Research on how the immune system defends the body. Covers immune-cell imaging, T-cell responses, longevity genetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a novel treatment strategy for cytokine storm, a serious inflammatory syndrome triggered by an infection or severe burn. The new approach involves blocking IL-6 receptor signaling with a short-term antibody, minimizing treatment side effects and preventing vascular damage.
Researchers aim to improve glioma treatment with direct light therapy that targets cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The project will investigate the efficacy and safety of this approach, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that the immune system's response to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be tricked into producing non-protective antibodies, making vaccines ineffective. The study suggests targeting subdominant antigens for future vaccine development.
Researchers identified a mutation in the UNC93B1 gene in patients with SLE, which leads to selective overactivation of TLR7 receptor and results in an immune attack on normal cells. The findings demonstrate that UNC93B1 controls the activity of specific nucleic acid receptors, such as TLR7, thereby preventing autoimmunity.
Researchers have successfully genetically modified pluripotent stem cells to evade immune recognition, offering a viable path forward for pluripotent stem cell-based therapies. The study's findings suggest that these engineered stem cells could pave the way for new treatments for diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and macular degeneration.
Research finds that people with higher HIV viral loads have higher recombination rates, enabling the virus to diversify and evade the immune system. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how recombination drives HIV evolution.
Women with autoimmune disease are 30% more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression have a 30% higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease. The strongest association is seen with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have made a breakthrough in understanding the
A recent study published in Aging Cell found a balance between naïve and memory immune cells accelerates or slows down biological aging. The team discovered using novel tools for immune profiling, which opened new doors to understanding the relationships between the immune system and biological age.
Researchers at the University of Louisville are studying Yersinia pestis bacteria to better understand its ability to evade the immune system. The team hopes to develop new ways to control infectious diseases, including plague and other lung infections.
Scientists have mapped neuroblastoma tumors at the cell level and discovered a brake on the immune system that can be blocked with existing immunotherapy. A new combination treatment targeting TIGIT and PD-L1 is being developed, showing promising results in lab experiments.
A new study by University of California Riverside researchers found that high-fat diets affect not only obesity and colon cancer but also the immune system, brain function, and potentially COVID-19 risk. The study, which analyzed genetic changes in mice fed different types of fat, showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil ...
A risk model based on routine blood work can identify cancer patients who are more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, increasing treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The study found that patients in the low-risk group had a higher response rate and longer overall survival compared to those in the high-risk group.
A recent study by the Hebrew University proposes a new etiology for early stages of type 1 diabetes, attributing it to disrupted RNA editing within pancreatic beta cells. This perspective challenges long-held beliefs about viral involvement, suggesting potential implications for treatments and cures.
Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.
Researchers found that the severity of muscle wasting depends on the location of the spinal cord injury. They also discovered that hypercortisolism, a hormonal imbalance, worsens muscle loss and can be targeted to rescue muscle tissue.
A microbial sensor, Nod1, plays a crucial role in the development of blood stem cells. The discovery could lead to the creation of patient-derived blood stem cells, eliminating the need for bone marrow transplants and improving lives of leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia patients. Researchers are continuing to study the complex interaction...
A new study found that daily toothbrushing among hospitalized patients is associated with lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ICU mortality. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, also showed that toothbrushing was linked to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.
Researchers found that vaccinated B cell-deficient individuals have a robust T cell response to SARS-CoV-2, despite lack of anti-spike antibodies, resulting in markedly reduced rates of hospitalization and severe COVID-19. This study provides reassuring evidence for immunocompromised patients to get vaccinated.
Recent research has identified the gut-skin axis as a critical factor in atopic dermatitis, with alterations to gut microbiome composition contributing to disease severity. The review article highlights promising therapeutic approaches, including diet, probiotics, and fecal transplants.
A study by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna found that natural killer cells may play a crucial role in protecting against multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. The investigation revealed that strong EBV-specific and autoreactive immune responses combined with poor autoimmunity control increase MS risk.
Researchers have discovered key mechanisms by which the host immune system blocks viral infection in the cell's nucleus, including the role of signaling proteins called interferons and host protein IFI16. These findings could lead to new treatments for herpesviruses and other nuclear DNA viruses.
A major study found that patients with inflammatory conditions can boost their antibody response to a COVID-19 booster vaccination by interrupting their treatment for two weeks. The improved protection lasts for six months, and patients who interrupted treatment reported more flare-ups but most were self-managed.
A new study from Indian Institute of Science finds that certain types of cancer cells respond well to IFN-γ activation, while others don't. The researchers suggest approaches to make non-responsive cancer cells better respond to immunotherapy by targeting their metabolism.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that most T cells can still target epitopes on the new Pirola variant, suggesting people may be able to mount a response against it. The study's findings provide positive news in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the importance of vaccination with updated vaccines.
Researchers found that a breakthrough infection builds upon existing memory B cell pool and introduces random mutations that prepare antibodies for new variants. Broad neutralizing antibodies can neutralize all tested Omicron variants.
Multiple sclerosis affects over 2.8 million worldwide, and EU funding will investigate viral infections like EBV as potential causes and co-factors. The BEHIND-MS consortium aims to develop new cell models to test hypotheses on the disease's development.
A new method developed at Karolinska Institutet can identify unique immune cell receptors and their location in human tissue. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel therapies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, by pinpointing the specific immune cells responsible.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that bexmarilimab therapy alters macrophage behavior to promote anti-tumor immune defense. The therapy was well-tolerated and stabilized disease progression in patients with advanced-stage cancer, inducing tumor-associated macrophage and lymphocyte activation.
A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.
Researchers at Scripps Research have designed a novel flu vaccine that utilizes nanoparticles to present the M2e protein fragment, which is relatively conserved across different influenza A strains. The vaccine showed promising results in initial animal tests, providing strong protection against both seasonal and pandemic strains.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have discovered a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 varies its mode of infection in human cells. The study reveals that the virus can alternate between being highly infectious and avoiding detection by the immune system.
A study found that immune cells in the meninges release IL-17, which activates inflammation and fights off infections, leading to cognitive decline. Targeting overactive T cells may be a new approach to treating hypertension-induced dementia.
A research team has introduced a spectrum of potential adjuvants, including α-GalCer analogs with improved activity. The new compounds trigger stronger immune responses in mice, with some demonstrating better adjuvant properties than previously optimized variants.
Researchers confirm that pancreatic cancer triggers a response in the immune system, but T cells struggle to infiltrate tumors. This finding could guide future treatment development for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer.
Scientists at University of Toronto and Sinai Health created transplants with genetic modification, persisting long-term in mice without immune suppression. This breakthrough may transform cell therapies for incurable diseases, making transplantation safer and more widely available.
Researchers discovered an alternative immune response involving NK and CD4+ T cells that can recognize and attack cancer cells when the usual recognition marker B2M is missing. This finding holds potential for developing more effective combination cancer immunotherapy treatments.
A new AI tool combines cancerous and non-cancerous cell patterns to predict breast cancer outcomes, allowing for more precise treatment plans. This could lead to reduced chemotherapy duration and intensity for some patients.
Researchers analyzed fish IgM to understand its structure and how it differs from human antibodies. They discovered a unique folding mechanism that allows the antibody to assemble without a joining chain, enabling it to bind antigens and interact with its environment.
A Canadian study found that infants exposed to biologic agents during pregnancy have normal immune development and can safely receive the rotavirus vaccine. The study, involving 191 infants across six sites in Canada, aimed to change vaccination guidelines to protect more babies from severe illness.
Researchers found that immunomodulatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients treated with these drugs had a 46% lower risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have developed a method to camouflage stem cell-derived transplants, avoiding immune rejection and tumor formation. Genetically engineered liver cells can persist in the body despite lack of immune matching, offering a potential solution to organ donor shortage.
Researchers analyzed genes and brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer's disease to find sex-specific differences in immune function, cellular metabolism, and communication between brain cells. The study suggests that these differences contribute to women's increased risk for the disease and its severity.
Researchers investigate nanoparticles for cancer treatment, hoping to reduce side effects and improve efficacy. La-Beck's lab aims to understand the body's interaction with nanoparticles and their impact on tumor growth and immune responses.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cancer stem cells cause macrophages to age, suppressing their antitumor activity. Supplementing mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide restored macrophage function and prevented tumor growth.
Researchers found that a molecule associated with the X chromosome contributes to lupus development in females. The X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) triggers an immune response that damages healthy tissue, leading to muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, and other complications.
Researchers using cancer as a model system are uncovering basic principles of immune cell communication and spatial dynamics. Understanding these principles can lead to new treatments for various diseases, including viral infections and cancer.
Researchers found that bisphenol A (BPA) inactivates microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a key trigger for allergic asthma. This disruption increases susceptibility to asthma in mice, highlighting a potential link between BPA exposure and immune disorders.
A joint research team from South Korea and the US has developed a new genetic classification system for gastric cancer, identifying six consensual genomic subtypes (CGSs) with distinct characteristics. The study suggests potential treatments for each subtype, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Researchers have discovered highly effective antibodies against P. aeruginosa that can block its type III secretion system and are effective against highly resistant bacteria. These 'pathoblockers' offer a potential therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic infections with multi-resistant pathogens.
Novel vaccine candidates using Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens (COBRAs) protect against multiple influenza B strains, including those from different lineages. These vaccines show long-lasting protection, potentially reducing the need for yearly updates.
Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that homeless individuals have a 7 times higher rate of sudden cardiac death compared to the general population. Non-cardiac causes, such as overdoses and unrecognized infections, are more common among homeless people.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
Researchers used dynamic total-body PET scans to visualize immune T cell distribution in recovering patients. The study found increased concentrations of CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow of recovering COVID patients compared to healthy controls.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed images of key receptors, unveiling their interactions with molecules and signaling mechanisms. This study provides significant insights into a crucial receptor family within the immune system, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have received a $423,500 grant to study molecular pathways in Aspergillus fumigatus that mediate inflammatory host responses. The team aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for patients suffering from Aspergillus infections.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown human skin model that effectively replicates mpox virus infections, providing insights into the virus's mechanisms of attack on skin cells. The study reveals how the virus causes disease and identifies potential therapeutic targets, including an antiviral drug called tecovirimat.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that bat genomes contain unique adaptations to defend against infection and cancer. The study highlights the interconnectedness of immunity and cancer response, revealing potential new treatments for human diseases.
A study by UMSOM researchers found that nearly 31% of patients on ventilators in Maryland hospitals harbored Acinetobacter baumannii, while nearly 7% carried Candida auris. The study highlights the need for improved infection control measures to contain the spread of these pathogens, which pose a significant risk to vulnerable patients.