Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Bacteria like Burkholderia pseudomallei use a unique tactic to spread in the body by residing inside human cells. They employ a nano-sized speargun called type VI secretion system (T6SS) to move from cell to cell without being detected by the immune system.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute discovered a new therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer by targeting the Jagged2 protein. Disrupting this signaling pathway activates anti-tumor immunity via Notch-induced functional reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages.
Researchers at UC Riverside demonstrate a new vaccine strategy targeting a common viral genome part, eliminating the need for annual booster shots. The vaccine uses small RNA molecules to boost the immune system, making it safe for babies and those with weakened immunity.
Tetracycline antibiotics have been found to enhance the antitumor activity of T lymphocytes by targeting galactin-1, an immunosuppressive protein produced by cancer cells. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new drugs that target different immune pathways and benefit patients with cancer.
A pilot study by UCLA Health investigators suggests that treating patients with immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery may improve long-term outcomes for those with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study found a higher rate of successful tumor removal and increased overall survival when compared to historical controls.
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough discovery that suppurative lung disease and wheezing have the same inflammatory profiles despite their differing symptoms. The study found two treatable endotypes of childhood respiratory diseases, with targeted anti-inflammatory treatments showing promise.
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential explanation for long COVID symptoms by identifying 'abzymes' that act like enzymes regulating important bodily functions. This discovery could lead to new treatments targeting these rogue antibodies to alleviate acute effects of COVID-19 and its complications.
A new study by Duke University researchers provides fundamental insights into autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. They developed a system to test how DNA attached to nanoparticles interact with the immune system, revealing that larger nanoparticles provide more protection for DNA.
Developed by scientists from the University of Oxford, the LungVax vaccine uses technology similar to the highly successful Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will train the immune system to recognise and attack abnormal lung cells with neoantigens.
University of Calgary researchers found that communication between the lungs and brain triggers symptoms of sickness, changing treatment approaches for respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The study also suggests targeting neurological pathways alongside antibiotics to combat infections.
Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.
Researchers have identified a potential path to eliminate the viral reservoir that prevents people from being completely cured of HIV. A new drug candidate, called a proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) molecule, triggers the degradation of the Nef protein, which suppresses HIV replication and restores immune system detection. This ...
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.
Researchers found that gut bacteria in newborns produce serotonin, promoting the development of immune cells called Tregs. This helps prevent allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that unique gut bacteria may supply neurotransmitters needed for critical biological functions during early development.
Researchers have identified a subset of T-cells that acts like stem cells and continuously generates effector T-cells that attack transplanted organs. Targeting the transcription factor IRF4 may lead to innovative therapies for patients with chronic infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases and transplanted organs.
Researchers deciphered a novel process helping viruses choose to be nasty or friendly to their host bacteria. Phages use the bacterial immune system to make decisions, activating violent mode when necessary.
Researchers discover that certain bacteria can evade the immune system by circumventing antibody coating, leading to severe inflammation. The study identifies IgG2 as a key player in this process, providing potential biomarkers and targets for new treatments.
Researchers developed a protein-based vaccine candidate called SpyCage that induces an immune response in rodent models, clearing COVID-19 infections more quickly than controls. The platform has the potential to prevent infection and transmission of respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 by inducing a mucosal immune response.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found a way to spot Alzheimer's disease before it develops into dementia using an advanced blood test analysis. The study suggests that activating the body's immune system at an early stage of the disease may slow down its progression.
Research shows that sleep promotes the migratory potential of immune cells, specifically T cells, towards lymph nodes. This process is mediated by growth hormone and prolactin, two hormones that display sleep-dependent changes in concentration.
Researchers identified a mechanism of 'copy-paste' genetics in Plasmodium falciparum that increases genetic diversity of surface proteins, potentially evading the human immune system. This discovery offers valuable insights for vaccine design and could help inform new approaches to preventing malaria.
ISB researchers identify NKG2A-biased immune responses as protective against decreased inflammation and increased survival rates in various disease contexts. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets for modifying immune responses across diseases.
Scientists from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that patients with 'cold' tumors produce cancer-fighting T cells, suggesting a potential cure from within. The researchers developed an approach called 'Identify, Predict, Validate' to detect these T cells in over 130 patients.
A new study has identified a strategy used by early-stage cancer cells to evade the immune system. By turning on the gene SOX17, these cells create an immunosuppressive environment that prevents them from being detected. This gene helps cancer cells ignore immune messages and grow in the presence of an immune system.
Researchers identify five grand challenges in biomedical engineering to address social needs, existing gaps, and technological limitations. The Convergence Revolution and Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to shape the future of medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation training.
A novel chemotherapy approach uses patient's own cells as Trojan horses to deliver targeted cancer-killing drugs to lung cancer cells. The method has shown promise in reducing tumor size and improving treatment efficacy with minimal collateral damage to healthy tissues.
A University of Oklahoma researcher has made promising discoveries on the role of vitamin B6 in pancreatic cancer. By understanding how pancreatic cancer cells deplete vitamin B6, she developed a three-part strategy to impede their growth and enhance immune function.
A new strategy used by cancer cells to protect themselves from immune system attack has been identified, and a potential target for immunotherapy has been found. Blocking activin receptor 1C on CD4+ T cells may help prevent the accumulation of immune-suppressing Tregs in tumors and slow tumor growth.
Research identifies interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a potential biomarker for Long COVID fatigue and highlights an immunological mechanism underlying the disease. High levels of IFN-γ persisted in some patients for up to 31 months, coinciding with symptom resolution after vaccination.
A new study aims to enhance and prolong vaccine effectiveness by delivering adjuvants to white blood cells using lipid nanoparticles. The research, led by WVU professor Sharan Bobbala, has the potential to provide broader protection against evolving viruses and multiple diseases.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism behind immune tolerance, where B cells teach T cells to ignore the body's own proteins. This failure can lead to autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis-like Neuromyelitis optica.
Rumbaugh's lab aims to understand the effects of dispersing bacteria from a biofilm on their susceptibility to antibiotics and on the host. They will use enzymes as tools to break up biofilms, allowing researchers to better comprehend the relationship between bacterial dispersal and infection outcomes.
A fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age. The study found that patients who followed the diet had lower disease risk factors and improved immune function.
Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis by identifying an overlooked sequence in the IκBζ protein. This sequence, known as the OCA peptide, can activate key proteins in immune cells and may help reeling in immune cells gone haywire.
Researchers from Pusan National University discovered a link between diabetes and periodontitis, showing pro-inflammatory cytokines rise in classical monocytes. The study highlights the systemic impact of these conditions on immune regulation and suggests a potential therapeutic target to reduce diabetes risk.
Scientists have deciphered the assembly process of flower-like nuclei in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. This discovery enables potential therapeutic applications by guiding the development of new nuclear shapes to combat diseases.
In a mouse model of multiple system atrophy, alpha-synuclein overexpression induces neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. IFNγ produced by infiltrating CD4+ T-cells mediates these changes. The study suggests that IFNγ is a potential future disease-modifying therapeutic target.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies combat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. The study reveals that antibody effector functions play a critical role in protecting against HSV, which may lead to new treatments for n...
A Northwestern University study found epigenetic changes in Alzheimer's patients' blood that increase the risk of the disease. The researchers discovered altered immune genes and proteins in the blood that could be triggered by previous viral infections or environmental pollutants, potentially leading to brain damage.
Researchers from ANU discovered a new ability of Atypical B cells (ABCs) to fight infectious diseases like malaria. ABCs play a crucial role in developing T follicular helper cells that generate powerful antibodies.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered that circulating immune cells can be drawn to the brain during stress and alter emotional behavior. The study found that these immune cells release an enzyme called MMP8, which breaks down proteins in the brain and impairs social behavior.
A research team has discovered a novel mechanism by which stress affects the brain, revealing a potential new pathway for treating depression. Stress increases the production of MMP-8, an enzyme that alters neuron function and leads to behavioral changes.
A new study found that changes in the mother's gut microbiome during pregnancy may influence the immune system's response. The research showed altered levels of cytokines and metabolites, which could lead to a suppressed immune system during pregnancy.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified 137 unique T cell epitopes targeted by the immune system in patients with active TB. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapies for the disease, which affects over 1.3 million people worldwide.
Monash University researchers have developed a treatment that restores the protective side of the immune system, preventing autoimmunity in people with lupus. The new method uses human cells to introduce protective molecules into defective T-regs, effectively 'resetting' the abnormal immune system.
A new off-the-shelf vaccine has shown encouraging early results as a potential treatment for patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer who have certain KRAS gene mutations. The vaccine appears to stimulate the immune system to create cancer-fighting cells, delaying cancer recurrence in some patients.
Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.
Research from the University of Bath found that people who view stressful situations as threats are more likely to experience health problems, including depression and physical illnesses. In contrast, those who see challenges may report better health and wellbeing, with a suppressed immune system being a key factor.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells can form memories of pathogens at multiple phases during an infection, with the ability to switch between memory and effector cell fates. This flexibility enables individuals to better adapt to uncertain situations and respond effectively to different threats.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a molecule called A485 that can rapidly increase white blood cell counts in mice. The short-term effect of the molecule could inform future treatments for patients with low immune activity, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from rare genetic conditions.
Researchers discovered that cisplatin chemotherapy enhances the immune system's ability to fight bladder cancer by modulating the immune response and damaging DNA in cancer cells. This approach may lead to durable disease control in a subset of patients with metastatic bladder cancer.
A recent study published in Lancet Microbe suggests that immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for COVID infections, but prolonged infections lasting weeks to months are uncommon. The study found that specific conditions, such as B-cell cancers and autoimmune diseases, increase the risk of prolonged infections.
A protein called Ku70 can be activated to help overcome bowel cancer by detecting damaged DNA in cells. The protein prevents cancer cells from becoming more aggressive and spreading, keeping them dormant. Researchers hope this breakthrough will lead to improved early detection and treatment methods.
A research team at the University of Göttingen has discovered 'protective switches' in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that shield it from attacks by the immune system. These molecular structures were found to stabilize the protein's structure against oxidative damage, allowing the virus to replicate effectively.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic and IBM have developed an AI strategy to identify new targets for immunotherapy treatments. The study, published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, reveals how artificial intelligence can be designed to accurately depict how immune systems recognize target antigens.
A new study published in Neurology found that young Black and Hispanic women with multiple sclerosis face greater challenges in pregnancy, have more advanced disease, and experience higher inflammation levels, which may signal MS progression. The researchers also noted disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
Researchers uncover pivotal aspect of GBS pathophysiology, revealing autoreactive T lymphocytes invade nerve tissue and target myelin. The findings provide novel insights into understanding GBS, opening avenues for targeted therapies for specific subtypes.
Research reveals memory T cells formed after Omicron breakthrough infection provide enhanced immunity against future variants. The study suggests the immune system adapts to combat emerging strains, leading to higher chances of inducing memory T cell defenses.
Researchers found that the complement system remains activated in Long Covid patients, causing cell damage and tissue destruction. This abnormal activity can lead to thromboinflammation and other symptoms of the condition.