Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
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.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can enter immune system cells through a pore in the cell membrane, triggering an immune response without activating Toll-like receptors. This finding offers new perspectives for developing human vaccines and drugs that target inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists have identified a key gene, LaeA, that governs the mold's ability to produce toxic compounds. The discovery opens new avenues for treating Aspergillus fumigatus infection, which has a 60-90% mortality rate in immunocompromised individuals.
Interferon gamma and interleukin-1 alpha molecules work together, collaborating like two halves of a key, to initiate various immune responses. This unexpected collaboration enhances the antiviral activity of interferon gamma, providing an extra layer of security for the body.
A key protein called Mal alerts the immune system to respond against invading bacteria, and research has found two variants that determine how the immune system responds. The findings suggest possible new treatments for malaria and TB, as well as insights into autoimmune diseases.
Researchers compared the immune responses of animals infected with 1918 and H5N1 influenza viruses, finding similar yet distinct reactions. The study aims to better understand how these viruses cause disease and develop new treatments.
Health Canada has approved COLD-fX as a preventative measure to boost the immune system, reducing frequency and severity of cold and flu symptoms. The product's safety profile is confirmed, with no known side effects or drug interactions for healthy individuals.
Researchers at Oncolytics Biotech have developed a harmless virus that not only kills tumor cells but also primes the immune system to mount a powerful defense against cancer. Studies have shown that reovirus exposure can activate dendritic cells, which then educate natural killer cells and T cells to attack the tumor.
Researchers have discovered a protein, GAPDH, that allows group B streptococci to colonize and cause infection in newborns. The protein modulates the immune system, increasing the risk of invasive bacterial infection.
An international EU project led by the University of Bonn aims to shed light on why the immune system weakens with age, particularly in elderly people. The researchers will analyze up to 40,000 blood samples to develop new medicines that can largely inactivate viruses and enable the immune system to deal with residual viruses.
Researchers discovered a new protein, Carabin, that acts as an internal brake to limit the immune system's response, preventing excessive inflammation. This discovery may have potential applications in stopping unwanted immune reactions, such as organ rejection.
A study published in Nature Immunology reveals that lymph node cells instruct immune system cells to leave healthy tissue alone, protecting the small intestine from attack. This finding may lead to new forms of treatment for autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A team of University of Iowa researchers has made significant progress in understanding how the deadly Francisella tularensis bacterium evades the human immune system. The study found that the bacteria can inhibit the ability of white blood cells called neutrophils to kill it, allowing it to replicate and cause harm.
Researchers found that manipulating proteins in the immune system could lead to new treatments for asthma, which shares similarities with parasitic infections. The study's findings suggest that targeting specific cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, may help prevent lung damage in asthmatic patients.
A new study found that the loss of PTEN function in glioma cells leads to high levels of B7-H1 expression, making it harder for T-cells to kill cancer cells. This discovery may have implications beyond brain tumors and could affect the effectiveness of emerging therapies.
Scientists have developed a model of the phagosome using systems biology approach, facilitating study of its function and interactions. The model may lead to better understanding of infectious disease processes and development of new strategies to fight pathogens.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that sildenafil and other erectile dysfunction drugs can unmask cancer cells, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack them. The study found that these drugs reduce tumor size in mice with colon and breast tumors by increasing nitric oxide levels.
A study in mice with type 1 diabetes shows that an initial immune response to proinsulin triggers the attack on other proteins, leading to disease development. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for preventing this spreading response.
The Baylor Research Institute has received a $6.2 million grant to establish a Center for Lupus Research, which will focus on understanding the immune system's role in lupus. The center aims to identify how lupus alters cells of the immune system, leading to abnormal protein levels and disease activity.
New research suggests that beta-agonist medications used in asthma treatment can increase type 2 T cell accumulation, potentially worsening related diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in moderate to severe asthma treatment.
Researchers developed a vaccine that stimulates colorectal cancer patients' immune systems to fight cancerous cells, with 70% of patients producing TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in response. The vaccine works by generating infection-fighting white blood cells called T cells, which destroy cancer cells.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that immune system cells recruited from the body can cause muscle dysfunction leading to certain forms of heart failure. Treatment with serum amyloid P prevented the production of these fibroblasts and resulting fibrosis.
Researchers found that specific HLA Class I/HIV viral fragment combinations are associated with a more powerful antiviral response. The study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in determining how well an individual's immune system controls HIV during early infection.
A novel combination therapy has been developed to prevent three common viruses – cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and adenovirus – in transplant patients. The treatment, called Trivirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), proved effective and safe in a phase 1 trial, reducing the risk of death from these infections.
The St. Jude technique enables blood stem cells from parents or unmatched adult siblings, reducing the need for harsh treatments and boosting the chance of cure. The modified transplantation method accelerates immune system recovery and reduces the risk of infections.
A new study by UW researchers suggests that the 1918 flu pandemic was deadly due to a severe immune system response, contradicting the conventional wisdom of secondary infections. The study found activated genes related to immune responses and programmed cell death, indicating an overzealous host immune system.
A study published in Nature found that the reconstructed 1918 influenza virus induces a potent immune system response in mice, yet fails to prevent severe lung disease and death. Researchers hope to understand the trajectory of this infection and develop targeted therapies for other viral infections.
Dr. Kevin J. Tracey's theory of the inflammatory reflex reveals a direct link between brain and immune system via the vagus nerve, providing a new approach to treating chronic inflammatory diseases. By manipulating brain activity, individuals may be able to 'think' their way to feeling better.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have found a way to treat pemphigus vulgaris without shutting off the immune system. They used a known compound to turn off signals that trigger skin damage, preventing blistering and other signs of the disease.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers reveals that the immune system protein paired-immunoglobulin like receptor-B (PirB) inhibits neuronal plasticity in adult mice, while a deficiency in PirB leads to enhanced plasticity throughout life. This discovery has important implications for future studies and repairs of the brain.
New research reveals that the immune system's 'thermostat' operates in harmony, with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory compounds working together to regulate inflammation. Interleukin 10 production is triggered by Interferon-γ and an antigen-presenting cell, highlighting a dynamic and coordinated response.
Researchers found HIV survives treatment by hiding in gut mucosa, suppressing immune function. Early antiretroviral treatment and anti-inflammatory medications may improve treatment outcomes. Restoration of gut immune function is crucial to ridding the body of the virus.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine – Northwest propose that a family of proteins producing PGLYRP can be used to develop medications for HIV/AIDS patients. These proteins appear to be the front line in defending the body from infection, mounting a defense long before the body's main immune system responds.
The USC-Harvard team identified a protein switch that regulates the immune response, shedding light on the balance between tolerance and aggression in autoimmune diseases. The finding supports the combinatorial control theory of gene expression, with implications for understanding signal transduction and transcriptional networks.
The study found that B7-H4, an immune system blocker, is present in aggressive kidney cancers and vessels, allowing the cancer to grow and spread. This discovery may lead to better treatment options for patients with renal cell carcinoma, a deadly form of kidney cancer.
Researchers aim to understand how prolonged space trips affect human immune systems by studying fruit flies on a Space Shuttle mission. The flies will be exposed to bacteria, fungi, and reduced gravity to determine if their weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to infection.
Researchers found that marrow stem cells have receptors that detect bacteria and viruses, triggering a response to fight pathogens. This discovery could lead to new treatments for leukemias and autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have identified a protein peptide that regulates the immune system and prevents autoimmune disease in Type 1 diabetes. The peptide, p277, stimulates regulatory T cells to produce anti-inflammatory substances, weakening the immune response.
A new vaccine called NicVax is being tested to prevent and treat nicotine addiction, with the goal of helping smokers quit. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that recognize nicotine molecules, preventing them from entering the brain.
Natural killer cells rely on receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Tyro3, to acquire their reconnaissance tool kit, allowing them to distinguish friend from foe. The study reveals that environmental signals, transmitted through Gas6 and protein S, trigger the maturation of natural killer cells.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota found a tiny population of cells in the intestine that signal T-cells to fight infections. This discovery may help study and develop treatments for diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers identified 37 HIV-1 protein fragments that triggered an immune response in cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Healthy donors responded with large quantities of interferon gamma, while infected patients showed only a small proportion of cells mounting an adequate response.
Grade 11 student James McLeod won $5,000 for his study on how the HIV/AIDS virus attacks specific cells in the body's immune system. He found that a protein molecule called CD127 prevents the delivery of a survival signal to T-cells, leading to their rapid death and compromised immune function.
Dendritic cells are specialized white blood cells that patrol the body for infections. The new discovery reveals they have a highly organized structure, acting as specialized squads to deal with specific problems. This breakthrough sheds light on their role in preventing autoimmune diseases and could lead to new immune therapies.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins in their blood. Behavioral interventions like tai chi and yoga may help alleviate the fatigue, which affects about a third of breast cancer survivors for years after treatment.
A study published in Blood found that the newborn immune system functions differently than adults, but one portion of the response is fully functional and can be harnessed to improve immunity. The researchers identified a specific Toll-like receptor, TLR8, that triggers a robust immune response in newborns.
The APS lecturer's videos provided a real-time look at immune cell interactions in a mouse lymph node, highlighting how dendritic cells teach T cells to respond to infections. The research focuses on leukocyte recruitment and trafficking, particularly in the lymph nodes.
Researchers discovered a key gene associated with psoriasis, which is the first genetic determinant identified in a large-scale study. The discovery could lead to new treatments for psoriasis without the risks of current therapies.
Researchers aim to offer protection to immunocompromised patients without unnecessary vaccination. They will measure T cell and B cell counts to determine which patients benefit from an influenza vaccine, with potential customized treatment recommendations for each group.
Researchers at U of MN found that a diverse inventory of T-cells is essential for optimal immune function. They developed a method to monitor small numbers of specific T-cells in mice, revealing that these cells survive and activate more effectively in normal quantities.
Defective apoptosis in dendritic cells can lead to autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes and lupus. Research suggests that unchecked dendritic cell activity or overactivation can trigger the immune system's attack on body tissues.
A Stanford scientist argues that persistent bacterial infections may provide beneficial effects on the host, such as protection against certain cancers. The researcher notes that many organisms cause disease but often remain asymptomatic, and that messing with microbes can lead to unforeseen consequences.
The genetic code of marsupials has been documented for the first time, revealing insights into mammalian immune system evolution. The analysis of the gray, short-tailed opossum's genome found that an important cluster of immune genes, known as MHC, was likely present in ancestral mammals and has since fragmented into multiple chromosomes.
Researchers found that serotonin is passed between key cells in the immune system, activating an immune response. The study suggests that commonly used SSRI antidepressants could either restore healthy immune function or trigger autoimmune disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a protein, MC160, that inhibits inflammatory responses by degrading a subunit of the immune system's IKK complex. This finding offers hope for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers found that anandamide, a brain's own cannabis compound, protects neurons from inflammation after damage. Adding AEA to damaged brain tissue abolished inflammatory damage, but not primary excitotoxic damage.
Scientists have identified the DNA sequence controlling the malaria parasite's ability to change its disguises, a key virulence factor. This breakthrough could lead to the design of a drug candidate molecule that freezes the parasite's disguise capability, allowing the human immune system to respond effectively.
Researchers have developed a new approach that boosts the production of TAP, an immune system component, to make smaller vaccine doses more effective, reducing side effects and increasing immunization capacity. This technique has the potential to far-reaching benefits in the field of vaccines.
Researchers found that Langerhans cells in the skin inhibit or modulate immune responses, not just alerting the system to pathogens. This new understanding could lead to a better understanding of chronic inflammatory conditions like lupus and psoriasis.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have developed a new vaccine technology that confers broad-spectrum, short-term immunity against unknown biothreat agents. This breakthrough could revolutionize defense against germ warfare and treatment of infectious diseases in populations.