Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
A researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina is developing a new approach to boost the immune system's ability to detect and kill kidney tumors. By targeting mitochondrial DNA, he aims to reactivate the immune system to recognize and target cancer cells more effectively.
Research from Radboud University Medical Center shows that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened the immune system's response to microorganisms. The study found that after lockdowns, inflammation levels in the body were low but the immune system reacted more intensely to viruses and bacteria.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a new way to tailor natural killer cells to target leukemia cells, improving their efficacy. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disable an immune checkpoint, allowing the modified cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.
A team of University of Melbourne researchers has developed a novel drug delivery system composed of metal-biomolecule networks (MBNs), which eliminate the need for toxic drug carriers. The MBNs show antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, potentially increasing success in drug development.
A Virginia Tech student is exploring a potential new treatment avenue for Lupus using DNA-like molecules, with the goal of alleviating symptoms and reducing organ damage. The researcher's approach has shown promise in cell cultures and may lead to less invasive treatments that harness the body's natural immune responses.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing vaccines to target misfolded proteins in the brain, with a focus on preventing inflammation and using peptide nanofibers. The goal is to prevent dementia by training the immune system against amyloid beta and tau proteins.
Researchers at Salk Institute establish a novel framework for the relationship between nutrition and cell identity. They found that a nutritional switch from acetate to citrate plays a key role in determining T cell fates, shifting them from active effector cells to exhausted cells.
Researchers domesticated a bacterial species that lives on human skin, discovering it triggers an immune response similar to vaccinations. The team engineered the bacteria to produce a protein that induces a powerful immune reaction, creating a living, topical vaccine.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF identified MED12 as a crucial switch that regulates T cell rest and activation. The study found that MED12 promotes rest in resting cells and activation in activated cells, and its removal led to blurred lines between rest and activation.
Researchers combine a precision cancer drug with an antibody and radiation therapy to eliminate tumors without causing side effects. The approach uses the cancer drug as a molecular flag for cancerous cells, allowing immune cells to target them. This method has shown promise in eliminating lung cancer in mice with minimal side effects.
A study from King's College London reveals that the dural sinuses and skull bone marrow act as a likely interface between the central and peripheral immune systems, suggesting a potential link between brain and body inflammatory signals. The research highlights areas of the skull that work as 'traffic lights' between the two systems.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Women with infertility are at higher risk of developing SARD, including lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, even after accounting for pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Infertility treatments do not appear to increase this risk, suggesting that women may be undiagnosed or untreated.
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients' immune T cells become exhausted, a condition well-studied in cancer. Researchers now explore potential treatments to reverse this state, which may benefit ME/CFS patients.
Researchers have developed bio-inspired micro-nanostructured systems for targeted cancer therapy, offering enhanced biocompatibility and precise tumor targeting. The systems' unique characteristics and design inspirations hold potential for improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced adverse effects.
A new study finds that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure is associated with altered immune responses and increased inflammation in pregnant women, leading to adverse birth outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimizing air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health.
Researchers found that immunosuppression in prostate cancer is associated with a specialised epithelial subtype. This interaction between the immune system and club-like epithelial cells can lead to treatment resistance in patients with advanced, treatment-resistant prostate cancer.
Researchers have deciphered how the beneficial fungus Serendipita indica successfully colonizes plant roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. The fungus secretes enzymes that produce a molecule called deoxyadenosine (dAdo), which activates cell death in plants, enabling colonization without causing significant harm.
A new gene-editing tool enables precise study of variable proteins that allow malaria parasites to stick to red blood cells and evade the immune system. The study introduces a platform to explore how malaria causes disease and identifies new proteins involved in the cytoadhesion process.
Brigham researchers found that intestinal infections alter bile composition to promote intestinal defense, highlighting the liver's role in defending against infection. The study identified hundreds of new bile metabolites and revealed a shift in bile function during enteric infection.
Researchers found impaired PD-1 activity can significantly reduce antibody diversity and quality in memory B cells. This may explain the increased rates of infection reported in patients with cancer receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
A comprehensive map of gene expression in the mouse intestine reveals unique regions tightly regulated by the immune system, including a region controlled by immune signals. The findings suggest resilience and adaptability of the intestine to perturbations.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a Bayesian metamodeling technique to analyze T-cell activation, revealing intricate patterns in early signaling. The study sheds light on the molecular processes behind T-cell activation and has implications for improving treatments for various diseases.
Researchers developed a nasal vaccine combining traditional pertussis antigens with an innovative adjuvant called T-vant to boost immune response. The new vaccine was shown to prevent the bacteria's colonization in the respiratory tract, significantly curbing whooping cough spread.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular pathway involving protein BLIMP1 that generates Th2 cells in response to inhaled house dust mite, driving allergic asthma. The study also found signaling molecules IL2 and IL10 are required for BLIMP1 expression, offering new therapeutic options.
Scientists at UMC Utrecht developed a new technology to isolate and study gut bacteria recognized by IgA antibodies, which are associated with various diseases. The next-generation IgA-SEQ method allows for high-throughput identification and analysis of these immunostimulatory bacteria, shedding light on their role in health and disease.
A new study developed an innovative approach to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by tagging them with a chimeric agent that activates the immune system towards them. This tagging technique helps the immune system recognize and eliminate elusive pathogens, offering a promising new direction for fighting drug-resistant infections.
A new study maps the gut microbiome of over 1,300 children under five years old in Ethiopia, revealing a clear link between gut bacteria composition and the duration of diarrhea. The researchers identify beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are lacking in children with chronic diarrhea.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that air pollution exposure may be associated with an increased risk of eczema. Data from hundreds of thousands of U.S. adults found that every 10-µm/m3 increase in PM2.5 levels doubles the eczema rate among residents.
The Wyss Institute's iNodes team has been awarded an ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health to develop implantable immune organs for treating ovarian cancer. The iNodes concept is based on the formation of lymphoid organs in tumors, which can be reprogrammed to attack cancer cells and retain a long-term immune memory.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a unique antibody that targets and delivers a drug package while activating the immune system. This '3-in-1 design' method has shown promise in treating several types of cancer by amplifying T cell effect on cancer tumors.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have made significant progress in their novel vaccine aimed at preventing triple-negative breast cancer. The study found that the investigational vaccine was generally well-tolerated and produced an immune response in most patients, with the highest tolerated dose to date identified.
A longitudinal study found that bacteria associated with inflammation in the gut increases ten months before patients develop clinical rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are exploring potential treatments at this early stage to prevent disease progression.
A new mechanism has been found by which tumor cells escape the immune system, involving a protein called IRGQ. Studies have shown that suppressing IRGQ can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates in liver cancer patients.
A team of researchers, including Binghamton University's Ahyeon Koh, is working on an innovative project to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The goal is to create a 'cell factory' in the body that can produce pharmaceuticals to alleviate symptoms.
Swallow populations infected with parasites exhibit altered movement patterns, including reduced home ranges and foraging activity. This can lead to decreased foraging success and increased mortality rates.
A new study suggests that a keto diet rich in ketone bodies may help alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders. The diet promotes the production of indole lactic acid, which blocks the activation of immune cells responsible for these conditions.
Researchers from Texas A&M University synthesized research findings to improve medical devices and therapy success rates. The review emphasizes the need to understand macrophage cell behavior to develop targeted immunotherapy treatments.
A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that living with symbiotic algae weakens the immune system of jellyfish, making them more vulnerable to infections. This finding has important implications for coral reef conservation and human disease prevention.
Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new cancer mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking tumors. The discovery was made by reversing this mechanism, which stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells, including those resistant to prevailing forms of immunotherapy.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute have developed simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to target adipose tissue inflammation, promoting fat tissue browning and weight loss. The treatment effectively inhibits obesity-related inflammation, controlled white fat production, and demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Implementing a preoperative nutrition program leads to significant reductions in hospitalization days and postoperative complications, resulting in cost savings of $7.8 million annually. The program's financial implications include reduced 'outlier days' and long-term complication rates, contributing to overall cost savings.
Immunotherapy holds promise for treating breast cancer, but its effectiveness varies. Researchers Karin de Visser, Sandra Demaria, and María Casanova-Acebes discuss advances and challenges in applying immunotherapy to this common tumor. They highlight the importance of factors like diet, biorhythms, and personalized approaches to impro...
A new study reveals that mild and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections can trigger immune responses in pregnant individuals, causing serious inflammatory responses in the developing fetus. The study also found that even without full infection, a pregnant individual's immunological response to infection may impact the fetus.
A new study found distinct changes in children with severe cases of RSV, including elevated NK cells in the airways and altered immunological function. This research may help identify new targets for future treatments.
Researchers investigate how liver necroptosis triggers inflammation in both organs, leading to cognitive impairment. Studying aging mouse models, they found that liver necroptosis causes systemic inflammation affecting brain function.
Scientists create a model of the human immune system in mice by transplanting cord blood cells, achieving balanced and functional immune cell populations. The new method shows lower rates of graft-versus-host disease and improved survival rates against transplanted cancer cells.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified ZNF750 as a key player in controlling inflammation, shedding light on susceptibility to inflammatory skin diseases. The study paves the way for more effective therapies and broader insights into molecular biology of skin cells.
A new trial suggests that adding immunotherapy to chemoradiation can extend survival in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the findings also indicate that delivering the treatments at different times yields varying results, with concurrent treatment not offering improved survival benefits.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that delivering microparticles containing CCL2 directly to the gums can inhibit bone loss and speed up bone repair in a mouse model of periodontal disease. The therapy modulates the immune response, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type.
New research suggests that exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces during pregnancy can cause immune system damage in unborn babies. The study found that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapour results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses.
Researchers found that a specific crosslinking mode in the peptidoglycan cell wall inhibits certain cell wall degrading enzymes, protecting bacteria from internal and external damage. This discovery may lead to new treatments for developing antibacterial therapies.
A team of researchers at UMC Utrecht has identified 29 novel antibodies against the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important cause of drug-resistant infections. The antibodies were found to interact with antigens on the bacterial surface and some act synergistically to neutralize the pathogen.
Researchers found that fruit bats generate a more diverse antibody response than mice but have a weaker overall response. However, bats fed a fruit-only diet had a stronger antibody response compared to those on a protein-supplemented diet.
A new study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that certain food proteins like milk and meat can help keep gut tumors from growing by triggering the intestinal immune system. This discovery has potential clinical implications for patients with gastrointestinal conditions.
Researchers developed a synthetic mucin gel inspired by cow slime to create a protective barrier around discs, preventing immune system attacks. This innovative approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term complications after disc herniation surgery.
Researchers discovered that disrupting plant microbiomes can compromise a plant's immune system, leading to autoimmunity. Prebiotics could potentially support or reset the microbiome to maintain balance, reducing losses in food crops.
Researchers discovered a key molecule, PAF, that controls the destiny of immune cells and turns them against cancer. The study highlights the importance of targeting PAF to develop new therapies for various types of cancer.
Researchers at Boston University discovered a new method to harness self-amplifying RNA to create more effective vaccines. The modified saRNA vaccine protected mice from severe COVID-19 disease with a lower dose than current mRNA vaccines. Longer duration of protein expression and reduced inflammation were also observed.