Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered two novel molecules that provide profound protection in experimental models of asthma and reduce the severity of asthma attacks. These molecules, including one commercially available as a dietary supplement, also show promise in treating respiratory illness associated with COVID-19.
Researchers suggest that an exaggerated activation of the food quality control system, triggered by environmental changes such as processed food and hygiene products, contributes to food allergies. The study's findings could lay the groundwork for future treatment or prevention strategies.
University of Missouri scientists have discovered a genetically modified strain of salmonella that can target and kill prostate cancer cells, while leaving normal tissue intact. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients' unique cancer characteristics.
Researchers update current research focus from 'immune-centric-only' view to better understand autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The study identifies common gene expression changes at target tissues, highlighting the importance of studying both immune system and target tissues.
Researchers found that red algae polysaccharides can suppress the activity of immune cells in lab mice, reducing leukocyte count and congenital immunity cell activity. However, it is unclear whether this effect is beneficial or detrimental, and further study is needed to understand its potential as a pharmacological substance.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that a protein called Toll-1 plays a key role in regulating cell adhesion and sorting during fruit fly development. This process helps maintain the boundaries between different cell populations and ensures proper tissue formation.
A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that mothers who consume more cow's milk during breastfeeding have children with lower rates of food allergies. The researchers found a clear connection between the mother's intake of milk and dairy products and the smaller incidence of food allergy in their children.
Scientists at the Ragon Institute found that neutralizing antibody potency is significantly reduced in patients with severe or fatal COVID-19 compared to those with milder infections. The study suggests measuring antibody potency could predict patient outcomes and guide treatment options.
Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.
Researchers identified a rare case where COVID-19 triggered a recurrence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a 54-year-old man with prior episodes, highlighting the need for closer observation in patients with autoimmune disorders. The study provides new insights into treating COVID-19 patients with nerve-targeting autoimmune disorders.
A study by RUDN University found that adding fern leaves powder to the diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) improves their immune system and supports healthy growth. The experiment, published in Fish & Shellfish Immunology journal, showed no side effects from the natural additive.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found elongated neutrophil-derived structures (ENDS) in the blood of septic patients, which break off from immune cells and change shape as they course through the body. ENDS are 100-fold more detectable in sepsis patients than healthy individuals.
A study by St. Petersburg University found that vaccination against tuberculosis with the BCG vaccine can slow down the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its course. The analysis showed a correlation between BCG vaccination and lower mortality rates in countries where national immunization programs are well-established.
Researchers at City of Hope developed a cancer-killing virus called CF33 that targets hard-to-treat tumors and stimulates an immune response. The oncolytic virus demonstrates increased PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and causes them to die, leading to lasting anti-tumor immunity.
A team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore discovered that the protein NLRP1 detects the human rhinovirus (HRV) and triggers an immune response leading to inflammation in the lungs.
A Memorial Sloan Kettering study is the first to link gut microbiota to changes in the human immune system. The research used over 10 years of data from more than 2,000 patients undergoing blood stem cell transplants, revealing a unique relationship between microbiota and immune cell concentrations.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that a part of the CRISPR-Cas system originated from toxin genes in bacteria and archaea, providing new insights into its evolutionary process. The study reveals an ongoing battle between microorganisms and viruses, with the discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins blocking the immune system.
Researchers find that Staphylococcus aureus thrives in glucose-rich diabetic conditions, triggering virulent features and unchecked infection. Understanding this mechanism could lead to treatments targeting the bacteria's glucose hunger.
A study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that individuals with severe COVID-19 responses exhibit increased levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a suppressor of cell inflammation. This discovery could provide a warning light for disease progression, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers have discovered a key enzyme SphK2 that suppresses the immune system's response to viral infections. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can clear persistent viral infections and treat some types of cancer by promoting activation of the immune system.
Researchers discovered that the gut's local immune system creates antibodies tailored to specific microbiota, challenging the long-held assumption of a non-specific approach. This finding has significant implications for understanding the relationship between the immune system and the composition of our microbiomes.
Research suggests ancient parasites have co-opted mammalian hosts for evolutionary gain, influencing cognition, reproduction, immune response. Endogenous retroviruses also play a key role in placental development and the interferon response.
Researchers studied COVID-19 patients' immune systems, discovering potent biomarkers and patterns in T-cell and B-cell receptor proteins. The study aims to develop treatments inspired by the immune system, with potential clinical applications including prognostic tests and antibody therapies.
Severe COVID-19 cases linked to hyperactivated T cells in lungs, suggesting brake mechanism failure. Protein Foxp3 inhibition may lead to new treatment options.
A new study describes a vaccine that triggers an immune response against an influenza protein segment rarely mutated by the virus, raising the possibility of effective protection against seasonal and pandemic strains. The vaccine uses nanoparticles coated with flu proteins to train the immune system to create desired antibodies.
Researchers found that feeding C-section newborns their mother's feces in breast milk builds a healthier gut microbiome, similar to those born vaginally. The babies' immune systems mature rapidly after receiving the fecal microbiota transplant, suggesting a potential reduction in asthma and allergy risk.
A study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that MAIT cell activation is strongly linked to severe COVID-19 disease. The number of MAIT cells in the blood declines sharply in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19, while pro-inflammatory MAIT cells accumulate in the airways.
Dr. Leszek Ignatowicz is studying the impact of intestinal microbiota on immunosenescence, a condition that causes the immune system to decline with age. His research aims to develop new strategies to control gut inflammation and enhance immune function in older individuals.
A new study suggests that gamma interferons, a type of immune cell, may help prevent depression by preserving mental health. Researchers found that healthy individuals have similar immune cells to those with multiple sclerosis, but without the damaging inflammatory response.
Researchers have discovered a signal molecule called Interleukin-32 that can make tumors attackable again, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This combination treatment shows promise in animal models and may lead to improved life expectancy for melanoma patients with higher IL-32 activity.
Researchers develop a novel approach to detect and defend against hardware Trojans by adapting human immune system principles. The proposed mechanism uses an irregular network topology and machine learning-based anomaly detection to identify malicious attacks.
T cells play a crucial role in immune response and cancer treatment. Researchers have identified key factors influencing T cell development, which can impact the body's ability to control infections or tumor growth.
Researchers have developed a method to genetically edit out proteins on human pluripotent stem cells that trigger immune rejection. This approach could generate universally compatible 'off-the-shelf' cell grafts without the need for immune suppression, offering a promising solution for regenerative medicine.
A new UCLA study identifies two key drivers of the immune system's attack on cancer cells: T cell infiltration and interferon-gamma signaling. The research found that blocking immune checkpoints amplifies interferon-gamma signaling, leading to enhanced antitumor immune responses.
Researchers at CSHL and Stanford University found a direct connection between stress-sensitive neurons and insomnia-inducing neurons in mice. Stimulating this connection enabled mice to sleep peacefully, while disrupting it caused insomnia. The same connection also affects the immune system, weakening its defenses against threats.
A study by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin reveals that the immune system is less effective at fighting COVID-19 in older people and those with comorbidities. The researchers found a link between T-helper cell function and risk factors, suggesting a potential new treatment target.
A new study finds that obesity can lead to an overactive immune response to COVID-19, impairing the body's ability to fight the virus. The review highlights the importance of understanding how obesity interacts with new COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a way to record real-time images of immune cells inside the lungs, revealing that these 'cleaners' become paralyzed during infections. This new imaging technique has provided crucial insights into the immune system's response to deadly bacteria and viruses like flu and COVID-19.
A new study by Dartmouth Engineering shows promise for an engineered lysin-based antibacterial agent that may enable safe, repeated dosing to treat life-threatening infections caused by MRSA and other types of S. aureus.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a new microgel drug delivery method to improve pancreatic islet transplant success. The method uses an engineered biomaterial to deliver an immune-suppressing protein, reducing dosage and side effects.
Researchers have created an atomic structure of the peptide-loading complex, a biological nanomachine that loads antigens onto MHC molecules. This allows for detailed molecular dynamics simulations to study its dynamics and mechanism, enabling targeted interventions in immune processes.
Researchers discovered new types of mosquito immune cells and molecular pathways implicated in controlling the malaria parasite. A rare cell type called a Megacyte was found to have high levels of a key molecule needed for immune priming, which could limit malaria transmission.
Researchers at West Virginia University discovered that blood substitution therapy can rescue the brains of mice from ischemic damage and improve outcomes. The study found that replacing 20% of the blood reduces damage to the brain, and the technique may be administered beyond the current three-hour window for stroke treatment.
Researchers discovered that when the foreign antigen is more flexible, the germinal centre can employ a greater number of evolution strategies to make antibodies that bind foreign but not self-molecules. The study provides new insights for vaccine design and may help address the major roadblock in generating effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers discovered that a rare COVID-19 related illness in children, known as PIMS-TS, causes severe inflammation and alters the immune system. The study found increased levels of cytokines and reduced white blood cells in affected children, but these changes gradually returned to normal after recovery.
A study found that younger and female patients accumulate more cancer-causing genetic mutations, making them less visible to the immune system. This selective pressure leads to poorer response rates to immunotherapy.
Researchers at NTNU have filmed the process of tuberculosis infection in a cell, revealing how the bacterium evades the body's immune system. The study shows how TB bacteria hide inside macrophages and trigger an explosive immune response to spread further.
Researchers from the University of Otago have discovered that viruses can use a 'decoy' strategy to evade the immune system. By acquiring a membrane inside the nucleus of infected cells, these viruses can travel through different environments and avoid detection by the immune system.
A study published in Immunity identified five humoral immune response markers that can correctly classify convalescent COVID-19 patients and those who did not survive the disease. These markers, including IgM and IgA1 responses to S protein and N protein, were able to predict patient outcomes more accurately than demographic factors.
The study found that immune cells are produced in large quantities but their function is defective, leading to an ineffective immune response against the virus. In severe cases, immature cells with inhibitory effects on the immune response prevail.
Researchers have developed a method to investigate how cancer cells evade the immune system, revealing that some genes can be downregulated over time to avoid detection. The study suggests that targeting these genes could lead to more effective immune therapies.
Researchers found that people with age-related macular degeneration, a disorder caused by overactive complement, are at greater risk of developing severe complications and dying from COVID. Complement inhibitors may help treat patients with severe disease.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine discovered that brain defenders called microglia release a unique immune molecule to control the parasite in the brain, preventing symptomatic toxoplasmosis. This finding has implications for brain infections, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders.
A study finds that immune suppression in older adults is reversible and can be relieved by targeting a specific cell type. This breakthrough could lead to more effective flu vaccines and potentially COVID-19 vaccines, increasing protection for seniors.
Researchers found that psychological recovery can take place while still experiencing stressful conditions, contrary to previous research. Employees reported feeling less powerless and more authentic within two weeks of the crisis beginning.
A study has identified genetic variants that may contribute to the development of chronic immune and inflammatory diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, in early childhood. The research found thousands of genetic variants driving gene expression across different conditions.
Researchers identified TLR7 as an essential player in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Mutations in this gene can lead to severe illness, highlighting a potential link between genetic factors and COVID-19 severity.
Researchers discovered brain-resident immune cells that play a crucial role in normal brain development and are essential for the regulation of brain functions. The findings suggest a connection between gut bacteria, white blood cells, and neurological diseases.
Researchers have uncovered how immune cells use chemical signals to navigate to the lymph nodes, where they help combat harmful bacteria and viruses. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments and a better understanding of why the immune system sometimes fails.
Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.