Articles tagged with Immunology
A new review highlights that vitamin D deficiency is common and clinically important in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, but the current evidence does not support a direct disease-modifying effect. Vitamin D supplementation shows modest benefits in some patients, particularly those with low baseline vitamin D levels.
LRBA deficiency, a rare inherited condition, impairs kidney function by disrupting water and sodium balance, leading to polyuria and electrolyte abnormalities. Treatment with desmopressin may help manage excessive urination in some patients.
TIGIT is a second-generation immune checkpoint that exerts immunosuppressive effects through multiple pathways, promoting a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Combination with PD-1 inhibitors has shown remarkable promise, improving objective remission rates and progression-free survival.
Scientists discovered a new way cells fight infection, using a method called antibody-directed xenophagy (ADX), which can digest bacteria and viruses inside infected cells. ADX is triggered by a protein called TRIM21, which flags invading pathogens for destruction.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advances in understanding cancer biology, developing AI-powered atlas of tertiary lymphoid structures as prognostic biomarkers, and uncovering drivers of resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Additionally, they have discovered a molecular pathway that drives stressed cells to b...
Researchers found that obexelimab significantly reduces the risk of relapse in patients with IgG4-related disease, a rare chronic immune condition. The study showed that patients treated with obexelimab were nearly twice as likely to be in complete remission after one year and needed less emergency steroid treatment.
Fluconazole-resistant Candida auris benefits from zinc deficiency, exhibiting increased pathogenicity and resistance to macrophage-mediated killing. Suppression of ZCF4 enables the fungus to impede phagocytic clearance via suppression of MMP-9 activity.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that 'cross-reactive' T cells can recognize multiple species of paramyxovirus, including measles and Nipah viruses. This broad protection is essential in combating emerging diseases with unknown viral strains.
The study provides a detailed, cross-species view of how tumor-associated dendritic cells are organized and altered in cancer. It identified over 30 distinct dendritic cell subsets and functional states within tumors, with many populations conserved between mice and humans.
Researchers decode signaling pathway of atypical chemokine receptor ACKR4, revealing its role in internalizing and degrading unnecessary chemokines. This mechanism helps guide immune cells and regulate inflammation, with potential implications for cancer treatment.
The study demonstrated a response to treatment in several tumor types, including lung cancer and head and neck cancers. A significant tumor shrinkage was observed in four out of 14 patients treated within the optimal dose range.
The Phase 3 SUNRISE trial shows that tezepelumab nearly triples the likelihood of reducing daily oral corticosteroid dose in patients with severe, oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Patients treated with tezepelumab achieve greater reductions in oral steroid use while maintaining asthma control and improving key clinical outcomes.
Activated memory B cells can recognize and target ovarian cancer cells, producing effective antibodies. The discovery advances the development of vaccines and therapies based on immune memory against cancer.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that cells with latent TB remain metabolically flexible, allowing strong antibacterial responses. In contrast, cells from people with active TB disease show impaired metabolism and weaker responses to infection.
Research reveals Neandertal ancestry affects immune system to multiple DNA viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 7. Archaic DNA variants were disproportionately associated with higher viral loads in modern humans.
Researchers have discovered that inflammation plays a dual role in atherosclerosis, both driving the disease's progression and limiting it. Macrophages, often seen as solely harmful, also clear cellular debris and attack endothelial cells, while microRNA miR-147 helps regulate this balance.
Researchers reveal the intricate structure of the Themis-Grb2 complex, a crucial signaling hub in the immune system. The discovery provides important insights into T cell development and may support new approaches for treating immune-related diseases.
A study reveals that TREM2+ macrophages directly recognize candidalysin, a toxin secreted by Candida albicans, to initiate an immune response. This recognition leads to the activation of key immune cells and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately protecting against fungal infection.
Researchers at CNIC identify mitochondrial complex I as a key checkpoint for dendritic cell activation. Restoring its function restores immune responses against viruses and tumors. The study paves the way for new strategies in vaccines and cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch loaded with mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes that accelerate oral ulcer healing by remodeling macrophage-epithelial crosstalk. The patch promotes anti-inflammatory phenotypes and suppresses NF-κB signaling, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
Researchers at Hiroshima University identified a critical boundary in the immune-regulating RELA gene that helps predict how harmful mutations cause disease. This finding could improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with autosomal dominant RELA deficiency, a rare inherited inflammatory disease.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.
Researchers have developed engineered peptide binders called CRABs that can selectively interfere with calcium signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective and safer immunotherapies. The study's findings offer new hope for treating disorders linked to excessive CRAC-channel activity.
The Endocrine Society and Keystone Symposia will host their first joint conference in October to explore discovery in cancer, diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease. The conference series aims to strengthen the exchange of scientific knowledge through coordinated programming, facilitating discovery and collaboration among researchers.
Researchers discovered a new gene expression signature linked to prolonged overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who responded to combined immune checkpoint inhibitors. The biomarker has the potential to help identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment combination.
A new mRNA-based strategy amplifies the T-cell response to vaccines, enabling more powerful cancer vaccines and stronger protection against infectious diseases. The approach reprograms immune cells from within using mRNA instructions that expand cancer-fighting T cells.
A Spanish clinical trial demonstrates the potential of mesenchymal stem cells to reduce inflammation in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) patients, also known as 'butterfly skin'. The treatment showed improved symptoms like pruritus, sleep disturbances, and fatigue after receiving infusions.
Researchers discovered that stem cells can mature into potent antimicrobial cells when infected with bacteria, sacrificing their own lifespan to prevent prolonged infection and promote tissue repair. This newfound mechanism may hold potential for understanding inflammatory diseases like Crohn's disease.
A study published in Nature Metabolism has found a crucial link between mitochondrial lipid deficiency and gut inflammation, revealing that cardiolipin plays a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis. The research suggests that targeting the metabolism of immune cells could be a new approach to treating inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers identified a defense mechanism in intestinal stem cells that actively responds to Salmonella infection, differentiating into antimicrobial Paneth cells to limit bacterial persistence. The study suggests that stem cell differentiation is part of an intrinsic protective program preserving intestinal function during infection.
Researchers found a protein called RAB5c that helps white blood cells kill Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus. Without this protein, immune cells are disarmed despite attacking at full force. The discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with weakened immune systems.
The Applied Immunological Research Symposium (AIRS) brought together renowned scientists to share groundbreaking findings on T cell exhaustion and its connection to vaccine interception. Keynote speaker Rafi Ahmed presented data showing how blocking PD-1 reawakens a core population of 'stem-like' T cells, unleashing them to fight disease.
The article systematically summarizes forty years of discoveries in the TLR field, revealing multilayered regulatory mechanisms governing TLR signaling. Aberrant TLR signaling is closely linked to multiple human diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and cancer.
Researchers treated 75 children with peanut allergies using slow up-dosing and low maintenance dosing. After three years, 82% of the treatment group could eat at least 3.5 peanuts without an allergic reaction.
Hongbo Chi's election recognizes his pioneering work in immunometabolism and its impact on next-generation cancer immunotherapies. He continues to contribute to St. Jude's mission-driven institution, advancing fundamental science and meaningful impact.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
A new study finds that pregnant women with low levels of a specific fatty acid molecule are more likely to have children with childhood asthma. The researchers also found that children of these mothers are more prone to respiratory infections and altered lung microbiomes.
A new study reveals that impaired protein recycling is the key factor in T cell exhaustion, allowing researchers to develop a 'tag and sort' fix to restore normal proteostasis. This approach boosts the potency of cell therapy against cancer.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered key immune cells malfunction in mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare but devastating autoinflammatory disorder. Current treatments targeting inflammatory signals produced by macrophages fail in half of patients, but JAK inhibitors may provide relief.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that eating creates a temporary metabolic state that influences T cell function, leading to improved responses to infection. The findings have particular relevance for cancer immunotherapy and may inform when immune cells are collected or activated.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that FluMist can trigger an immune response directly in nasal tissue, training immune cells to recognize and fight influenza virus infection. This response stays in the upper airways and cannot be detected via blood samples.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel reveals that the immune system fights lifelong viral infections acquired at birth, with partial success. The body gradually produces antibodies to reduce virus amounts, supported by T helper cells, but the response remains limited.
Researchers developed a powerful new way to study immune system behavior in lung tumors by combining a patient-relevant mouse model with single-cell technologies. The team provides one of the most comprehensive immune maps to date of lung adenocarcinoma, closely mimicking how tumors grow in patients.
A new study from the University of Lausanne identifies a specific subset of fibroblasts that produce Ccl19, an 'attractant signal' for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, bringing them into contact with type 1 dendritic cells. This mechanism is essential for proper immune cell organization and function.
A multi-institutional team has discovered a novel immune regulatory mechanism mediated by antibodies that selectively shut down overactive immune responses. The 'immune-induced TCR-like antibody' (iTab) can reduce disease severity and delay its onset in a mouse model of autoimmune disease.
A new treatment using low-dose nivolumab injections into precancerous oral lesions significantly reduced lesion size and risk of cancer progression. The study showed a 60% average reduction in lesion size and complete pathologic response in six patients, with no dose-limiting side effects.
A new phase in the corona-development has been identified, with recent SARS-CoV-2 variants spreading less rapidly worldwide and BA.3.2 infecting young children more frequently than other strains. This suggests that global immunity from vaccination and infections may be making it harder for new variants to spread.
A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...
Researchers discovered that HDAC7 plays a dual role in immune system development and cancer progression. Restoring HDAC7 in cancer cells can slow or stop tumor growth, offering new hope for diagnosis and treatment.
Chemokines regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity in tumors, and targeting their receptor axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine-modulating strategies combining with other immunotherapies have demonstrated considerable synergistic potential.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology has several active trials specifically designed to help people with head and neck cancers. Trials include testing high-dose prophylactic gabapentin to prevent opioid use during treatment, as well as immunotherapy with nivolumab and cabozantinib for mucosal melanoma and nasopharyngeal carcino...
A first-in-human trial shows that an infusion of immune cells derived from a donor's blood can prime the recipient's immune system to accept a donor liver, potentially reducing lifelong immunosuppression. Eight out of 13 participants achieved complete withdrawal of immunosuppression and remained off for more than three years.
A study reveals that the rhinovirus, causing the common cold, can infect immune cells in the tonsils and adenoids, remaining dormant for extended periods without symptoms. This persistence allows for unexpected transmission and triggers new outbreaks, particularly among children, who are a primary mode of transmission to grandparents.