Articles tagged with Immune System
Scientists have discovered a compound called zymosan that can respond to two different receptors in dendritic cells, sending both stimulatory and calming messages. This finding could guide the development of vaccines against infectious agents and potentially boost the immune system's ability to fight chronic infections.
A foreign virus called Ranavirus is devastating frog populations in the UK, killing tens of thousands each year. The frogs' immune system has responded by changing a gene called MHC, which codes for a major part of their immune system.
Rafe Sagarin, a Duke University ecologist, advocates for a Darwinian approach to homeland defense, emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness over rigid security measures. By learning to live with threats rather than eliminating them entirely, organisms can better handle unforeseen risks in an escalating arms race.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati finds that cigarette smoke can activate specific immune system receptors, leading to worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) symptoms. The research identified a key cellular receptor, NKG2D, involved in this process.
Researchers aim to teach the immune system to ignore insulin-producing cells by boosting IDO levels. By enhancing this natural mechanism, they hope to slow or prevent disease progression in high-risk children. A new treatment approach could provide a breakthrough in preventing type 1 diabetes.
A clinical trial at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis experienced significant improvements after receiving an autologous non-myeloablative haematopoietic stem-cell transplant. The disease stabilized in all patients, with 81% showing improvement.
A phase I/II study of autologous non-myeloablative haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in 21 adults with relapsing-remitting MS found that the procedure can stabilize and may reverse neurological disability. After an average follow-up of 3 years, 81% of patients improved by at least 1 point on a disability scale.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed implants that mimic an infection to trigger the immune system to attack tumors. The innovative approach successfully marshals T cells against aggressive melanoma in 90% of mice, making it the most effective demonstration to date of a cancer vaccine.
A new nasal spray vaccine has shown promising results in protecting against botulism, a deadly bacterium that can cause paralysis and death. The vaccine uses a gene therapy approach to prime the immune system against a key toxin, offering a safer alternative to existing vaccines.
The MicroBiome Analysis Center is mapping the world of microorganisms living within humans to understand their influence on health and disease. Researchers will explore microbial imbalances in various systems, seeking correlations between microbes and diseases such as obesity and cancer.
Researchers investigate the effect of high blood sugar on the immune system in hopes of improving islet cell transplant success rates. High blood glucose levels can temporarily shift the balance between effector and regulatory T cells, giving advantage to regulatory cells that suppress attacks.
A new study found that HIV's rate of evolution slows significantly when a patient's CD4+ T-cell count drops, which can happen long before symptoms of AIDS appear. This change allows the immune system to keep up with the virus, potentially making it harder for it to develop resistance to treatment.
Researchers at Centenary Institute in Australia used high-powered multi-photon microscopy to visualize the spread of a parasite through the body, gaining insights into how pathogens are recognized by the immune system. This discovery has potential to improve current vaccinations and inform vaccine design.
The InVacc platform generates vaccines with enhanced properties, triggering a broader immune response and enabling faster protection against deadly diseases. The platform overcomes limitations of traditional DNA vaccines by decoding genetic material and presenting antigens to the immune system.
New computer-based models describe how bacteria act within blood vessels and can be filtered out, offering insights into treatment options for bacteremia and sepsis. The models validate laboratory experiments in mice and have implications for developing new treatments for deadly bacterial infections.
Researchers have found a way to 'rescue' immune cells that are exhausted from fighting off HIV infection using the molecule Tim-3, which is present at high levels on poorly functional immune system cells. Blocking the activity of Tim-3 improved cell function and allowed them to rejoin the battle against HIV.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to analyze single-cell responses to vaccination, providing a comprehensive picture of the immune system's ability to fight off infection. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new vaccines for diseases including HIV, fungal infections and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Researchers found extensive bidirectional transfer of MHC molecules between donor and recipient cells, making transplanted organs 'invisible' to the immune system. This discovery has major medical implications for organ transplantation, potentially reducing rejection and increasing effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered a gene-protein combination that renders the lethal bacterium B. pseudomallei harmless, allowing for potential vaccine development. The Toll2 receptor is found to be effective in fending off the bacteria, contrary to previous assumptions about its limited importance.
Researchers discover DBT's mechanism of toxicity, revealing its impact on the immune system and inflammation response. Exposure to DBT can cause flu-like symptoms, irritated skin, and difficulty breathing.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that alemtuzumab may not only stop MS from advancing but also restore lost functions in patients. The study found that alemtuzumab reduces attacks by 74% and disability accumulation by 71% compared to a current treatment.
Researchers found that methylmercury harms T-lymphocytes, key cells in a seal's immune system, and similar results were also observed in human lymphocytes. The study suggests that mercury pollution may have already taken a toll on harbor seals' ability to fight infections.
Herpes simplex virus type I is kept under constant guard by the immune system, which actively holds the infection in check without destroying the neurons harboring it. CD8 T cells target infected sensory neurons with lytic granules that attack viral infections without killing the neurons.
University of Michigan researchers identified a key HIV accessory protein that evades the immune system. The discovery opens doors to developing new drugs that can target and eradicate infected cells, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong antiviral treatment.
Researchers have identified a key role for cytokine interleukin 17 in immune system detection of pneumococcus. This discovery may help develop an effective and affordable vaccine for the disease, which affects young children and the elderly.
Researchers discovered that immune cells have an unexpected compensatory mechanism to take over for nonfunctional XLF, allowing them to maintain normal immune system function. XLF-deficient mice exhibit modest decreases in mature lymphocyte numbers and nearly normal V(D)J recombination during development.
Scientists have detected previously unnoticed chemical signals that individual cells in the immune system use to communicate with each other over short distances. The new technology, called a multi-trap nanophysiometer, has enabled the accidental discovery of paracrine signaling.
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells protected gastrointestinal tissue from autoimmune attack in a mouse model, allowing the regeneration of the gastrointestinal lining. MSC therapy may become a useful treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that human embryonic stem cells can trigger an immune response in mice, which could limit their effectiveness for human therapy. The immune system recognizes and rejects the cells, but common antirejection medications may help mitigate this response.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a rare case of an individual with HIV who remains symptom-free without treatment, attributed to the strength of their immune system. The study's findings offer hope for vaccine development and understanding of how immune cells can effectively halt disease progression.
A newly discovered gene variant in TNFAIP3 may cause the immune system to continue attacking healthy tissues and organs, leading to damage. This discovery adds to a growing list of genes associated with lupus and holds promise for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have found a way to limit immune system's response and reduce inflammation in lungs caused by influenza, using CD200R receptor. Mice treated with mimic of CD200 or antibody to stimulate CD200R showed reduced weight loss and inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can cause longer hospital and intensive-care unit stays in patients without compromised immune systems. The study found that approximately 30% of ICU patients exhibited active CMV infection, leading to extended hospital stays.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that inhaling stomach fluid can drive the development of asthma by altering the immune system's response. This study suggests chronic micro-aspiration of gastric fluid may be a key factor in linking GERD and asthma, offering new directions for treatment options.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that HIV-1 cripples the immune system earlier than previously believed, with significant cell death occurring within five to seven days after infection. The study suggests a new approach to vaccine design, requiring multiple arms of the immune system to be activated and targeted.
A molecule called HMGB1 is released by dying cells, determining whether the immune system responds to cell death. Apoptotic cells produce free radicals that modify HMGB1, preventing it from stimulating an immune response. This finding may have implications for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers at Caltech uncover how HCMV uses a stolen class 1 MHC protein, UL18, to hide from the immune system. The virus's decoy protein binds tighter than real MHC molecules, inhibiting immune response and allowing it to thrive without harming its host.
A novel computational model illustrates how HIV evades the human immune system through 'escape mutants', which can lead to AIDS progression. The study suggests a new vaccine design approach by reducing viral replicative capacity.
A UCLA study identifies the mechanism behind the mind-body connection, finding that cortisol suppresses telomerase levels in immune cells. This leads to shorter telomeres and increased susceptibility to illness.
Researchers found abnormally high levels of cytokines in blood of Huntington's disease gene carriers years before symptoms appeared. White blood cells and microglia also showed hyperactivity, suggesting abnormal immune activation could be an early disease hallmark.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has deciphered the final part of the immune system's key codes using artificial neural networks. This breakthrough should enable the prediction of all known and unknown immune system codes, leading to new targeted treatments for cancer and infectious diseases.
A team led by Professor Richard Ford is awarded a $1.85M contract to continue researching biologically-inspired tactical security infrastructure (BITSI) for military computing and disaster relief operations. The project aims to build computers that can protect themselves when under attack, using biological systems as inspiration.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh's Department of Mathematics will create computer models based on differential equations to predict patient responses to treatment. The models aim to improve therapies for neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and deep brain stimulation.
Indiana University scientists have identified a cellular signaling system that enables the toxoplasmosis parasite to transform into a cyst form, resisting drugs and the immune system. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies and a preventative vaccine for animals.
Researchers found that increasing pro-resolution signals can cool down inflammation and slow down atherosclerosis. However, clamping down on these signals would fan the fire of inflammation and speed up its progression.
The DIABIMMUNE project investigates the relationship between high living standards, immune system development, and the emergence of autoimmune diseases and allergies. The study focuses on Finnish and Russian Karelian children, finding that high living standards promote the development of these conditions.
A study found that probiotics have anti-inflammatory potential in healthy adults, characterized by decreased serum CRP levels and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines. This suggests a possible therapeutic application for probiotics in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Researchers develop new process to identify and clone human antibodies tailored to fight specific infections, offering rapid and effective treatments for influenza and other diseases. The technology has the potential to provide therapy for existing infections or passive immunity against future infection.
A UC Irvine study found that phone counseling improved quality of life and immune systems in cervical cancer survivors, with improved anti-tumor immune responses. The 'mind-body' connection plays a crucial role in surviving cancer with a higher quality of life.
Birds select fruit with high antioxidant concentrations, boosting their immune systems. Researchers found that blackcaps preferred foods containing flavonoids, even when they appeared darker.
Researchers have identified a new defense mechanism in the intestine that protects against pathogenic bacteria, which could lead to targeted treatments for diseases like Crohn's disease. The Caspase-12 protein regulates this mechanism, limiting defensin production and triggering an inflammatory reaction.
Researchers have developed a new statistical model to clean up low-quality HLA data, enabling easier and more cost-effective individual immune system analysis. This advancement has significant implications for transplant medicine, disease diagnosis, and understanding viral evolution.
Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.
Research on loggerhead turtles reveals significant levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) causing liver damage and immune system suppression. Exposure to PFCs may pose a similar risk to humans, with potential for immunocompromise.
Researchers found that combining a cancer vaccine with monoclonal antibody therapy produces strong immune responses to tumors without severe side effects. The treatment approach shows promise for refining strategies in melanoma and ovarian cancer treatment.
A team of scientists has successfully derived functional immune system blood cells from embryonic stem cells using HOXB4 protein. The study showed that the transplanted cells were able to respond effectively to viruses and vaccines, demonstrating a promising new approach for patients with severe blood and immune disorders.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that an appetite-controlling hormone named leptin also affects the immune system, while natural versions of certain steroids do not. Leptin supports white blood cell production and enhances immune function in obese individuals.
Scientists at SLU and UAB have made a breakthrough in understanding how poxviruses replicate and wreak havoc on the immune system. Their findings could lead to the development of new drugs for inflammatory and immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
VIB researchers elucidated the function of MALT1, a key player in controlling inflammatory reactions, and found that it cleaves the A20 protein. This discovery offers possibilities for developing new medicines to counteract MALT1 and restore natural inhibition of inflammation.
A recent study suggests that impaired CD4+Treg cells may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes. Dr. Ciriaco Piccirillo's research indicates that these cells' regulatory function is compromised in patients with type 1 diabetes, allowing misprogrammed T lymphocytes to attack insulin-producing cells.