Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers found that a small yeast species called Malassezia strengthens the body's defenses against pathogens, but its balance with the immune system is key to preventing atopic dermatitis. A new potential treatment targets this balance by neutralizing interleukin-17 cytokine production.
Researchers have developed a metric called IMM-AGE to accurately understand an individual's immune status, providing increased information for accurate prediction and management of risks. This new capability has major implications for drug development, including the design of future vaccine trials and re-evaluating past vaccine trials.
Researchers discovered zinc's role in fighting UTI bacteria, identifying its toxic effects on UPEC cells and potential avenues for non-antibiotic treatment strategies. This knowledge could lead to new therapies that don't develop resistance like traditional antibiotics.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have developed a novel treatment that delays the onset of type 1 diabetes in mice and halts the progression of paralysis in multiple sclerosis models. The treatment targets misfunctioning immune cells, leaving normal immune cells intact.
A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.
The study found that the live oral typhoid vaccine Ty21a can strengthen the immune response against subsequent, unrelated infections, including those caused by other pathogens. This promising research could lead to broader protection and lower mortality rates globally.
A study by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a molecule, c-Maf, that regulates the balance between the immune system and gut microbiota. This finding may lead to new therapies for chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at University of Cologne decipher mechanism by which intestinal microbiota amplifies inflammatory reactions in lungs. Candida albicans stimulates Th17 cells, leading to cross-reactivity and immune system imbalance.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic beta cells themselves may play a role in T1 diabetes, and found that eliminating senescent cells prevents the disease in mice. The study suggests a paradigm shift for T1 diabetes therapy and opens up new avenues for treatment.
Two new forms of an older anti-cancer agent, s-DAB-IL-2 and s-DAB-IL-2(V6A), have been shown to enhance the immune system's ability to fight melanoma in mice. The agents depleted T regulatory cells and inhibited tumor growth when used individually or in combination with checkpoint blockade therapy.
Scientists have developed a new technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create pluripotent stem cells that can avoid rejection by the immune system. These 'universal' stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than individualized cells and bring promise to regenerative medicine.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that smokers with melanoma are 40% less likely to survive than non-smokers. Researchers believe smoking may disrupt the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used sophisticated gene sequencing and computing techniques to analyze antibody-producing white blood cells. They found a surprisingly high frequency of shared clonotypes, which could aid in developing universal vaccines and treatments.
A new discovery by Professor Graham Lord and his team at the University of Manchester reveals a crucial molecular pathway regulated by microRNA-142, which controls Regulatory T cells. This finding has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer.
Researchers discovered that gliotoxin, a mycotoxin from Aspergillus fumigatus, inhibits the production of leukotrieneB4 in neutrophilic granulocytes, disrupting communication between immune cells. This allows fungal spores to infiltrate tissues and organs, posing a fatal threat to people with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University developed a computational tool to analyze genetic variations in immune system genes, revealing a rich pattern of deletions and duplications. This discovery sheds light on the critical importance of these genomic regions for understanding the immune system and predicting diseases.
A powerful molecule, HLA-G dimer, helps protect transplanted organs from rejection by quietening two other immune molecules. The study provides more evidence that this molecule should be an effective therapy for protecting transplanted organs, and its potential to improve outcomes in organ transplant patients.
A study reveals how HIV-1 protein Vpu hinders the immune system's response to infection by inhibiting transcription factor NF-κB and reducing antiviral factors. This finding could inform therapeutic approaches aiming to activate dormant HIV for subsequent elimination.
Research in mice at the University of Tokyo found that heat waves can reduce the body's immune response to flu. However, providing supplemental nutrition before and after infection can help restore normal immune function. The study suggests that food insecurity may weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that Lactobacillus bacteria interact with immune system cells to regulate the intestinal barrier function. The interaction, mediated by the Mincle receptor, promotes a beneficial response and helps prevent diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
The La Jolla Institute has been awarded a seven-year NIH contract renewal to host and expand the Immune Epitope Database, containing over 530,000 epitopes from 3,600 species. This vast amount of data allows researchers to unlock clues to disease causes by searching for commonalities among different pathogens.
Researchers have successfully engineered a protein that balances an overreaction of the immune system, making it a promising candidate for sepsis therapy. By understanding how interleukins mediate communication between immune cells, scientists can now modulate their reaction in a targeted manner.
A new study found that prolonged spaceflights can impair natural killer cell function in astronauts, increasing the risk of cancer and viral reactivation. The effects are more pronounced in first-time astronauts, suggesting stress or age may play a role.
A Vanderbilt University team developed a nanoparticle to target tumor-infiltrating immune cells and activate the STING pathway, a natural mechanism to mount an immune response against cancer. The breakthrough offers hope for patients who don't respond to checkpoint blockade therapies.
A new study finds that antibodies produced by B cells play a dominant role in controlling cytomegalovirus reactivation in people with compromised immune systems. The discovery challenges long-held theories and could pave the way for safer therapies to protect patients from life-threatening infections.
Scientists have developed a precise measuring tool using DNA origami to optimize antibody effectiveness, with distances of approximately 16 nanometres providing the strongest bond. This technology can help better understand the immune response and design more effective antibodies for vaccines and immunotherapy.
Visceral adipose tissue prioritizes over subcutaneous fat storage, leading to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Early life malnutrition and modern diets contribute to VAT accumulation.
Researchers have discovered a new way to boost the immune system's attack on cancer cells by blocking a routine cell mechanism. This breakthrough has shown promising results in lung and melanoma cancers, offering a potential solution for treating a large number of patients.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that clearing senescent cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging, improves health outcomes in mice. The study, led by Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky and Dr. Yossi Ovadya, offers hope for potential anti-aging therapies.
Research suggests that abdominal obesity may have evolved as a protective mechanism against infections in individuals who experienced poor fetal nutrition. This study proposes that the hallmark of obesity, visceral adipose tissue, provides immunity against abdominal infections.
Nir Hacohen and Vijay Kuchroo receive Distinguished Innovator Award for innovative approaches to treating lupus kidney disease and harnessing regulatory T and B cells. Their research aims to stimulate strategies for prevention, treatment, and cure of the chronic autoimmune disease.
Scientists have discovered a molecular cause of rare autoimmune disorders, including Singleton-Merten syndrome and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Mistakes in RNA proofreading lead to improper interferon signaling, triggering autoimmunity.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will partner with the Allen Institute for Immunology to understand the human immune system and find novel mechanisms to halt or reverse rheumatoid arthritis. The research program aims to identify biomarkers for early detection and develop new treatments for this debilitating disease.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells sacrifice themselves to release proteins that fight invasive bacteria and damage. This process, called pyroptosis, is an explosive form of cell death that warns other immune cells about the threat.
Scientists at Monash University have identified a new immune brake called CD96 that enables tumors to evade the immune system. Blocking this receptor may lead to more effective cancer treatments. The research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy.
Ning Jiang, a UT Austin researcher, will investigate immune cell behavior in neurodegenerative diseases with a $2.5 million grant. This funding supports a collaborative project aiming to improve understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A team of researchers from the RI-MUHC discovered a new human disease called combined immunoficiency (CID) and its genetic cause ICOSLG. The disease is characterized by a weakened immune system, making patients susceptible to recurrent life-threatening infections.
Researchers have found that Botryllus schlosseri, a marine invertebrate, has a blood-forming system with uncanny similarities to humans. This discovery may provide a way to improve immune function and find new tools for biological discovery. The study also reveals parallels between the blood systems in Botryllus and mammals.
A set of immune system tissue chips is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's 16th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, where they will simulate the aging process of the immune system. The goal is to gain new insights into the molecular basis for many human conditions and develop novel therapies.
A study found that specific bacteria from the mother's gut stimulate the baby's immune responses during vaginal birth, but this transmission is impacted in children born by caesarean section. This may explain why caesarean-born children are more prone to chronic diseases.
Mayo Clinic researchers find that viruses can hijack the ADAR1 enzyme to avoid immune detection, but at a threshold of 1,000 double-stranded RNA molecules. This discovery offers hope for new antiviral therapies targeting ADAR1.
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center discovered a new signal pathway employed by skin cancer cells to evade the immune system. The ICER protein plays a significant role in this process, leading to rapid tumor growth and inflammation.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a comprehensive way to evaluate how immune responses of humanized mice measure up to actual humans. The study highlights an experimental paradigm to address the gap in understanding immune responses to human pathogens and potential vaccines.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a crucial immune system-regulating protein called ABHD12, which is linked to a rare genetic disease featuring brain and nerve problems. The study suggests that targeting ABHD12 may offer new avenues for treating cancers and chronic viral infections.
Scientists visualize immune system's action on tumor development, revealing its impact on cancer cell heterogeneity. The study highlights the potential for optimizing therapeutic combinations and sequences to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
Scientists developed a human tissue culture construct to test immune responses to vaccines, enabling rapid assessment of candidates and accelerating the development process. The platform replicates immune responses in different populations and age groups, allowing researchers to select human vaccine candidates before human trials.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have created an immune cell atlas, DICE, to decipher how natural genetic variation shapes the immune system's ability to protect health. The database provides detailed profiles of 15 immune cell types and 91 healthy donors, revealing a wide impact of genetic variation on gene activity.
An international study published in Blood highlights the urgent need for better treatment strategies for patients with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). The study found that survival rates were higher after cell transplants from matched sibling donors and that young age and absence of active infection were key factors for impro...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for myelin production, may play a significant role in MS development. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting areas beyond the immune system.
Researchers discovered that mitochondria deploy ROS to destroy invading MRSA bacteria by packaging and delivering these molecules to the phagosome, bypassing traditional immune mechanisms. This backup system helps immune cells fight off pathogens with increased effectiveness.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...
Researchers discovered large immune cells called macrophages play a vital role in repairing damaged nerve connections in zebrafish. These molecules dampen inflammation at the injury site, enabling nerve cells to bridge gaps and repair lost connections.
Stephanie Ganal-Vonarburg's research shows that maternal microbiota influences child's immune system from birth through placenta and breast milk. The award supports her future work to investigate long-term effects of maternal microbiota on children's immunity.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the nature of immune cells in the human brain, including their location and function. The research provides valuable insights into the immune system's role in brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis and tumors.
A groundbreaking new study aims to understand the human immune system's response to influenza by analyzing gene regulation, microbiome influence, and other factors. Researchers will take comprehensive measurements from healthy participants who receive a standard influenza vaccination.
A recent measles case highlights the importance of herd immunity in safeguarding those with compromised immune systems. Despite being fully vaccinated as a child, a Swiss man undergoing leukemia treatment died from severe measles complications.
Robert Tampé's €1.5 million Koselleck project aims to elucidate key mechanisms of antigen processing in MHC-I complexes, which could lead to new therapy options for infections and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a new way bacteria evade the human immune system by shutting down flagella expression, making it difficult for the immune system to detect and respond. This finding has significant implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and developing new treatments.
Drexel researchers have developed a polymer coating that helps nanoparticles evade the immune system and liver, allowing them to remain in circulation for longer periods. The mushroom-brush layer combination enables nanoparticles to reach cancerous tumors more effectively.
A new study by CNIC researchers reveals that immune cells like neutrophils help maintain normal function of healthy tissues, performing roles unrelated to immunity. The findings suggest that the immune system is essential for day-to-day health, with potential benefits in some tissues and risks in others.