Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers have identified a snitch that reveals cancer cells to the immune system by producing interferon, activating macrophages and T cells to kill cancer cells. MUS81 enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, triggering an immune response in cancer cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed an antibody that selectively attacks cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The antibody works by targeting a specific protein on cancer cells, disabling their defense mechanism and triggering an immune response.
A study of 295,420 infants in Bavaria found increased T1D risk associated with respiratory tract infections between 2-9 months and 3-5.9 months of age. Early exposure to viral infections may impair immune system response, suggesting a crucial first half-year of life for autoimmunity development.
A global study found that gut microbiomes of infants in Finland and Estonia are dominated by Bacteroides species, while Russian Karelian infants have an overrepresentation of Bifidobacterium. This difference may contribute to the spike in immune disorders seen in western societies.
A Boston College research team, led by biologist Tim van Opijnen, is developing new technologies to predict drug resistance in certain bacteria and identify effective treatments. The five-year study will use cutting-edge genomics research tools and techniques to understand how bacteria interact with the immune system.
A new study found that coral reefs use platelet activating factor (PAF) to trigger inflammation, a key process in bringing in protective immune cells. This molecule has been part of human immune systems for over 550 million years, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.
Researchers discovered hidden mechanisms of the immune system in two disease areas, COPD and systemic lupus erythematosus. The findings showed that ILC2s can change into inflammatory cells in response to stimuli, suggesting a potential way to treat COPD exacerbations.
Researchers at IBS Center for Vascular Health have created a new targeted agent to mitigate sepsis progression by strengthening and protecting blood vessels. This approach, utilizing the Tie2 receptor and anti-angiopoietin-2 antibody ABTAA, has shown enhanced survival rates in severe sepsis models up to 70%.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases proposes that co-housing laboratory mice with mice from pet stores could produce
A new study reveals that laboratory mice infected with common human viruses develop an immune system similar to newborn humans, but unlike adult humans. This finding suggests that the lack of infection may be a reason why research mice differ from humans.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a new model to study the human immune system, using 'dirty mice' that mimic the exposure to microbes found in humans. This new model has shown to improve the accuracy of potential therapeutics and vaccines.
Research found that TNF-alpha induces immune surveillance cells called M cells, which promote the body's ability to regulate and suppress inflammatory responses. This discovery could lead to more targeted drug therapies for treating IBD and other autoimmune diseases.
A biodegradable nanoparticle acts like a Trojan horse to convince the immune system not to attack an allergen, shutting down allergic reactions and preventing asthma attacks. The technology also shows promise in treating food allergies.
Researchers have identified a key role for a recently discovered immune cell in age-related inflammation and disease. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying these conditions and offers promising avenues for treatment.
Researchers have discovered how compounds produced by the body's immune system help to dampen inflammation and prevent damage to healthy tissues. These compounds, called alpha defensins, may act on cells of the immune system to prevent excessive inflammation.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune cells associated with allergies can promote healing of mouse muscle wounds when paired with biomaterial scaffolds. The discovery suggests a pivotal role for type 2 helper T cells in regulating the regenerative process, which may lead to novel strategies for tissue regeneration.
Researchers found that some frogs in Arizona are rapidly adapting to the fungal pathogen Batrachochrytrium dendrobatridis, which causes chytridiomycosis. The study identified a specific genetic variant, allele Q, that confers immunity to the disease, and showed that these variants were being rapidly inherited and evolving.
A new immune-suppressing drug regimen has led to the longest survival yet for a cross-species heart transplant, involving pig hearts in baboons. The study's results could lead to increased use of xenotransplantation and potentially help severe organ shortage among human patients.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a critical step in the immune system's recognition of DNA viruses, which could lead to vaccinations for herpes, the common cold, and even cancer. The discovery involves an interaction between proteins S6K1 and STING that triggers antiviral responses.
A new study suggests that a combined vaccine therapy using live Salmonella is safe and effective in preventing diabetes in mice. The vaccine works by rebalancing the immune system and preventing the attack on insulin-producing cells. Researchers believe this targeted immunotherapy has great potential for treating type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria can shield the brain from stroke by directing immune cells to protect it. Modifying the microbiotic makeup of the gut may become a novel method to prevent stroke, particularly for high-risk patients.
Researchers propose using 'sticky molecules' like IgA to target good bacteria in the gut, preventing pathogenic species from taking hold. This approach has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers have discovered an HIV-fighting immunogen called eOD-GT8 that shows extraordinary binding affinity for naïve human B cells, outperforming previous candidates by a factor of 2100. Approximately 96% of humans harbor B cells sensitive to this immunogen, suggesting its potential as a viable HIV vaccine strategy.
Researchers found that butyrate production is reduced in the intestinal tract of experimental mice after bone marrow transplantation, leading to an increased risk of graft vs. host disease. Increasing butyrate levels can mitigate this condition by bolstering the gut lining's resistance to the donor immune system.
A new study in mice suggests that a mother's microbiome shapes her offspring's immune system. The research found that maternal antibodies facilitate the transmission and retention of microbial molecules from a mother to her offspring.
A study led by the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Inflammation Research discovered a mechanism to keep bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that PGE2 activates innate lymphoid cells, which help maintain the gut barrier and prevent body-wide inflammation.
Scientists have developed novel insulin mimetopes that can induce regulatory T cells to produce tolerance against insulin, halting the development of type 1 diabetes in young mice. In a humanized mouse model, the new vaccine efficiently stimulates regulatory T cells, which can impede the immune system's attack on insulin-producing cells.
A study by Pavel Kovarik and his team at the University of Vienna reveals that type I interferons play a crucial role in regulating IL-1β levels, preventing excessive inflammation and balance in the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found a compound called cathelicidin that directly attacks and stops RSV from binding to cells. Boosting natural production of this compound could protect babies and vulnerable adults from life-threatening illnesses.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a novel cell-based immunotherapy that combines chemotherapy, inducing specific type of cell death in brain cancer cells. This approach stimulates the immune system to attack and activate dendritic cells, resulting in a drastically increased survival rate of mice with brain tumors.
A study involving skydiving participants found that acute stress can cause molecular alterations in the immune response, leading to increased risk of stress-related conditions. The researchers identified specific genes and pathways involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses that were dysregulated after the jump.
A new clinical trial has begun at Oxford and Sheffield to test a potential vaccine for prostate cancer. The vaccine aims to stimulate the immune system's attack on cancer cells by recognizing a specific protein found on their surface. If successful, future studies will assess its effectiveness in preventing disease progression.
A recent study by Whitehead Institute scientists found that B cells with diverse affinities for invading pathogens are selected in the immune system's germinal centers. This approach may aid development of effective vaccines against rapidly mutating viruses like HIV and influenza.
A team from the University of Sheffield has discovered a white blood cell in birds that can completely block the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes fatal infections in humans. The researchers found that this macrophage cell is able to destroy the fungus when it tries to invade the bird's body.
Researchers at Georgia State University identified a new factor, IL-36, that promotes intestinal inflammation but also helps to resolve it. The study highlights the complex role of immune system balance in IBD and emphasizes the importance of understanding disease timing and phase for effective treatments.
A recent study by researchers at VIB and KU Leuven in Belgium and the Babraham Institute in the UK discovered that raising a child together has a significant impact on one's immune system. Individuals who co-parented a child showed a 50% reduction in variation between their two immune systems, compared to the wider population.
A study by Aarhus University found that wholegrain foods, such as rye bread, contain bioactive compounds called benzoxazinoids. These substances have been shown to pass through the gut wall and circulate in the body, potentially regulating the immune system.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have captured atomic images of the herpes simplex 1 virus revealing how it inserts itself into another protein to evade detection by immune cells. The study provides a mechanistic explanation for the virus's ability to escape immune system recognition.
A new study published in Science suggests that food tolerance emerges over time in normal individuals due to specific populations of T cells. The research found that consumption of a normal diet stimulates gut cells that suppress rejection of food by the immune system, making children more susceptible to food allergies.
Researchers at McGill University found that chronic pain changes DNA marking in the brain and white blood cells, impacting immune function. This epigenetic discovery could lead to new targets for pain medications.
A new clinical imaging method has been developed to tackle one of the main killers of patients with weakened immune systems. The method uses a combination of PET and MRI imaging to identify invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Researchers identify SIM4, a new part of the TRIM5alpha protein that attaches to SUMO and activates an immune response against HIV. This finding could lead to optimizing gene therapy by tweaking the activity of antiviral factors.
Researchers suggest that playing American Football may be a risk factor for hypertension due to immune system activation and inflammation caused by musculoskeletal trauma. The study also highlights the importance of excess weight as a contributing factor, particularly in linemen.
A new cellular structure responsible for previously unexplained rejection of organ transplants has been identified. Researchers have found a way to neutralize the enzyme driver of this structure, which could revolutionize transplantation practice by modifying risk assessment of rejection.
Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, making it easier for the host immune system to eliminate. By inhibiting specific proteins, they can 'trick' the parasite into a different stage of its lifecycle.
Researchers have found a way to manipulate trypanosomes in the mammalian bloodstream to acquire fly stage characteristics, making them easier for the host immune system to eliminate. Inhibiting specific proteins that interact with chromatin can 'trick' the parasite into differentiating to a different stage of its lifecycle.
Researchers found that an impaired immune system alters the composition of gut bacteria and affects its evolutionary pace. The study suggests personalized therapies based on individual gut bacteria composition may be more effective than generalist treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new immune mechanism that begins working even before interferon is produced, helping to prevent illnesses. This breakthrough sheds light on why some people are more prone to viral infections than others.
A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that self-rated health accurately predicts susceptibility to the common cold in healthy adults. Those with better self-rated health were more resistant to developing a cold, despite accounting for socioemotional factors and health practices.
Researchers have developed methods to overcome technical limitations in studying the immune system, allowing for investigation of interdependent components and their impact on functions at the systems level. The new book provides valuable insights into team science and the application of computational tools to model immunity.
Researchers found that nanoparticles can evade the human immune system by changing their sugar coating, making them more visible during MRI imaging. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medicines to target tumors.
Researchers found that intestinal worm infections can increase short-chain fatty acid production, activating receptors that influence the immune system. This discovery highlights the microbiome as a new pathway for helminths to modulate host immune function.
Research found that long-chain fatty acids promote CNS reactive immune cells, while short-chain fatty acids regulate autoimmune responses. The study suggests a potential role for dietary interventions in managing multiple sclerosis.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine has identified a genetic defect in the immune system that can lead to fatal brain inflammation in some people infected with the herpes virus. The discovery may also shed light on other types of viral infections, such as meningitis and influenza.
The immune system marks pathogen-containing vacuoles with ubiquitin to trigger destruction, a process that could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Highly virulent strains block this tagging, making them more resistant to host response.
Researchers have discovered that a class of experimental drugs already in clinical trials can help the body's immune system fight cancer. The drugs target a protein called Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), which is often overproduced in tumors and enables them to evade the immune system.
Research finds that spending time in nature enhances the functioning of the body's immune system, providing protections against a range of diseases including depression and cardiovascular disease. The immune system plays a crucial role in every one of these diseases, highlighting the importance of exposure to nature for overall health.
Research suggests a treatment that boosts the immune system could improve liver failure treatment outcomes. The therapy uses an immune-boosting molecule called CSF-1 to trigger natural defence mechanisms in the liver.
Researchers have developed ImmuNet, an online tool that uses public experiments and machine learning algorithms to predict new immune pathway interactions and disease-associated genes. The tool accelerates the understanding of immunological mechanisms and diseases, ultimately leading to improved treatment options.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a new gene variant in the Khoe-San population that reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and leads to larger, healthier babies. The mutation alters the binding of immune cells to placental cells, resulting in better blood supply to the developing embryo.