Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers found a molecule in intestinal cells that induces immune tolerance and reduces excessive immune reactions. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize treatment for autoimmune disorders such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and Lupus.
A new study found that blocking Toll-like receptors reduces the effects of alcohol on the brain, which could lead to treatments for alcohol dependence and acute overdoses. This shift in understanding may help identify individuals at risk of brain damage after long-term drinking.
Berkeley lab researchers have discovered a complex protein structure in E.coli that plays a critical role in defending against viruses and other invaders. The 'Cascade' complex acts as a surveillance system, detecting and inactivating invading pathogens using RNA-guided target binding.
A study reveals that tumors can disable the T cell–attracting protein CCL2 by modifying it with reactive nitrogen species, keeping T cells out. Scientists are now developing RNS-blocking drugs to restore T cell function and potentially enhance cancer treatment.
Research reveals that immunotherapies like CTLA4 strengthen the immune system's attack on cancer by blocking proteins that prevent T cells from activating. The study also shows that these therapies can keep tumors from benefiting from IDO, an enzyme used to suppress the immune response.
Researchers have identified two weak points in the hepatitis C virus that could be targeted by a new vaccine. The discovery uses next-generation deep sequencing and computer analytics to track changes in the virus after infection, revealing opportunities for effective vaccine development.
A recent study found that when people have been recently sick, they are more likely to pay attention to and avoid others who might make them sick. This activation of the behavioral immune system is independent of conscious worries and is linked to a faster response in avoiding potentially contagious individuals.
A study on natural killer cells in wild mice found that these mice have higher numbers of NK cells compared to lab mice, suggesting a closer representation of human immune systems. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental factors are needed to fully represent the immune system.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism controlling aging in white blood cells, opening up the possibility of temporary boosting of the immune systems of older people. This could help fight off infections and improve quality of life for older individuals.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a unique computational method to analyze the H1N1 virus, identifying key mutation strategies that led to the 2009 pandemic. This method reveals crucial differences between the pandemic strain and common seasonal H1N1 strains, shedding light on potential vaccine development.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
A large international study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of the disease. The research highlights the pivotal role of the immune system in causing damage and helps explain the nature of the immune attack on the brain and spinal cord.
Researchers identified 29 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, shedding light on immunological pathways and immune system involvement. The study confirms 23 known genetic associations and provides insight into a possible link between genetic and environmental risk factors.
A researcher is investigating the factor that initiates the immune system's overreaction after a traumatic event. The goal is to interrupt this chain of events and prevent unnecessary cell death in the intestines.
A newly discovered human antibody recognized multiple strains of the flu virus, providing a promising lead for developing a longer-lasting vaccine. The antibody, dubbed CH65, binds tightly to the receptor pocket on the influenza virus, making it less affected by mutations.
Researchers found that mannan oligosaccharides increase the total number of immune cells in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. MOS also alleviates the overstimulation of the immune system, reducing fever and improving feed efficiency.
Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites employ camouflage to avoid detection by the immune system in pregnant women. This allows the parasite to infect the placenta, putting both the mother and unborn child at risk. The study provides insight into the complex ways in which malaria evades the human immune response.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a synthetic chemical compound that reduces MS severity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals while stimulating interferon-beta production. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for treating the chronic inflammatory disease, which affects over 100,000 people in the UK.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a human vaccine that uses viruses to stimulate the immune system to attack and cure prostate cancer in mice. The vaccine has shown promise in treating other aggressive cancers, such as lung, brain, and pancreatic cancer, with no apparent side effects.
Researchers have developed a new cancer vaccine using a library of DNA that targets multiple tumor proteins, avoiding overreaction by the immune system. Early studies in mice show successful treatment results without severe side effects.
Scientists discovered that a single amino acid prevents perforin from killing host cells, protecting cytotoxic lymphocytes from destruction. The findings shed light on the immune system's ability to regulate cell death and disease.
A large Swedish study found that surgical removal of the appendix and tonsils before age 20 increased the risk of premature heart attack. The study's findings suggest a potential link between immune system alterations and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed a new microchip that can quickly and inexpensively assess immune function by examining biomarkers from single cells. The technology has the potential to be used routinely to monitor immune system performance and evaluate the effectiveness of certain classes of therapeutics, such as vaccines and immunotherapies.
Researchers found potential tools for controlling cytokine storm in children with juvenile arthritis and autoimmune diseases. The study identified two important molecules that control the severity of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening condition.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that induced pluripotent stem cells could be rejected by the immune system, challenging their potential as a promising means to develop stem cell therapies. The study suggests that iPSCs are subject to some of the same problems of immune system rejection as embryonic stem cells.
A new chemical bonding process adds new functions to stainless steel, improving its suitability for biomedical devices. Carbohydrate molecules are attached to the surface, enabling interaction with the immune system and potentially overcoming problems like blood clotting and allergenic responses.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a critical molecule that, when absent in T-cells, can cause autoimmunity. This finding has significant implications for stem-cell transplantation treatments used for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers discovered a protein in a single-celled fungus that helps it survive in low-oxygen settings, which may aid humans with compromised immune systems. The discovery identified key genes responsible for the protein's cutting mechanism, offering potential targets for new fungal infection treatments.
Researchers found that beneficial gut bacteria like Bacteroides fragilis hijack immune cells to prevent inflammation. The bacteria produce a molecule that tricks the immune system into activating regulatory T cells, preventing autoimmune reactions.
A new fusion molecule with three parts activates the immune system to attack cancer cells directly, while keeping it dormant until needed. The approach has shown promising results in lab experiments and mice with cancer, inhibiting tumor growth and activating immune cells.
Scientists have found that tungsten accumulates in the spleen and bones of laboratory mice, raising concerns about its potential impact on the immune system. Further research is needed to determine the effects of tungsten on human health.
The GERONTOSHIELD project aims to understand the aging immune system and develop personalized therapies for the elderly. Researchers investigate how immune responses in young and old mice differ from each other and identify risk markers predicting increased susceptibility for infectious diseases.
A study of 60 burn patients found that those who died from their injuries had lower inflammatory responses in their lungs compared to survivors. This unexpected finding may lead to better therapies for improving outcomes in burn care.
Researchers identify IL-23 as a major contributor to inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, offering hope for new treatments. The study provides insight into the pathogenic role of IL-23 and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a cell component that plays a key role in triggering allergic responses to cat dander. The finding could lead to the development of new treatments for allergies and asthma.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
Researchers found that C. elegans worms gain resistance to one microbe at the cost of becoming more vulnerable to another, highlighting a see-saw balance between immunity to different diseases across the animal kingdom.
Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.
Scientists have developed a mouse with individual genes knocked out only in Natural Killer (NK) cells, allowing them to study the functions of these immune cells in intact organisms. The study reveals that NK cells are essential for the correct development and survival of these cells.
A collaboration between researchers at the University of Helsinki has cracked the long-standing question of how the human immune system recognizes foreign structures. The key to unlocking this problem lies in the protein-based marking and destruction system called complement, which distinguishes between microbes and own structures.
Australian scientists successfully cleared a HIV-like infection from mice by boosting interleukin-7's function, allowing the host to completely clear virus. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting host immune cells to fight disease.
Researchers found that early infusion of donor T cells prevented GVHD in 26 patients who achieved full-donor engraftment, with no chronic GVHD development. The study also showed improved immune system recovery and reduced CMV reactivation.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed new methods to identify diagnostic markers for allergic disorders by analyzing medical databases. These methods could reduce the need for animal trials and personalize medication, leading to more efficient clinical studies.
A UCSF team found that the human fetal immune system arises from a different source than the adult immune system and is more tolerant of foreign substances. This discovery may help explain why many infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the disease.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that a loss of healthy bacteria due to modern sanitation may contribute to the increasing rates of depression. Experiments are being conducted to test treatments using properties of these beneficial microorganisms, aiming to improve emotional tolerance.
A University of Michigan School of Public Health study found that people exposed to higher levels of triclosan were more likely to report allergies and hay fever. Additionally, BPA exposure was associated with impaired immune function in adults, but only for those over 18 years old.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered a previously unknown level of genetic cross talk between plant proteins that fight off bacterial infections. The study found that certain proteins physically associate, enabling them to communicate danger signals to the cell's nucleus.
Research reveals alcohol's far-reaching consequences, including weakened immune systems, impaired bone growth, and increased risks of HIV transmission and poor surgical outcomes.
A team of scientists from Kiel University, along with international colleagues, has identified interleukin-27 as a key player in counteracting inflammation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Research reveals that tiny variants in a protein called HLA-B are associated with immune system's ability to control HIV infection. The study identifies five amino acid sites critical to the protein's function, providing insights into the genetic basis of natural immunity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new epitope-mapping laboratory test that can pinpoint the unique binding site for disease-causing pathogens within three weeks. The test uses five essential proteins involved in antigen processing by immune system cells, speeding up the development of cancer vaccines and diagnostic...
A team of scientists will investigate how spaceflight affects the immune system, particularly in response to viruses like RSV, which can cause severe respiratory illness. The study aims to protect astronauts and vulnerable populations on Earth from increased infection susceptibility.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that certain cancer therapies require the presence of a specific immune cell type, T helper cells, for optimal efficacy. The study showed that disabled oncogenes were more successful in eradicating tumors in mice with intact immune systems.
Researchers generated mice with a human immune system using human stem cells, allowing them to produce human monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough could simplify the study and treatment of diseases.
Scientists have identified a new type of cell in mice that dampens the immune system and protects its own cells from immune system attack. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for new therapies to control hyperactive immune systems in autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a method for desensitizing the immune system to certain food proteins, potentially alleviating symptoms for millions suffering from severe allergies. The discovery involves targeting a specific receptor on immune cells using sugar-modified protein.
Researchers discovered that lipopolysaccharide and polyI:C stimulate factor B production in macrophages through distinct but overlapping mechanisms. This finding highlights the complexity of the immune system and its redundancy, enabling it to counter bacterial and viral strategies.
Researchers have developed a method to extract and present viral surface fragments, known as epitopes, into computer-designed protein scaffolds that lock them in recognizable shapes. This approach has implications for vaccine design and the development of antibodies against HIV/AIDS.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a protein called PU.1 as essential for the development of dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. By regulating PU.1 expression, Flt3 can control DC development, revealing a crucial role for this protein in immune system function.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified cells in mice that prevent the immune system from attacking own cells, potentially leading to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of balancing the immune response, with CD8+ Treg cells playing a key role.