Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers developed a breakthrough technology to resolve the problem of nanoparticles being cleared from the bloodstream too quickly. By exploiting the body's natural process of eliminating old red blood cells, they found an elegant solution that prolongs blood circulation for virtually any nanomedicine.
A Rutgers researcher has found that a weakened immune system, rather than HIV itself, contributes to the prevalence of dental cavities in children. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sampled nearly 300 children and found that those with normal immunity levels had lower cavity rates, regardless of HIV status
Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University and Tsinghua University created a dynamic light scattering method to determine immune complex sizes in blood serum. The new method can detect diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer, by analyzing changes in immune complex concentrations.
Researchers found that bats' ability to control inflammation may hold clues to developing new treatments for diseases in humans. By understanding the mechanisms underlying bats' unique abilities, scientists may be able to develop therapies to fight diseases like COVID-19.
Researchers developed a stable 'mirror-image' peptide that effectively blocks the interaction between TIGIT and its ligand PVR, inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This approach offers an alternative point of attack for cancer immunotherapy, potentially outperforming existing anti-PD-1 therapy.
Scientists at Salk Institute have identified a key gene that modifies regulatory T cells, fine-tuning the immune response. By controlling these cells, they may be able to treat both cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The study reveals that Burkholderia pseudomallei infection sets off a series of events that provoke the host's immune system, causing infected cells to self-destruct. The researchers found that abnormal cell fusion stimulates the type 1 interferon signaling pathway, leading to autophagy and cell death.
A mouse study found that consuming black raspberries can reduce swelling caused by contact hypersensitivity, a condition that triggers redness and inflammation in the skin. The researchers believe that black raspberries modulate dendritic cells, which help regulate the immune system's response to allergens.
New cost-effective technology enables advanced immunology studies on Tasmanian devils and reveals conserved immune pathways across 160 million years of evolution. The system can be applied to any vertebrate species, including humans.
Researchers developed a new method to apply anti-inflammatory substances to implants to reduce undesirable inflammatory reactions. The coatings contain heparin and hyaluronic acid, which inhibit the immune system's response to the implant.
A study has identified genetic variants that predispose to cancer and impair the immune system. The research found up to 57 genetic variants in 13 types of cancer, which affect the body's defenses. The immune system plays a key role in protecting against malignancies, but cancer cells have mechanisms to escape immune responses.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified a key protein controlling T follicular helper cell (Tfh) differentiation. The protein Bcl6 acts as a master regulator in the immune system, blocking or promoting gene expression to control immune responses. This study opens the door to designing vaccines and therapies tha...
Researchers found that parasite infection was strongly associated with the overall composition of the microbiome, which could accurately predict a person's country and lifestyle. The study also discovered that the presence of four soil-transmitted gut parasites tended to co-occur at a higher rate than chance.
Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center found that norepinephrine suppresses the function of white blood cells, impairing the body's ability to combat infections. The study suggests that alternative antihypotensive agents like vasopressin may be more effective in sepsis patients.
The ADVOCATE study demonstrates avacopan's effectiveness in reducing corticoid use and achieving sustained remission in patients with AAV, particularly those with renal involvement. The treatment also showed improved outcomes with lower infection rates compared to standard immunosuppressive therapy.
A review of 56 randomized clinical trials found that cognitive behavior therapy is superior to other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. CBT was most effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discover distinct effects of different tumor types on mouse immune system and human breast cancer patients, suggesting potential applications for cancer immunotherapy. Tumors cause widespread disruption of immune system, evolving over time, which can impact treatment efficacy.
Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.
The OU College of Medicine has been awarded a $11 million federal grant to create the Oklahoma Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunity. The center will focus on researching various types of infections, including fungal, bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, and how the immune system recognizes and destroys them.
Researchers found APRIL protein essential for plasmacyte development and immunoglobulin production in humans. A deficiency in APRIL leads to reduced plasmacyte numbers and increased susceptibility to infections.
Researchers at MIT create nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system, making cancer immunotherapy more powerful. By combining these particles with checkpoint inhibitors, they achieved a synergistic effect that halted tumor growth and even stopped tumors from spreading.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a way to convert an antagonist CD40 antibody into an agonist, which can stimulate the immune system and cure cancer more effectively. The study shows that this
A new study reveals that viruses inhibit a critical protein in the body's immune system to evade detection and cause infections. This common denominator offers hope for developing antiviral treatments and vaccines.
Researchers have identified a newly found pneumococcus capsule, the 100th since its discovery, and linked it to oral streptococci. This finding underscores the need for updated vaccines that can keep pace with rapidly changing bacteria.
Researchers mapped lymph node lymphatic vessels in mice and humans at the individual cell level, discovering five distinct groups of cells with similar functions. The study provides valuable insights into immune system function and will aid in developing new treatments for viral diseases and cancer.
A new model for respiratory infection treatment is being developed using mathematical modeling to predict and treat patients at risk of extreme lung inflammation. The University of Pittsburgh's Jason Shoemaker received a $547K NSF CAREER Award to create computational models of the immune response to seasonal influenza viruses.
Researchers at Lund University discovered a unique energy-saving strategy used by Arctic birds during the polar night, involving weakening their immune system. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy on keeping warm and finding food, but may pose risks when climate change alters migratory patterns and disease transmission.
Researchers have identified cathepsin S as a key player in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma's ability to evade the immune system. Inhibiting this protein reduces tumor growth by increasing the activity of immune cells that kill cancer cells.
A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that daily multivitamins with high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D can help fight off infections. The researchers recommend taking 200mg or more of vitamin C and 2,000 international units of vitamin D to support immune function.
Research suggests that individual genetic variation in the immune system may affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. The study found that certain immune system genes, such as human leukocyte antigen genes, vary from person to person and can influence how well the immune system recognizes SARS-CoV-2.
A team of scientists discovered that genetic alterations in the immune system of pipefishes and seahorses allow them to tolerate paternal genetic information and develop their offspring. The study found that genes involved in female mammalian pregnancy are also activated in male pregnancy, suggesting similar molecular mechanisms.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmunity prevalence in the US population between 1988 and 2012. The prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) rose from 11.0% in 1988 to 15.9% in 2011-2012, affecting an estimated 41 million individuals.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have found a way to regulate special immune system cells in lung cancer tumors, suppressing them and allowing tumors to grow. By blocking this pathway, the immune system can be boosted to prevent tumor formation or growth, offering a potential new treatment for immunotherapy.
A high-salt diet can significantly weaken the immune system by reducing the function of granulocytes, a type of immune cell that attacks bacteria. This is according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, which found that mice fed a high-salt diet suffered from more severe bacterial infections.
Researchers found that natural killer cells can regulate and restrain inflammation of brain tissue, reducing protein clumping and viral resistance. The study suggests NK cells play a critical role in protecting against Parkinson's disease progression.
Researchers have uncovered the intricate details of interleukin-2's interactions with receptor molecules, providing a blueprint for more targeted therapies. The study shows how IL-2 can act as either a throttle or a brake on the immune response in different contexts.
University of Pittsburgh researchers develop microparticles that can trick the body into accepting transplanted tissue as its own, avoiding the need for lifelong immunosuppression. The treatment logistics are simpler and more efficient than current cell-based therapy methods.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immune cells can attack cancer cells remotely through soluble molecules like interferon-gamma. This discovery supports a key target for future immunotherapy approaches and may enable T lymphocytes to act on a large number of cancer cells.
Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle delivery method that tags implanted human cancer cells with molecular signals, making them visible to the immune system. The treatment showed promise in mice with melanoma and colon cancer, with some surviving up to 60 days without tumor growth.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism that enables hookworms to evade the human immune system. By understanding how these parasites destroy neutrophil extracellular traps, scientists may be able to develop vaccines to boost immunity and prevent reinfection.
The round goby's exceptional adaptability is attributed to its immune system, which features up to 30 times more inflammatory genes than comparable species. This enables the fish to deal with pathogens and extreme environmental conditions, facilitating its successful colonization of diverse waters around the world.
Researchers at EPFL have created a prototype vaccine that can travel to the desired location and activate immune cells, overcoming two major obstacles in therapeutic cancer vaccines. The Polycondensate Neoepitope (PNE) combines a patented technique with an algorithm for predicting mutated tumor antigens.
Researchers found that immune cells perceive each other's density to regulate their proliferation, leading to more efficient immune reactions. This mechanism could improve cancer immunotherapies by reducing the risk of excessive immune responses.
Researchers found that bats' unique immune response drives viruses to replicate faster, making them deadlier in humans. The study suggests that disrupting bat habitats could increase the threat of zoonosis.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a major link between protein FHR4 and age-related macular degeneration, affecting 1.5 million people in the UK alone. The findings show that higher levels of FHR4 in the blood increase the risk of AMD by activating part of the immune system.
A new study by Swiss TPH and partners found that age, location, and anaemia status significantly impact childhood immune system development. The research suggests that considering these factors can improve the efficacy of childhood vaccinations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where anaemia is prevalent.
A fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, has been found to use an enzyme called chitosan deacetylase to alter its cell wall structure, making it invisible to the human immune system. Researchers have identified a new chitosan deacetylase that is crucial for the fungus's ability to evade detection.
Researchers charted immune system development in sub-Saharan African children to improve vaccine efficacy. Their findings suggest that a child's age, location, and health status influence their immune response to vaccines.
Researchers found that significantly reducing dietary methionine slows the progression of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis. Methionine fuels T cells, which can cause inflammation and damage if it lingers.
Researchers discovered that activating a mosquito's immune system can prevent the transmission of disease-causing parasites like Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia malayi. By boosting the immune response, mosquitoes can block parasite development, potentially stopping diseases like canine heartworm and human lymphatic filariasis.
Research finds that low levels of infection can cause chronic bladder dysfunction and magnify sensations felt by patients with urinary tract infections. Understanding how nerves transmit different sensations to the brain could help limit bladder dysfunction in overactive bladder patients.
A severely infected patient revealed a rare genetic variation in immune deficiency, linked to CMV control. Researchers sequenced the man's genes and found a mutation in NOS2, a critical component of macrophages that kill microbes.
Researchers developed immunocompromised mice by disabling genes involved in autophagy, which allows them to fight off Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The study suggests a permanently active immune system can be beneficial against certain pathogens, but also poses risks of chronic inflammation.
Scientists at the University of Münster have developed a vaccine-like treatment that stimulates plants' natural immune system using a specific pattern in chitosan, a biopolymer. This breakthrough could lead to reduced chemical pesticide use and improved plant growth, as well as potential applications in scar-free wound healing.
Researchers propose combining fever resistance with temporary tolerance promoted by controlled hypothermia for studying and treating severe conditions like sepsis. This innovative concept aims to understand human physiology's integrated defense strategies against infection.
Scientists have found a novel method to combat glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, by introducing VEGF-C into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice. This approach significantly extended survival rates when combined with immune system checkpoint inhibitors, offering new hope for treatment options.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that MAIT cells respond with dynamic activity and reprogramming of gene expression during acute HIV infection. The study sheds light on the immune system's response to this phase of HIV infection.
Scientists found that nerve cells release infection-fighting cytokines to combat bacterial invaders, rather than immune cells. This discovery provides new insights into the body's response to food poisoning and other illnesses.
Researchers identified growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) as a key player in delaying type 1 diabetes onset in diabetic mice. Treatment with GDF15 reduced development of diabetes by 53% in non-obese diabetic mice, providing a potential target for prevention and treatment.