Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that intravenous omega-3 treatment improved immune function and stimulated healing of inflammation without compromising the body's response to COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new, cost-effective low-risk treatment for severe COVID-19.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
In a new study, researchers found that immune T cells lacking the key transcription factor Satb1 are more susceptible to suppression by regulatory T cells, leading to transplant tolerance. The study provides insight into the mechanism behind transplantation tolerance and may lead to the development of new immunosuppression regimens.
Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.
Researchers explored how differences in skin composition affect susceptibility to diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The study found that body site determines skin structure and function, with specific lipids and proteins playing a crucial role in disease diagnosis.
A new study from OHSU reveals that breakthrough infections following vaccination can provide a potent immune response against COVID-19, with increased protection for those 65 and older. The research found an equally strong immune response among people who received a third vaccine booster dose three months prior.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that blood samples from long COVID patients show signs of autoimmune disease a year after infection. Nearly 80% of patients had autoantibodies in their blood, which persisted in around 30% of cases.
A new study finds that consistently losing an hour and a half of sleep per night can negatively impact immune stem cells, leading to increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Even after catching up on sleep, the effects of disrupted sleep remain long-lasting.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a previously unknown barrier that separates the bloodstream from smelling cells in the upper airway of mice, which may hinder the effectiveness of vaccines. The BOB barrier also allows antibody-secreting plasma cells to produce neutralizing antibodies locally.
Two studies identify 22 previously unreported NFKB1 variants linked to immune system dysfunction, including reduced expression of the protein and altered gene expression. The findings suggest targeted inhibition of NFkB signaling pathway components as an attractive therapeutic approach for treating these diseases.
Stowers scientists investigate macrophage activation states in zebrafish sensory organ, discovering three distinct anti-inflammatory pathways that may inform human regenerative immunotherapies. The study provides valuable insights into the timing and genetic programs of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, in repair and regeneration.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating autoimmune diseases by using genetically modified CAR T cells to target and destroy harmful B cells. This innovative therapy has shown promising results in six young patients with severe forms of systemic lupus erythematosus, curing them completely without returning.
A Cornell undergraduate has found a potential solution to immune dysfunction in space, suggesting that a transcription factor called MRTF could be the missing link. The study identified changes in the cytoskeleton of macrophages as a key factor in immune system dysfunction.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that children with primary immunodeficiency diseases have a higher mortality rate due to COVID-19. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in genes important for immune defense, and some children lacked antibodies to the coronavirus.
A new biologic drug has been found to be highly effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema in infants and young children. The study showed that more than half of treated children experienced a 75% reduction in eczema symptoms, leading to improved sleep and increased ability to lead normal lives.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's FRIC found that cytoskeleton disruption is a key signal for the body to respond to viruses. This discovery has potential implications for developing new anti-viral vaccines and treatments.
Researchers discovered a telomere transfer reaction between immune cells that extends their lifespan and confers long-term protection. This 'anti-ageing' mechanism has potential clinical applications for diseases like cancer and dementia, and may enable people to live healthier and longer.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a new therapy that overcomes cancer cell barriers and marks them for destruction by the immune system. By pulling mutated KRAS protein to the surface, the drug acts as an “eat me” flag, allowing immunotherapy to eliminate all cells bearing this flag.
Bladder cancer researchers discovered a subset of CD8 T cells that adapts to tumor evasion strategies, offering a strategy to reduce tumor cells' ability to fight them off. The study also identified potential ways to make immunotherapy more effective against this deadly cancer by targeting the HLA-E/NKG2A axis.
A study led by University of Pennsylvania scientists reveals how tumor-derived factors stimulate trogocytosis, a process that can help cancer cells evade detection and grow unchecked. Blocking this process improved the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in mice.
Researchers have developed a new safety system for CAR-T cells, called VIPER CAR-T cells, that can be turned on or off. This allows doctors to target cancer more aggressively while minimizing side effects. The new system uses an FDA-approved antiviral drug to control the cell's activity.
Researchers developed a predictive test to assess asthma risk in babies, allowing for preventive treatments and potentially bypassing disease development. The test identifies a network controlled by the IRF1 gene that drives an exaggerated inflammatory response in children who develop asthma.
A study by researchers at Linköping University suggests that severe COVID-19 infection has long-lasting negative effects on the immune system. The results showed that patients developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within 2-3 weeks of symptoms, which then started to fall after six months.
The PROSPER RCC trial showed no difference in recurrence-free survival between arms, with higher adverse events reported in the nivolumab arm. The trial's results inform future research on neoadjuvant trials in high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a protein called GarD that cloaks Chlamydia bacteria from the host cell's immune system, allowing it to evade detection and elimination. Mutating this protein makes the bacteria vulnerable to destruction, offering new avenues for treatment.
Threespine stickleback fish evolved resistance to freshwater tapeworms by forming scar tissue around them, which prevents the worms from growing. However, this defense has a significant fitness cost for female sticklebacks, as they are 80% less likely to successfully breed due to the accumulated scarring.
Researchers have identified two effective antibodies that neutralize all known strains of COVID-19, including Delta and Omicron variants. These breakthrough antibodies could eliminate the need for repeated booster vaccinations and strengthen immune systems, especially in at-risk populations.
A Tel Aviv University study challenges the widely-held assumption that COVID-19 originated from bats, instead highlighting their highly effective immune system. The researchers found that many reported findings on bat-borne viruses are based on antibody presence or PCR tests rather than actual virus isolation.
A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that booster vaccinations significantly increase immune protection for individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and inflammatory bowel disease. Most patients experienced no significant side effects after receiving a third vaccination, and their antibodies effectively pro...
Researchers found that combining BCL-2 inhibitors can selectively eliminate senescent cells, improving efficacy and reducing toxicity by targeting high-MCL-1 expressing subpopulation of cells. This synergistic approach enables lower doses of drugs to be used, overcoming resistance to monotherapy.
A study by LSU found that elite student-athletes could safely return to practice and play football after COVID-19 isolation, with their immune system returning to baseline levels. This contrasts with older adults with comorbidities, who are at higher risk for serious side effects.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have identified a critical immunosuppressive pathway and developed an experimental inhibitor to protect T-cells from weakening. The CBL-B inhibitors show great potential in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, making patients' T-cells more effective in killing cancer cells.
Researchers have found that human antibodies can incorporate foreign genetic material from the mitochondria and ends of chromosomes, leading to increased immune diversity. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that antibody diversity results solely from gene mutations.
Researchers have discovered the key components in plant cells that trigger 'wartime' protein production in response to pathogens. This mechanism allows plants to rapidly produce defense proteins while balancing resources between growth and defense, a delicate process that could inform strategies for creating disease-resistant crops.
Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered that an overactivated cGAS/STING signaling pathway leads to severe inflammation in ANCA-associated vasculitis. The study involved patients with the disease and a novel mouse model, providing new insights into potential drug targets.
Researchers at RCSI found that patients with Long COVID syndrome have a blood-clotting imbalance due to high levels of von Willebrand Factor and low levels of ADAMTS13. The study suggests that this imbalance contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
A new study identifies PDIA3 as a molecule targeted by the immune system in response to stress, contributing to liver damage in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Elevated levels of antibodies for PDIA3 have been found in people with these conditions, but improving diet and weight can reverse this liver condition.
Research suggests rising temperatures could disrupt sleep patterns and blunt the immune response, making people more susceptible to infections. This is particularly concerning for low-income communities and communities of color who face heightened risks from heat and limited access to air conditioning.
Researchers captured first image of antigen-bound T-cell receptor complex with bound antigen at atomic resolution. The study reveals no significant structural changes in the receptor after antigen binding, sparking further investigation into the signaling pathway activation mechanism.
Researchers found that immune cells prefer nutrient fuels previously thought to be waste products, including lactate. This discovery could lead to personalized dietary recommendations to supercharge the immune system. The findings also suggest a strong influence of nutrients on T cell function and survival.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method to identify which human gut microbes contribute to inflammatory diseases. By analyzing protein levels in blood serum, the team discovered specific bacteria that trigger immune activation and inflammation.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Japanese herbal medicine DKT reduces colitis severity by preventing gut bacteria loss and increasing immune cells. It restores Lactobacillus levels and promotes type 3 innate lymphoid cells, alleviating inflammatory responses.
A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...
A new study led by Marc Veldhoen found that tissue resident white blood cells use glucose as an energy source and have a faster metabolism than circulating lymphocytes. This discovery highlights the importance of having a balanced diet for a healthy immune response.
A new study reveals that certain food proteins can cause white blood cells to become dysfunctional, leading to immune intolerance. Researchers found that the gut-associated-lymphoid tissue is a suppressive environment where lymphocytes undergo arrested development, preventing dangerous immune reactions to food.
New research reveals that social rejection can drive individuals to prioritize disease protection. When people experience social pain, they become more likely to take concerted efforts to safeguard against COVID-19. Conversely, when social interactions are less painful, people may be less vigilant in protecting themselves.
Scientists have discovered a new way to detect infection by sensing physical forces produced by bacterial invasion. Cells use mechanosensor protein PIEZO1 to detect changes in surface tension, triggering an early and fast immune response.
Researchers developed nanoparticles to deliver anti-inflammatory payloads directly to inflamed blood vessels, significantly increasing survival chances and delaying rupture onset. Targeting specific NF-kappaB subunits improved therapeutic effects with fewer adverse effects.
A new study has shown that the TB vaccine can produce a long-lasting 'trained immunity response' in infants, lasting more than 14 months after vaccination. The research found that the BCG vaccine's off-target effects on the immune system can lead to reprogramming of genes in a specific blood cell type, known as monocytes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that even terminally exhausted T cells retain some capacity to function again. They identified approaches to overcome exhaustion by targeting co-stimulation pathways and reprogramming T cells to be resistant to hypoxia, a common tumor microenvironmental signal.
Researchers found that higher suPAR levels were associated with increased risk of blood clot formation in COVID-19 patients. Combining suPAR and D-dimer may improve predicting who is at high or low risk of blood clots, enabling targeted therapies to prevent critical outcomes.
Scientists discover guanylate-binding proteins that can directly kill specific types of bacteria, offering new treatment options for drug-resistant infections. These proteins can also be used in combination with existing antibiotics to enhance treatment effectiveness.
A new study reveals that air pollution and maternal stress during pregnancy can lead to altered brain development and social behavior in male mice, exhibiting autism-like traits. In contrast, female mice are not affected by these environmental factors.
Researchers have created a comprehensive map of the human immune system, showing how immune cells communicate with each other. The map could lead to new immunotherapies for treating cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions.
A novel subset of CD8+ regulatory-like T cells (CD8+TRLs) has been identified as 'first responders' to stroke, providing fast-acting and lasting protection. These cells reach the brain within 24 hours after stroke onset, releasing molecules that provide direct neuroprotective effects.
Researchers at TIBI developed a minimally invasive method for targeted delivery of immunotherapeutic treatments, resulting in slower tumor growth and higher activation of T-cells. The injectable gelatin biomaterial containing silicate nanoplatelets showed sustained drug release and controlled ICI delivery.
A study reveals that an ADAR1 gene mutation activates ZBP1 protein, leading to programmed cell death and inflammatory responses. This causes damage to organs like the kidneys and liver in genetically modified mouse models.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discover how gut barrier cells send secret messages to patrolling T cells, keeping them alive and active. The study sheds light on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and highlights the importance of HVEM protein in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients produce fewer ketone bodies than influenza patients, leading to reduced immune function. A ketogenic diet or administering ketone bodies revived immune cells in diseased mice, improving virus elimination and lung damage.