid-derived suppressor cells' phenotypes, mechanisms of immunosuppression, and roles in cancer treatment. Studies on non-malignant diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and obesity, are lacking, highlighting the need for further investigation.