Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Melanie Rutkowski's pioneering research may lead to novel immunotherapy treatments for ovarian cancer by understanding how faulty cellular signaling interacts with the microbiome. The grant aims to enhance immune system's ability to kill cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
A study of over 300 stool samples found that gut-microbe-derived bile acids may play a role in shaping the immune system during early childhood. The findings suggest an imbalance in how gut microbes co-produce these compounds, which could link to signs of type 1 diabetes.
Researchers identified the spleen as a key control center for transplant tolerance, triggering donor-specific regulatory T cells to calm the immune response. This targeted approach induces controlled, donor-specific state in T cells, preserving body's ability to fight infections while supporting long-term graft acceptance.
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
Compulsive behaviours are common across many mental health conditions, where people repeat actions despite negative consequences. New research in rats suggests that triggering inflammation in the striatum may shift behaviour toward more deliberate decision-making, rather than habit.
Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 interacts with infected lung cells' genetic material in an unprecedented way, manipulating RNA to shut down the immune system. The virus uses methylation to destabilize RNA structures, weakening interferon signaling and impairing the immune response.
Researchers from MIT and Broad Institute develop temporary 'factory' in the liver to generate T-cell-stimulating signals, boosting immune response to vaccination and cancer immunotherapy treatments. Aged mice showed significant increases in T cell population size and function after treatment.
Researchers review how haplo-HSCT overcomes HLA barriers to restore immune homeostasis, with up to 30% GVHD rates reduced. Donor immune cells can be re-educated to accept recipients' bodies as 'self', highlighting a process of immune remodeling.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that immune cells can slow fat breakdown when exposed to physiological stressors, helping early humans preserve energy stores. This finding provides new insight into the underlying metabolism of obesity and other metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that inadequate characterization of the menstrual cycle in studies contributes to conflicting results. A new study aims to investigate the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and physical exercise, seeking to broaden understanding of women's immunity.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant discoveries in the treatment of rare bile duct cancers, with zanidatamab showing promising results. Additionally, a study identified RASH3D19 as a target to overcome treatment resistance in KRAS-mutant cancers.
Researchers at Columbia University found that a lack of dietary iron early in life can prevent immune cells in the lung from making a key protein that helps fight viral infections. Iron deficiency impairs the function of memory T cells in the lungs, even after iron levels are restored.
Researchers at MIT discovered how an immune system molecule, interleukin-1 beta, triggers a brain circuit to shut down social behavior in mice. The study found that the molecule activates neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, leading to social withdrawal and lethargy.
Researchers at LJI have discovered a cellular driver that leads to the development of tissue-resident memory T cells, which specialize in defending specific organs. The study found that GPR25 sustains TGF-\u00b2 signaling, promoting differentiation and transformation into these specialized immune cells.
A new type of DNA damage, glutathionylated DNA adducts, accumulates at high levels in mitochondrial DNA, affecting energy production and stress response. The discovery sheds light on how cells sense and respond to stress, with potential implications for diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Two first-in-class antibodies, C01 and C04, have been developed to inhibit inflammation in autoimmune diseases by blocking the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI. The antibodies were discovered using a unique immunization method and exhibit higher affinity for FcγRI than human IgG.
A new patch developed by Texas A&M University researcher Dr. Ke Huang may offer a way to help the heart heal after a heart attack by delivering interleukin-4 directly to damaged heart tissue. The patch uses a microneedle system to promote repair and improve heart function without affecting the rest of the body.
Researchers found that immune cells in the gut follow an atypical pathway to produce antibodies providing long-term protection against viruses. The study could help guide the development of better vaccines for respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
Research at Amsterdam UMC found that early HIV treatment improves immune system function in the short term but leads to dysregulation in the long term. After six months of treatment, the immune system functions similarly to that of people without HIV, but this improvement is temporary and does not last beyond three years.
A recent review in the Chinese Medical Journal uncovers how circulating tumor cells evade immune elimination, highlighting their interactions with immune cells and blood components. The study suggests new therapeutic targets, including anti-platelet therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to combat cancer metastasis.
A new study found that extensive wildfires in the LA area caused changes in firefighters' immune systems and inflammatory response pathways. The research identified 60 changes in serum proteome, affecting various bodily functions.
Two landmark international studies published in The Lancet and Nature Medicine expose the need for faster recognition, better diagnostics, and personalized treatment pathways to combat pneumonia and sepsis. Irish ICUs face a shortage of beds, with implications for delayed care and increased mortality.
Huimin Zhang, a UC Riverside assistant professor, has received a $150,000 grant to study the role of HELIOS in epigenetic regulation of T cell aging and TFH cell differentiation. Her research aims to understand how aging affects the immune system and develop new vaccines and therapies to restore immune vitality in older adults.
Scientists discovered profound and specific changes in T cells as people age, leading to weaker immune responses to vaccines. This insight opens the door to designing more effective vaccines by compensating for age-related cellular changes.
A healthy microbiome promotes overall well-being, influencing areas like cognition, mood, immunity, and disease susceptibility. By incorporating proven dietary interventions, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep, individuals can harness their microbiome for optimal health.
Scientists analyzed thousands of proteins in blood samples to understand when multiple sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath and nerve fibers. Researchers identified a protein called IL-3, which plays a key role in this early phase of damage.
Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains how bacteria can drive treatment resistance in patients with oral and colorectal cancer. The study also identifies a new biomarker for improved immunotherapy responses in solid tumors.
Researchers at UIC discovered that platelet factor 4 helps regulate hematopoietic stem cell division and proliferation. Adding the protein to old blood cells reversed signs of aging in mice and human stem cells, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for preventing or improving age-related disorders.
A study found that higher thymic health is associated with better outcomes in cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, including a 35% lower risk of cancer progression and 44% lower risk of death. Thymic health may serve as a non-invasive biomarker of adaptive immune competence in various cancers.
A study published in the Journal of Intensive Medicine found that moderate-dose corticosteroids improve sepsis patient recovery rates by stabilizing immune cells and reducing inflammation. The treatment also shows protective effects on the heart and vascular system, preventing cardiovascular failure and organ damage.
Researchers at UZH have identified a new function of checkpoint inhibitors in promoting tissue healing, which could help treat fibrosis and chronic wounds. The study found that TIGIT upregulates a growth factor critical for repairing tissue after viral infections.
Researchers will investigate the effects of Y chromosome loss on bladder cancer development and progression. The goal is to understand how this genetic change affects cancer cells and immune systems, with potential implications for prevention, early detection, and treatment approaches.
The University of Surrey is part of a global research project to create an 'Immune Digital Twin', a virtual model of the human immune system. This could help scientists tackle autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases by simulating how different drugs or treatments work for individual patients.
Research found that defense cells of trained older adults are more effective against inflammation and metabolically efficient. Regular exercise modulates inflammatory response over time, reducing markers of inflammation and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.
Akassoglou's research discovered that blood protein fibrin causes toxic immune reactions in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration and disease progression. Her new immunotherapy aims to neutralize these effects, protecting against Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions.
A new survey found that 72% of respondents agree that plasma-derived medicines can save lives, but most haven't donated. Plasma is essential in producing treatments for various serious health conditions.
Researchers found that glioblastoma causes skull bone erosion, alters immune-cell balance in skull marrow, and interferes with the body's immune response. The cancer was found to be more aggressive when treated with drugs intended to inhibit skull-bone loss.
Researchers at Aarhus University used mini-organs to show that cervical epithelial cells actively detect and combat infections, with uninfected cells becoming immune-active. This discovery opens opportunities for mucosal vaccines and targeted treatments against STIs and infertility.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that cancer immunotherapy fails due to a collapse in protein quality control, leading to T-cell exhaustion. This discovery offers a new avenue for cancer immune therapy development by targeting the protein production cycle.
The University of California - Riverside is receiving a $2 million grant to investigate how gut microbes interact with their human hosts to influence health. The research aims to create next-generation probiotics that strengthen the gut microbiome, improve vaccine effectiveness, and prevent infections.
A yeast commonly found in the gut, Candida albicans, can make salmonella infections worse by binding to bacteria and triggering a chain reaction that allows it to invade cells. Removing Candida's ability to create arginine, an amino acid involved in protein synthesis, also reduces salmonella's ability to infect.
Decades of research reveal immune cells shape the burden of Alzheimer's disease by both speeding up memory loss and protecting against it. New insights could transform treatment approaches and provide more effective outcomes.
Researchers at CDI Lab have identified two protein transcription factors, Tcf1 and Lef1, as critical modulators of T cell fate in the thymus. This discovery could lead to novel approaches in treating immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and optimizing immunotherapies in cancer treatment.
Research by Angela Riedel and team identified fibroblastic reticulum cells as main players in reprogramming lymph nodes, corrupting monocytes and blocking T cell activity. Targeted TLR4 blockade combined with PD1 immunotherapy can restore T-cell activity and reduce distant metastasis.
Researchers from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a common process that powers the creation of protein formations that assemble like a 3D puzzle, triggering inflammation and cell death. This 'Catch-22' mechanism may be one of the fundamental reasons why we age.
Research has shown that lymph nodes provide the right environment for stem-like T cells to survive, multiply, and produce killer cells. Preserving lymph nodes could strengthen immune responses and increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The study's findings have important implications for cancer therapy.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge created a smarter way to activate the immune system against cancer by harnessing the STING pathway. The new two-part prodrug system triggers the immune response only in tumour tissues, reducing harm to healthy cells.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found that certain T-cells have an inherent ability to remember past viral foes, which could lead to next-generation cancer vaccines. This 'immunological memory' is crucial for the body's immune response and can be harnessed for targeted therapies.
Researchers at NUS have developed a bioengineering approach to keep human lymph node tissue alive and functioning outside the body for several days. The method involves embedding thin slices of lymph node tissue in a soft gel that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing for detailed studies of immune cell behavior.
Researchers found genetic peptides called alpha-defensins that shape gut bacteria, producing healthier microbiomes and reducing insulin resistance. This discovery suggests personalized treatments can be tailored to individual genes, offering new hope for addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
A new study found that better indoor air quality, proximity to natural spaces, healthy diets and strong social bonds are associated with reduced and better-regulated inflammation in childhood. The study used the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) cohort and identified three immune signatures linked to better overall health.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered that electrically stimulating macrophages can shift them into an anti-inflammatory state, promoting faster tissue repair. This breakthrough offers a potentially powerful new therapeutic option for treating inflammation-driven diseases and injuries.
A study by BSC-CNS analyzed molecular data from over 4,000 patients and 45 diseases using a newly developed computational method. The results show that 64% of medically known connections are related by similarities in gene expression, providing clues about the biological mechanisms linking them.
Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers identified three distinct molecular subtypes of follicular lymphoma, offering insights into personalized treatment plans. The subtypes C1, C2, and C3 differ in their genetic profiles and tumor microenvironments, guiding the use of specific therapies.
A big data study using multi-omics data from over 1,300 people with HIV has identified key molecular players causing non-AIDS-related comorbidities. The research reveals a range of previously hidden molecular patterns and players associated with various comorbidities.
Neurons in the gut produce adrenomedullin 2, which expands group 2 innate lymphoid cells and provides therapeutic benefit in inflammatory bowel disease preclinical models. Elevated expression of ADM2 was found in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a promising therapeutic target.
Blum investigates how the immune system interprets what we eat, exploring mechanisms of oral tolerance and signaling that help our bodies tolerate most foods. Her research could enable new immunotherapy strategies for preventing or treating food allergies.
Researchers found specialized immune cells, called stem-like T cells, that behave like young stem cells but instead spread disease. These immune cells were found in over 100 older patients with autoimmune diseases, such as giant cell arteritis.