Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
A team of scientists developed a new microfluidic tool to quickly and accurately isolate neutrophils from small blood samples, enabling researchers to study the immune system's response to traumatic injury. The device revealed complex gene expression patterns that shifted during the recovery process.
A genome-wide association study has revealed a strong link between a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region and Parkinson's disease, implicating the immune system. The study suggests that inflammation is involved in the origin of the disease, not just a symptom.
A team of researchers has discovered a genetic link between the immune system and Parkinson's disease, finding a new association with the HLA region. The study, which analyzed over 2,000 patients and healthy volunteers, suggests that immune function may play a role in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease.
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI damage bladder walls and allow infection to persist longer. Suppressing immune system during initial infection decreases vulnerabilities to later infection.
Researchers found that individuals with greater neural sensitivity to social rejection exhibit increased inflammatory activity, which can increase the risk of disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Chronic inflammation can also lead to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that white button mushrooms enhance dendritic cell maturity, improving immune response to disease-causing pathogens. The study suggests that consuming adequate nutrients can support immune system health.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing a new clinical approach to prevent cancer recurrence after surgery by blocking stress responses. The treatment involves combining two widely available medications to boost the immune system and prevent tumor metastasis, with promising results in animal studies.
A study by Caltech researchers found that specific intestinal bacteria can induce MS-like symptoms in animals, suggesting a link between gut microbes and the disease. The bacteria, from the segmented filamentous bacteria group, were able to replicate and cause inflammation in both the gut and central nervous system.
Researchers found that competition between rival bacteria can cause deadlier forms of bacteria to evolve, making them more deadly when they enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.
Researchers discovered how bacteria aid digestion and enhance immune function by binding to B lymphocytes. This finding suggests the possibility of using bacterial spores to treat people with weakened or undeveloped immune systems.
Dr Pellegrini's research focuses on HIV, tuberculosis, and how the human immune system responds to these infections. His work aims to develop therapies that target the host immune system to eradicate chronic infections.
Georgia Tech's Todd Sulchek receives Gates Foundation grant for innovative global health research project on multifunctional microparticles. The project aims to combat hard-to-treat diseases like malaria and tuberculosis by targeting microorganisms and activating the immune system.
Researchers at USAMRIID have found a novel approach to defeating the anthrax pathogen by inducing high levels of CapD enzyme, releasing capsule fragments and leaving bacteria vulnerable to immune destruction. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment options for anthrax infection.
Researchers at UCLA developed two PET scanning probes that target different cells in the immune system with high specificity. The probes work better when used together, revealing the extent and cellular composition of an immune response and its effects on various diseases, including cancer and auto-immune disorders.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that traumatic experiences alter genes involved in stress response and immune system, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified six to seven times more unmethylated genes in individuals with PTSD, most related to the immune system.
Scientists have engineered Bacillus anthracis to produce higher-than-normal amounts of capsule depolymerase, releasing the protective capsule and leaving the bacterium vulnerable to detection and destruction by the immune system.
The Xenopus tropicalis genome has been nearly completely sequenced, providing a powerful model to study gene organization, regulation and function. The findings hold significant promise for improving human health by shedding light on the basic mechanisms of genetics.
A new study found that looking at pictures of people with diseases triggers a stronger immune response, which may be beneficial for fighting off pathogens. The researchers suggest this response could have evolved as a way to prepare the body for potential infections when additional cues indicate a higher threat.
Researchers at the Trudeau Institute discovered that cytokines can influence immune responses to subsequent infections and vaccination procedures. This knowledge provides a potential explanation for why chronic infections can alter immune responses to vaccines. Needle vaccinations may be more effective in regions where people are alrea...
Researchers at Caltech have discovered a crucial balance between beneficial and potentially harmful gut microbes that can either promote health or lead to diseases like IBD. The study reveals how altering this balance can affect the host's immune system, leading to inflammation.
Researchers found that natural killer T (NKT) cells impede the healing process, leading to slower wound closure. Inactivating these cells using an antibody is being tested as a potential treatment.
A Barrow scientist has been awarded a major grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue his research on myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. The $450,000 grant will focus on Th17 cells, which may play a key role in causing or intensifying autoimmunity.
A recent study by OHSU researchers explains how cytomegalovirus (CMV) can overcome the immune system's defenses to re-infect individuals. The virus is able to evade a key portion of the immune system called CD8+ T cells, allowing it to re-infect despite a strong and long-lasting immune response.
Researchers at EPFL discovered how tumors create a tolerant microenvironment by mimicking key features of lymph nodes. This allows tumors to avoid detection by the immune system, leading to cancer progression.
Scientists found that a protein barrier in mosquito midgut prevents disease-causing agents like the Plasmodium malaria parasite from infecting mosquitoes. Disrupting this barrier could trigger immune defenses to protect insects from infection, potentially informing new strategies for blocking malaria transmission.
Researchers have identified genes that predispose people to gluten intolerance, which is linked to the human immune system and inflammations rather than gluten breakdown. The findings suggest a possible connection between virus infections and the onset of gluten intolerance.
A new University of Illinois study shows that soluble fiber can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The research found that mice fed soluble fiber were less sick and recovered faster from illness compared to those fed insoluble fiber.
Researchers have discovered that aphids lack critical immune genes, instead relying on reproduction to protect themselves. This finding could lead to new methods for controlling these pests and better understanding human health.
Belatacept demonstrates effective immunosuppression with fewer side effects and superior kidney function compared to cyclosporine. The study found a higher early rejection rate but better long-term graft survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a single low dose infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) significantly reduces pain in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), improving quality of life. The treatment has few adverse effects and can be repeated every four weeks.
Aged mice treated with a macrophage-specific growth factor exhibit enhanced resistance to bacterial infection, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. The study's findings provide insight into the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to age-related increased susceptibility to infections.
Alexander Ksendzovsky, a third-year medical student, has been awarded the Lucien Rubenstein Award for his groundbreaking research on a potential vaccine to fight malignant brain tumors. The American Brain Tumor Association recognized his outstanding work as part of their annual Research Award Program.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a mechanism regulating vital immune functions in healthy individuals. A link between nutrition and immune defense was found via the insulin signaling pathway, with low insulin levels activating FOXO transcription factor to switch on immune defense proteins.
Researchers found that an early immune response is key in controlling the spread of HTLV-1, a virus that causes adult T-cell leukemia and inflammatory diseases. Providing fewer immune cells for the virus to attack at a critical time can significantly reduce the infection's severity.
Researchers have identified a critical imbalance of regulatory cells and increased 'attack' cells in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This imbalance can be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes, reducing the need for colonoscopies.
Researchers found that the immune system produces early-stage B cells with potent HIV-blocking antibodies but eliminates them before they mature. This 'catch-22' prevents the production of these protective antibodies, hindering vaccine development.
Newborns are susceptible to diseases due to an imbalance of white blood cells. Researchers have identified a depleted group of T-helper cells and aim to create an immune-strengthening vaccine.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine found a previously unrealized role of receptor-binding residues in host evasion, which could be a bottleneck for the virus. This discovery may lead to more efficient vaccine design not only for H1N1 but also for other strains of the flu.
The 'Immune Attack' video game increased teenagers' understanding of cell biology and molecular science, according to a study. Players navigated the microscopic world of immune system proteins and cells to save a patient with bacterial infection, measurably improving their knowledge.
Researchers found that patients with high immune response during surgery recovered faster and had better knee function. Men were more likely to mount the beneficial stress response, leading to full recovery. The study suggests simple blood tests could predict patient recovery months after surgery.
Malaria parasites adapt their molecules to evade the host's immune response, with different approaches used in children and adults. Researchers discovered a limit to severe disease-causing variants and found evidence for a vaccine against this deadly form of malaria.
A new cancer vaccine has successfully eliminated tumors in mice by reprogramming the mammalian immune system. The implant-based vaccine targets tumor-specific antigens and directs T cells to hunt down and kill cancerous cells, providing durable protection against relapse.
Researchers found that a commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the risk of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation. The study analyzed 1,300 donor-recipient pairs and identified UGT2B17 as a key factor in graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers found raised levels of interleukin-1beta in the spinal fluid of recent-onset schizophrenia patients, indicating activated brain immune defense systems. This discovery offers new potential treatments for the condition, potentially interrupting its course at an early stage.
Researchers at UCI discovered a way to boost palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels, a potent anti-inflammatory substance. The PEA-boosting compound shows wide-scale promise as an immune-response drug treatment for allergies, illnesses and injuries.
Research found that couples who use thoughtfulness and reasoning during conflicts show lower stress-related protein levels, suggesting a potential health benefit. The study measured cytokine levels before and after marital discussion tasks and found a correlation between cognitive word use and reduced inflammation.
The Radiation Effects Research Foundation will study the impact of atomic bomb radiation on the aging immune system, analyzing biological samples from elderly Japanese survivors. Understanding how the immune system ages may help care for the growing population of older adults worldwide.
A study of over 2500 pregnant women found that those in long-term relationships with their biological fathers were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have undersized babies. Prolonged exposure to paternal antigens may induce tolerance in the maternal immune system, reducing the risk of these conditions.
Researchers aim to understand how the JC virus attaches to host cells, with potential treatments for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The five-year grant will explore the virus's interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain.
A new study found that eight in 10 Americans are missing out on the health benefits of a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, resulting in a phytonutrient gap. Consuming a variety of colorful foods can support immune function and overall health.
New research suggests that prolonged space travel weakens human immune systems, making astronauts more susceptible to disease. The study also found that microorganisms such as bacteria can grow more rapidly in space conditions, increasing the risk of contamination and serious infection.
Two genetic mutations, CARD9 and Dectin-1, have been identified as increasing the risk of fungal infections in humans. These findings offer new insights into the genetic basis of fungal diseases and may pave the way for future therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and other infections.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered specific immune cells that attract corrupted proteins, increasing the risk of variant CJD in younger individuals. This finding may lead to better diagnosis methods and potential vaccine development.
Aging immune systems in elderly cancer patients are less efficient and require customized treatments. Researchers aim to understand intrinsic defects in the old immune system to stimulate antitumor responses.
A new study found that depressive symptoms are associated with increased levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory protein predicting cardiovascular events. In contrast, levels of interleukin-6 were not related to later increases in depressive symptoms among healthy adults.
Prolonged surgery can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher likelihood of complications. Limiting surgical time to less than three hours improves patient outcomes. External fixators are often used to stabilize orthopaedic injuries and allow for staggered surgeries over several days.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme, TRC8, that enables cytomegalovirus to shut down an antiviral defense by destroying the MHC I protein. This allows the virus to evade immune system surveillance and trigger an immune response.
A phase 3 trial found that anti-T cell globulin (ATG) reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplant patients. This results in improved survival rates and reduced complications without compromising overall survival or increasing relapse rates.
A researcher at the University of Western Ontario is investigating how bacterial superantigen toxins lead to toxic shock syndrome and other serious diseases. By understanding how these toxins work, scientists hope to develop drug inhibitors that can neutralize them.
A MSU researcher is studying how gastric bypass surgery affects the immune system's ability to defend the body after drastic weight loss. The study aims to understand potential adverse effects of morbid obesity on certain facets of immune defense.