Articles tagged with Immunology
New research reveals how psychological stress worsens atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, by activating a specific neural pathway. This pathway links the brain to immune responses in the skin, leading to increased inflammation and worsening symptoms.
Researchers have created tiny antibody fragments that can be made directly inside human cells, where they bind to proteins linked to disease. The study found that electrical charge plays a crucial role in whether these antibody fragments remain stable and usable inside cells.
Research reveals that TGF-β1 plays a critical role in fibrotic scar tissue formation, limiting neural regeneration and recovery after spinal cord injury. Inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling reduces fibrotic scarring and improves functional recovery.
Researchers have identified BCMA as a key switch maintaining harmful IgA-producing plasma cells in IgA nephropathy. A proof-of-concept study using BCMA-targeted therapy showed a deep reduction in serum IgA levels in cynomolgus monkeys, providing a robust scientific rationale for repurposing BCMA-directed treatments for IgAN.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
Researchers identified Mrep, a macrophage population, that promotes muscle repair under normal conditions but triggers heterotopic ossification in FOP. Transplanting Mrep improves muscle repair in FOP mouse models, suggesting therapeutic approaches targeting Mrep could be effective.
Scientists have discovered that cancer cells exploit healthy lung cells to support metastatic tumor growth in the lungs. Decreasing lipid production in lung cells can hinder cancer growth. The study suggests targeting lung cell lipid production as a new approach to treating lung cancer.
Researchers reveal that skin-cell calcium channel TRPV3 is activated by plant-derived fragrant molecules, leading to enhanced immune responses and potential new vaccine adjuvants. The study provides a novel understanding of immune crosstalk and offers a safer approach to enhancing vaccine efficacy.
The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.
Bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis release lactic acid in wounds, suppressing immune cells and preventing them from fighting infections. This creates an environment where other bacteria can take hold, leading to persistent and hard-to-treat wound infections.
A new study found that MYC amplification in metastatic prostate cancer is associated with reduced tumor immunogenicity, making it harder for the immune system to detect and attack the tumor. This reduction in immunogenicity was linked to poorer progression-free survival outcomes in patients with MYC-amplified tumors.
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.
A study in mice suggests that matcha may reduce the need to sneeze in people with nasal allergies, suppressing brainstem neuronal activation without changing major immune markers. The findings provide a potential, food-based option to complement standard care for allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Researchers discover a potential chemotherapy agent that causes cancer cells to release signals similar to those released by infected cells, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to a new approach in cancer treatment, using lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to recruit the immune system as an ally.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have designed a two-vaccine approach targeting T cell receptors and cancer-specific mutations, significantly improving tumor control and survival in preclinical models. The combination therapy, developed in collaboration with Geneos Therapeutics, offers a promising new tool for treating T cell lymphom...
Researchers developed an antibody test for Mpox that accurately identifies those with infection and vaccine-derived antibodies, helping authorities prioritize vaccine use and study disease transmission. The test, validated in Rwanda, uses only four key antibody signatures to ensure affordability and accessibility.
NIK kinase's non-canonical NF-κB pathway is crucial for immune development and function, while its NF-κB-independent functions regulate cellular metabolism and mitochondrial health. Dysregulation of NIK is linked to various diseases, making it a promising therapeutic target.
A study published in the journal Immunity has discovered that resident macrophages play a key role in regulating eye pressure, suggesting a promising new target for therapies to prevent glaucoma. The findings highlight the importance of the immune system in maintaining healthy eye pressure.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
A new Cornell University study reveals that exposure to diverse microbes and allergens as adults may worsen the development of allergic airway inflammation compared to newborns. Researchers found a break point where protection from microbial exposure might wane, depending on life stage and timing.
Researchers have developed genetically altered astrocytes that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) capable of clearing accumulations of amyloid-β in the brains of mice. These CAR-expressing astrocytes, called CAR-A, substantially reduced Aβ buildup and prevented disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...
Copper metabolism plays a crucial role in inflammatory bone diseases, with copper overload suppressing glycogen synthesis and increasing inflammatory activity. Researchers found that cuproptosis, a form of programmed cell death, can lead to bone weakening and osteoclast formation, providing a potential new therapeutic target.
Research reveals that salivary bacteria from gum disease alter gut metabolism, driving osteoclast activity and systemic bone loss. Microbial metabolites like indole-3-lactic acid inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity.
New MSK research reveals that the TCA cycle's waste-management function may present an opportunity against cancer, microplastics impair immune 'housekeeping' functions and TOX plays different roles in different immune cells. A new combination approach for treating advanced kidney cancer after immunotherapy has also been identified.
Researchers identified molecular defect in taste receptor cells due to reduced levels of PLCβ2 protein, which strengthens the signal before transmission to the brain. Taste cells that detect salty and sour flavors are less affected.
The James P. Allison Institute at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center appoints Eric Gardner, Betty Kim, Rodrigo Romero, and Hojong Yoon to advance immunotherapy research. These experts bring expertise in immune therapy resistance, cancer vaccines, bioengineering, tumor evolution, and drug development.
Researchers found that early precancerous cells in pancreas gather into specific clusters and interact with immune cells, weakening the body's ability to fight them. The study provides fresh insight into how pancreatic cancer may begin taking shape years before it is clinically detected.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a webinar highlighting recent clinical advances in breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Researchers will present key findings from ASH and SABCS meetings, impacting treatment outcomes.
New CAR T cells engineered to detect low levels of CD70 show promise in eradicating kidney, ovarian, and pancreatic tumors in preclinical models. This breakthrough provides a potential strategy for treating multiple solid tumor types with targeted immunotherapy.
A recent study led by Virginia Tech researchers found that certain medium-chain fats in infant formulas can strain the developing liver and lead to early signs of steatotic liver disease. Newborn pigs fed with these formulas accumulated liver fat faster than those fed long-chain fats, despite receiving the same calories and protein.
Immune cells have been found to selectively extract nuclear DNA from dying cells, a regulated cellular function that challenges traditional views of the nucleus. This discovery, known as nucleocytosis, may hold implications for understanding autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer, as well as informing drug development strategies.
The project aims to test whether reducing chronic inflammation triggered by DNA can help older adults stay healthier. The research focuses on retrotransposons, which become increasingly active with age, leading to tissue decline.
Researchers at UCLA have found a way to supercharge immune cells with a fuel source that tumors can't steal, dramatically improving their ability to survive and attack solid tumors. The approach enables T cells to import cellobiose and convert it into usable glucose inside the cell.
Researchers are developing an organ-on-a-chip platform to study immune rejection in pig-to-human liver transplantation, addressing a major hurdle in xenotransplantation. The project aims to generate data supporting future preclinical studies and bring xenotransplantation closer to clinical use.
Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University have identified three novel antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels that effectively target multidrug-resistant bacteria. The peptides, CdPG-3 and CdCATH, demonstrate strong antibacterial activity across Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
A large registry study identifies a specific genetic mismatch linked to severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after cord blood transplantation, tripling the risk of life-threatening complications. Researchers found that a particular HLA combination in donors and recipients increased aGVHD risk by threefold.
Researchers have engineered a novel CAR-T cell that can be switched off on demand using a cancer drug, offering improved safety and efficacy. The new system, known as DROP-CAR-T, uses a clinically approved drug to disrupt tumor cell binding, preserving the cells for continued treatment.
A new Immunology Center will accelerate discoveries in muscle immunology and immune responses to gene therapies. Klaudia Kuranda brings expertise in immunology, onco-immunology, and leadership experience to the center.
Researchers found that macrophages retain memories of previous infections due to persistent signaling molecules left behind, which can be reversed by blocking cytokine signaling pathways. This discovery suggests new ways to reduce the activity of misprogrammed macrophages contributing to autoimmune diseases.
Researchers developed a vascularized liver tissueoid-on-a-chip that recapitulates key structural, functional, and immunological features of human liver tissue. The platform enabled the study of liver regeneration and immune-mediated allograft rejection in a physiologically relevant human system.
The Michelson Medical Research Foundation has awarded $750,000 to five early-career scientists for their innovative work in immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy. The recipients will use the funding to accelerate their research and develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
A new UCLA study found that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for some patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. The combination treatment helped patients live long enough to reach surgery, shrank tumors, and produced encouraging survival outcomes.
A Cornell University study reveals that an existing FDA-approved drug, AMD3100, can prevent the sequestration of immune T cells from tumors, allowing them to attack cancer cells. The treatment shows promise for fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare and fatal liver cancer with no cure.
The review outlines how vascular-immune crosstalk affects various diseases, revealing novel therapeutic opportunities. It highlights the shared embryonic origin of blood vessel cells and immune cells, as well as coordinated immune cell trafficking mechanisms.
Researchers at Ragon Institute discovered that antibodies produced in germinal centers act as a 'brake' on selection, redirecting the immune system toward broader protection. Stronger-binding B cells suppress weaker ones targeting the same site, establishing a localized feedback loop.
Researchers developed an AI-driven pipeline to create functional intracellular antibodies, overcoming major barriers in intrabody development. The approach successfully redesigned structures compatible within the cellular environment, enabling high target specificity and stability.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown cellular barrier in the brain called base barrier cells, which provides compartmentalization of the choroid plexus, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid. These cells become vulnerable during systemic inflammation, allowing harmful substances to enter the central nervous system.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which an existing cancer drug can block the loss of BCMA molecules on cancer cells, allowing CAR T cell therapy to become effective again in some patients. The study shows that carfilzomib can prevent the degradation of BCMA and restore its presence on the surface of malignant plasma cells.
Researchers studied 434 children for signs of autism or neurodevelopmental problems, finding no link between mRNA vaccine and autism. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough technique to transform a patient's own T cells into soldiers trained to recognize and kill cancer cells, benefiting tens of thousands of individuals with blood cancers. The approach is now being explored for solid tumors and other diseases.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that food shortages trigger a coordinated system to uphold immune function while conserving energy. Calorie-restricted mice fought off infection using very little glucose, thanks to glucocorticoids, which reorganized immune cells and their energy usage.
A team from UNIGE has shown that certain antibodies to seasonal flu can also target avian flu. Stimulating these antibodies could strengthen protection in the event of a pandemic. Vaccinated individuals show increased levels of cross-reactive antibodies capable of neutralizing the H5N1 virus, which may result in milder symptoms.
A UCalgary study found that adding high doses of vitamin B3 to the treatment plan may help rejuvenate compromised immune cells to kill tumour cells. The clinical trial showed promising results, with 82% of participants free of cancer progression at six-months.
Halle Zhang joins Insilico Medicine to lead global clinical development strategy for the company's oncology portfolio. She brings over 20 years of experience in oncology clinical development and a track record of advancing therapies through registrational trials.
Researchers at MIT and Scripps Research Institute have developed a vaccine that generates a significant population of rare precursor B cells capable of evolving to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The DNA-VLP approach shows potential for inducing broadly neutralizing antibody responses against influenza as well.
A new UCLA study clarifies the complex relationship between antibody-driven immunity, viral evolution, and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2. The research found that population-wide antibody responses exert a powerful selective pressure driving the virus to mutate and evade detection.
Engineered yeast cells can mimic real cancer cells and be used to test new cancer immunotherapies much faster and cheaper than before. This new technology enables researchers to assess which CAR T variants are most promising much more quickly, leading to safer and more targeted cancer treatments.