Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Research suggests that stress can damage our immune system, leading to weaker responses to vaccines, increased risk of infections, and delayed wound healing. Chronic stress may also accelerate the aging process, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Type II diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a method to deliver a natural suppressor of the immune response, HLA-G, directly to dendritic cells using microscopic beads. This approach shows promise in creating 'designer' immune cells that can tolerate transplanted organs. The therapy could potentially replace current anti-rejection drugs and improve pa...
Researchers found that HIV-1 damages the gut's B-cell arm of the immune system just days after transmission, disrupting its ability to fight infections. This damage affects both reactive and non-reactive B cells, leading to a weak response against pathogens like influenza.
A study from the University of Gothenburg reveals Helicobacter pylori manipulates immune cells to develop a chronic infection. The bacterium also increases regulatory T cells in the stomach lining, which may lead to new treatments against peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that the signal molecule tenascin-C can trigger chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of tenascin-C in joints may cause the activated immune system to attack and lead to persistent inflammation.
Researchers have discovered two new structures involving the central component of an enzyme important to the complement system of the immune response. These findings may pave the way for more efficient therapeutics for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Scientists have identified a molecular factor called GARP that plays an essential role in regulatory T cell function. By artificially inserting GARP into transplants, researchers were able to convert immune-reactive T cells into regulatory T cells, which inhibit organ rejection.
A new study found that increased levels of specific cytokines and chemokines can predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) up to three years before symptoms appear. The study identified key biomarkers, including IL-17, which were significantly higher in individuals who went on to develop RA compared to controls.
Researchers found that regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) can ameliorate hypertension-induced cardiac damage in mice by reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and abnormal heart rhythms. The study provides insight into the role of the immune system in organ damage during hypertension.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of eculizumab in preventing antibody-mediated rejection in positive crossmatch kidney transplant patients. The treatment, which blocks the immune system's activation of the complement system, showed promising results with none of the treated patients developing antibody-mediated rejection.
University of Missouri researchers have identified important genetic components that negatively regulate the plant's immune system, allowing for more durable safeguards against pathogens. This discovery could lead to the development of crops with improved resistance to diseases and increased seed production.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario discovered that superbugs like Staphylococcus aureus can manipulate the immune system to prevent toxic shock syndrome. The study identifies a mechanism by which the bacteria bind to immune cells and produce an anti-inflammatory protein, allowing them to evade the host's defense.
The study reveals that interleukin-21 is a crucial protein for the cross-talk between killer T-cells and helper T-cells. Its absence leads to failure of the immune system's anti-viral efforts, resulting in uncontrolled infections.
Researchers found that interleukin-21 (IL-21) sustains T-cells' ability to mount an immune response during long-lasting infection. Without IL-21, CD8 T-cells dwindle, preventing the immune system from containing viral spread.
Lice parasites have been found to modulate the immune system of wild wood mice, suggesting a potential link between parasite exposure and reduced autoimmune disease risk. This research implies that modern humans, lacking natural parasite exposure, may develop less regulated immune systems leading to increased disease susceptibility.
Researchers have developed an engineered antibody called DTA-1 that helps the immune system overcome its natural reluctance to attack tumor cells. In a mouse model of melanoma, DTA-1 led to rejection of 50-60% of tumors by impairing regulatory T cells, providing new hope for improved cancer treatment options.
Researchers studying HIV-infected individuals with effective HLA genes found that the virus mutates and evolves in response to immune pressure. The study suggests that a successful vaccine should induce responses to multiple epitopes, or combinations of HLA molecule and viral protein.
Researchers have successfully tested a method to adjust the immune system to accept transplanted cells as 'self' in mice. The complex combines IL-2 with an antibody to stimulate T regulatory cells, boosting specific populations and subduing others.
Researchers found a naturally occurring compound, azelaic acid, that primes plants' immune systems, allowing them to mount faster and stronger defense responses. The compound, already tested in humans for skin conditions, could lead to an inexpensive and environmentally safe way to improve crop resistance.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that newborns' immune systems require time to mature before responding effectively to vaccines. This slow maturation can lead to an overabundance of Th-2 cells, which can cause allergic reactions and make infants more susceptible to infections.
A researcher at Northwestern University has developed a new oral vaccine using probiotics that induces a powerful immune response, protecting against diseases such as anthrax and breast cancer. The vaccine harnesses the body's primary immune force in the small intestine, bypassing traditional injection methods.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals how and where the rhinovirus genome evolves to evade the human immune system and drugs. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective vaccines against this common cold virus.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes use proteins called LRIM1 and APL1C to detect and destroy malaria parasites. The study found that 80-90% of parasites are killed, but only a few manage to evade detection, allowing the disease to be transmitted to humans.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a previously unknown protein in the lungs that plays a crucial role in an autoimmune lung disorder. This breakthrough may lead to new diagnostic methods and insights into common public health disorders like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
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.
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.