Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
A promising new target for a Lyme disease vaccine has emerged: the Lyme bacterial protein CspZ. Genetic engineering revealed hidden regions that trigger a strong immune response. The modified protein promotes continuous production of protective antibodies, reducing the need for booster shots.
A recent study published in Cell revealed that a specific intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies by breaking the threshold between friend and foe in the gut. Researchers at WashU Medicine identified this cell as RORγt+ dendritic cells, which maintain tolerance to harmless food allergens, preventing allergic reactions.
A study from Tanzania found that a Western diet can cause inflammation and reduce immune response, while an African diet rich in vegetables and fermented foods has positive effects on the immune system. The study suggests that short-term dietary changes can have long-lasting effects on health.
Researchers from Prof. Yardena Samuels's lab developed a new approach to cancer treatment by manipulating cancer cells to produce dozens of suspicious proteins, leading to a powerful immune response that destroys human cancer cells and slows tumor growth in mouse models.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that oral contraceptive use in women is associated with changes in steroid hormone levels, while smoking in men is linked to altered levels of nearly every steroid hormone measured. The study also discovered a link between decreased androgens and various diseases in aging men.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method to diagnose COPD by analyzing protein levels in nasal lavage. The study found that elevated IL-26 levels can indicate an early phase of the disease, and may lead to new treatment strategies targeting this cytokine.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has made a groundbreaking discovery about the immune system's response to the latent stage of Toxoplasma gondii. The study found that certain T cells can target neurons containing cysts, promoting parasite control. However, this process also poses a...
A recent study by the CNIO Melanoma Group has discovered a mechanism by which melanomas evade immune system surveillance. The research found that melanoma cells secrete Midkine, a protein that reduces dendritic cell numbers and reprograms their function to promote tumour development.
Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego discover Zika virus blocks dendritic cells' ability to alert T cells, while dengue virus stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger but uncontrolled immune response. Understanding these differences is key to developing life-saving vaccines.
A new study found that treating aged mice with montelukast improved retinal health by reducing inflammation and boosting proteasome activity. This approach may offer a promising new way to slow age-related vision loss and protect eye health in older adults.
Researchers have developed a way to activate adult stem cells from human bone marrow, enabling their expansion outside the body for use in bone marrow regeneration. The new method significantly improves transplant success rates for patients with genetic disorders or those who require a bone marrow transplant.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how Streptococcus pneumoniae constructs its capsule, a critical target for vaccine development. The study identified three categories of transporters that facilitate sugar building block transport, with relaxed specificity transporters posing potential risks to bacterial growth.
A TB vaccination has been shown to boost the immune system of bladder cancer patients, reducing cancer recurrence rates by up to 75% in a small pilot study. The vaccine was well-tolerated with no side effects and showed promising results in improving patient outcomes.
A novel fluorescent biosensor captures spatio-temporal dynamics of STING activation in response to aberrant DNA, enabling visualization of single cell and population responses. This study reveals new insights into the immune response to chromosomally unstable tumours and potential avenues for treatment.
A study published in Nature Aging used an AI-based computer model to analyze the aging process of immune cells. The researchers found that specific genes are involved in aging processes and can be used as markers for different immune cell types, revealing new insights into cellular aging.
Scientists have identified a key component in launching immune activity and overactivity, providing a potential target for therapies that could prevent debilitating illnesses. The researchers discovered a protein in cells that spurs the release of infection-fighting molecules, which is essential for controlling the disease.
Researchers developed a synthetic mRNA that revitalizes the immune system to recognize and attack metastasizing cancer cells, significantly reducing metastasis in mice and human cells. The treatment shows promise for use in patients with colon and breast cancers, outperforming existing therapies.
Researchers identified nine distinct types of T cells that harbor inactive HIV cells, and persistent T cells with HIV even after antiretroviral therapies. This discovery brings medical experts closer to a cure for the infection affecting nearly 40 million people globally.
A study by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the German Rheumatology Research Center identified the Epstein-Barr virus as the trigger for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). The virus reactivates due to a weakened immune system, leading to an excessive inflammatory response.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered novel fragments of future drugs that selectively inhibit the enzyme VHR, which plays a role in controlling the immune system's response to danger. The findings may lead to the development of new therapies for sepsis and septic shock.
Researchers discovered that by targeting the Elovl1 enzyme, T cells can harness fatty acid oxidation for energy, increasing their survival and effectiveness against cancer. This metabolic reprogramming approach enhances antitumor activity and improves treatment outcomes in experimental models of melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
This study investigated the effects of Shenfu Decoction on neutrophil chemotactic function in septic mice. The results showed that Shenfu Decoction improved neutrophil chemotaxis function, decreased P2X1 receptor expression, and increased CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptor expression.
Researchers found that aspirin prevents cancers from spreading by decreasing a clotting factor called thromboxane A2 and releasing T cells from suppression. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments to prevent cancer metastasis, making aspirin potentially less expensive than antibody-based therapies.
Scientists have identified a new target to prevent cold sores by understanding how the herpes virus triggers its own immune response. The discovery has important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus, with potential treatments in development.
Researchers found that training the innate immune system can exacerbate inflammatory bone loss in models of chronic diseases like periodontitis and arthritis. The study suggests that a previously thought beneficial effect of trained immunity may actually contribute to harm in certain contexts.
A new study published in The Lancet Digital Health found that accelerated ageing in specific organs can predict diseases across the entire body. Organ ageing rates were linked to increased risks of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and dementia.
A recent study by LMU researchers has uncovered the important role of RORγt+ dendritic cells in the body's immune response. These immune cells can act flexibly, both preventing overreactions and triggering immune reactions, and their dual functionality opens the door to new treatment possibilities.
Researchers have discovered double negative memory B cells, a novel subset of immune cells that are more dysfunctional when in close contact with tumors. These cells may be a useful diagnostic marker and a potential target for developing new immunotherapies.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria in commensal relationships with plants possess mechanisms to suppress plant immune responses, allowing them to thrive. This ability enables commensal bacteria to outcompete pathogens by avoiding recognition and allocation of resources towards defense.
Researchers found that Black women with triple-negative breast cancer are less likely to receive immunotherapy treatment, even when accounting for socioeconomic factors. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found a significant disparity in immunotherapy response between racial groups.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover SSRIs like Prozac regulate immune response, preventing sepsis in mice. The findings suggest a potential new use for the popular drug, which could lead to life-saving treatments and enhanced global preparedness for pandemics.
A study on Nigerian healthcare workers found that excessive iron levels increased the risk of catching COVID-19, while moderate deficiency didn't offer protection. The research highlights an evolutionary tradeoff between iron's benefits for immune function and its potential risk to pathogens.
Researchers found that flagellin from the gut disrupts immune checkpoint treatment in ovarian cancer patients. Inhibiting this pathway may enhance clinical outcomes and save lives. The discovery could lead to novel therapies capable of targeting ovarian tumors.
Immunocompromised individuals require regular vaccine boosters to protect against severe infections and new variants, research shows. Boosters may need to be administered four or more times to offer adequate protection.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a new technique called single-cell suppressive profiling of regulatory T cells (scSPOT) that can pinpoint the effects of Tregs on all other immune cells. The study found that Tregs most strongly affect CD8-EM T cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections.
Approximately 1 in 9 US residents used dietary supplements to boost their immunity before the pandemic. Label claims related to immune benefits were common on these supplements, especially among older adults and those in poorer health.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that macrophages in newborns use a process called efferocytosis to produce thromboxane, which triggers the production of a bioactive lipid that signals heart muscle cells to divide and regenerate. This process is less effective in adults, leading to scar-tissue buildup and often heart failure.
Researchers discovered immune cells that can recognise influenza (flu) viruses even as they mutate, providing a potential solution to the annual updates of flu vaccines. The study found that certain T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections, can detect multiple flu strains, even those that have evolved over a century.
A team of international researchers found that tumor cells become drastically diverse when exiting the bone marrow, affecting immune cells in the cancer lesions. This discovery could contribute to more precise diagnostics and therapy for multiple myeloma, a incurable bone marrow cancer.
Scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology have discovered how T cells respond to infections like COVID-19, revealing a predictable pattern based on genetic interactions. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments and vaccine strategies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
A Texas Tech University laboratory played a key role in identifying a genetic adaptation in bats that could help fight viral diseases. The study found that a gene common in some bat species can reduce the production of SARS-CoV-2 virus by up to 90%, presenting a potential new pathway for combating viral infections.
Researchers found positive correlations in susceptibility to viruses across diverse fruit fly species, suggesting a general pattern of resistance. The study's findings have implications for understanding viral evolution and predicting pandemics.
Researchers have identified a targeted therapy that could bring relief to people living with lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The treatment, baricitinib, selectively blocks specific inflammatory pathways, reducing inflammation and suppressing the overactive immune response that contributes to the disease.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have identified a rare type of immune cell, called stem-like T cells, that holds the key to maintaining powerful, long-term immune responses. ID3+ T cells have the remarkable ability to resist burnout and maintain a powerful immune response over time.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have made a breakthrough in creating allogeneic CAR T cells that can persist in fighting cancer without being rejected by patients. By modifying donor cells with the HIV protein Nef, the cells can survive and remain potent in treating various types of cancer.
Research from RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences found that infant gut bacteria are associated with food sensitivities and allergies, particularly to eggs. The study suggests that probiotic supplements, such as Bifidobacterium, may help prevent food allergies in at-risk infants.
Researchers propose systems immunology to tackle sepsis, identifying early warning signs and potential subtypes, which can lead to improved diagnostics and treatment. Targeted funding is urgently needed to develop large-scale omics studies and translate these insights into clinical results.
Researchers found that pomalidomide enhances key immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, which helps the body recognize and destroy cancer cells. This leads to improved immune profiles in patients with myeloma, resulting in longer progression-free survival periods.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells rise up to fight infections in the small intestine, using spatial transcriptomics technology. These immune cells are split between villi and crypts, with progenitor-like cells replenishing effector T cells.
Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a crucial link between a gene mutation and immune system signaling in canine hemangiosarcoma, a potentially life-threatening condition. The study findings reveal an important discovery about how this cancer grows and spreads, providing new insights for novel therapies.
Researchers have identified a key protein called Apex1 as a potential therapeutic target for stopping the immune system from attacking itself. By inhibiting this protein, harmful T cells that cause autoimmune diseases and allergies can be eliminated.
Cancer vaccines hold transformative potential, leveraging neoantigens to activate the immune system against tumors. UK researchers are positioning themselves for a strategic shift in cancer vaccine trials, recognizing opportunities for improvement.
A new study published in Cell reveals significant differences in the immune response of children and adults to cancer, with potential implications for targeted therapies. The research shows that children's tumours are generally less inflammatory and have fewer mutations, making them appear less foreign to their immune system.
Researchers discover immune cells regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating glucagon production in the pancreas. This complex neuroimmune-hormonal circuit reveals a new way the body maintains stable glucose levels, especially during periods of low energy.
Researchers found significant differences in immune cell populations between healthy individuals and people with schizophrenia, with the CD4/CD8 ratio emerging as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment response. Lower levels of mucosal-associated invariant T cells may signify immune dysregulation in schizophrenia.
Scientists at Salk Institute discovered that removing bile acid-creating protein BAAT and adding bile acid UDCA controls tumor growth in mice with liver cancer. UDCA supplements may be a quick solution to improving liver cancer patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a novel inhalable therapeutic delivery system for lung cancer using mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by marine mussels. The approach leverages the adhesive properties of mussel proteins to enable selective payload release and minimize adverse effects.
The Neuron special issue sheds light on the science of aging, focusing on how age-related changes impact the brain's ability to clear waste and transport energy. The collection also explores the link between the immune system and brain health.
Researchers found significant functional variations between rodent and human PD-1 due to evolutionary divergence. The study reveals a unique motif present in most mammals but missing in rodents, leading to uniquely weaker rodent PD-1.
Neuroscientist Professor Raz Yirmiya reveals a vital link between inflammation and depression through groundbreaking research. His work suggests that both activation and suppression of the immune system can trigger depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.