Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
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 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.
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.
Scientists have identified a number of genes involved in Lupus, a complex condition that frequently causes skin rash, joint pains and malaise. The study found associations with ITGAM, PXK, KIAA1542, LYN, and BLK genes, which may lead to new therapies for the disease.
A study led by UAB researchers found that blocking interleukin 17 (IL-17) slows disease-causing B cell actions in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This discovery highlights IL-17's role in shaping B cells' ability to create more antibodies.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a mechanism that prevents the immune system from regulating itself properly, leading to allergic reactions. The new finding highlights the importance of regulatory T-cells in maintaining immune tolerance.
A recent study suggests that sugar-based markers on human sperm cells could provide insights into how some cancers evade the immune system. These markers, found on N-glycans and recognized by all human immune systems, may be universally used by cancer cells to avoid destruction.
New research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that shingles and its complications may have a greater impact on healthy adults than previously thought. The study found that shingles affects at least 1 in every 278 adults each year, with post-herpetic neuralgia being the most common complication, especially among older adults.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified the pathways that lead to the production of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), a major anti-inflammatory factor. Modulating messenger molecules like IL-27 and IL-6 could increase IL-10 concentrations, tempering overactive immune responses.
Research finds that elite rowers show a significant reduction in lactoferrin concentration after five months of sedentary lifestyle, but experience an increase in salivary proteins following moderate and high-intensity exercise. This study aims to test the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on the immune system.
A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that premenopausal women with mild depression have lower bone mass than their nondepressed peers. Bone thinning was especially prevalent in hip bones, increasing the risk of fractures and other costly injuries as they age.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully transplanted new blood-forming stem cells into the bone marrow of mice, effectively replacing their immune systems. This technique could potentially treat autoimmune and genetic blood diseases by introducing a healthy immune system.
Scientists discovered that regulatory T cells can reverse macrophages' role in causing inflammation, allowing tumors to go undetected by the body's natural defenses. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for tumors and could also be applied to block chronic inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have discovered that the immune system can enter a dormant state with cancer cells, controlling their growth without eliminating them. This finding may lead to alternative treatments for cancer, such as using immunotherapy to induce equilibrium and convert cancers into chronic but controllable diseases.
Researchers found that cowpox and monkeypox viruses can prevent the immune system from detecting infected cells, a strategy that could aid in vaccine design. The discovery may help create more effective vaccines against poxviruses and other viruses.
Researchers at UBC discover a process called chromatin remodeling that allows certain cancer cells to hide from the immune system by altering the structure of chromosomes. This 'instruction manual' enables cancer cells to evade detection and grow unchecked, but the discovery may lead to new therapies within five to 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Georgia Cancer Center have synthesized a carbohydrate-based vaccine that successfully triggered a strong immune response to cancer cells in mice. The vaccine has shown promise in creating an antibody response that can kill cultured epithelial cells and stimulating an immune response in healthy mice.
Researchers have found that the vagus nerve directly communicates with the immune system, controlling inflammation. This discovery is leading to novel treatments for diseases such as sepsis and autoimmune conditions.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered how gold eases pain of arthritis by blocking release of HMGB1 from the nucleus, weakening inflammatory response. Gold inhibits HMGB1 release using interferon beta and nitric oxide, a promising mechanism for new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed an innovative artificial immune system that mimics the human body's response to disease. This technology will enable rapid screening of vaccine and therapeutic compounds, potentially saving millions in R&D costs.
A common model of immune responses will improve understanding by providing a shared language among scientists. The Immunology Imaging and Modelling Network's theoretical and computational model will help track parasites and cells in real-time, measuring interactions between immune system components.
Research suggests the appendix serves as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria, protecting them from harm and allowing them to repopulate the gut after diarrhea. This discovery challenges the long-held view of the appendix's uselessness.
Researchers have identified the specific gene implicated in Job's syndrome, a rare immunodeficiency disorder characterized by harmful bacterial and fungal infections. The discovery could benefit treatment for other immunodeficiency diseases and provide new leads for therapies.
Researchers at UCLA identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in immune cells from chronically lonely individuals. This finding suggests that social isolation affects the activity of genes driving inflammation and may provide a molecular framework for understanding its link to heart disease, viral infections, and cancer.
Immunology researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully halted a lethal rabies infection in mice by opening the central nervous system's protective blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment for late-stage rabies infections in humans, and may also shed light on other neurological diseases.
New clues from immune system molecules hold hope for overcoming antibiotic resistance, with shared structural and functional characteristics enabling these molecules to inhibit or kill microbial pathogens.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that tumors use the enzyme IDO to directly activate existing regulatory T cells, which become strongly suppressive within a day. This discovery defines a tumor's survival strategy and suggests potential new leverage points for therapies.
VIB researchers have discovered that oral intake of allergens via the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis can treat various autoimmune and allergic disorders. This innovative strategy, patented by VIB, is being developed into biopharmaceutical medicines by ActoGeniX.
Scientists have identified a specific pathway, reactive-oxygen species (ROS), that allows cancer cells to evade the immune system. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop new therapies that can break through the 'escape hatch' and accelerate or slow down T-cell activity.
HIV's uniformly fatal outcome and absence of natural immunity pose significant hurdles for vaccine design. The authors call for increased funding for research and clinical trials to address these challenges and accelerate progress in finding an effective AIDS vaccine.
A new $3.5 million program aims to train the immune system to detect and destroy cancerous tumors. Researchers will develop vaccines, enhance immune responses, and create imaging technologies to monitor the treatment's effectiveness.
A new vaccine has been developed to prevent hCMV infection and disease in mice, showing promise for human use. The vaccine generates an immune response that protects against both infection and disease by disarming the virus's ability to replicate.
A team of scientists has identified over 350 immune system genes in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits deadly diseases like yellow fever and dengue. Understanding these genes' role in virus transmission could lead to new ways of combating these diseases by enhancing the mosquito's immune response.
Researchers compared genes involved in insects' immunity and their ability to spread disease, gaining insights into halting the transmission of diseases like malaria. By analyzing gene sequences with computers, scientists identified key genes to study, paving the way for new experimental research.
Researchers at the University of Mainz have developed a novel approach to create antitumor vaccines by attaching tumor-associated glycopeptide antigens to a carrier protein via an immunocompatible thioether linkage. This method shows promise for inducing an immune response against cancer cells without irritating the immune system.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center have discovered a novel anti-inflammatory cell signaling pathway that may serve as a vital Yin-Yang mechanism to maintain the delicate balance of immune response. This discovery may lead to new ways to fight cancer and inflammatory diseases.
A study found that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of inflammatory molecules involved in joint damage. EGCG also blocks the production of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2, reducing inflammation in joints.
A microRNA in mouse immune cells is shown to balance the response of immune defenses, with its equivalent human gene playing a vital role. Knockout mice develop autoimmune symptoms and are less resistant to bacterial infections, highlighting the importance of this microRNA in the immune system.
A new pancreatic cancer vaccine has successfully stalled disease progression in a handful of patients three years post-vaccination, offering new insights into how the vaccine could be made more effective. The study found that the vaccine triggered an active immune response and slowed down cancer growth in four patients.