Articles tagged with Immunology
Researchers found that CRISPR-Cas systems regulate the expression of innate immunity genes to defend against bacteriophages. This layered regulatory hierarchy provides a layer of protection, making it challenging for phages to evade the defense mechanisms.
A three-year project aims to create a new formulation that supports the targeted and less invasive regeneration of injuries affecting intimate tissues. The researchers focus on extracellular vesicles, tiny particles released by cells, to facilitate intercellular communication and tissue regeneration.
Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to target glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain cancer, by delivering microRNAs through the brain's natural barrier. The approach shows promise in slowing tumor growth and extending survival in animal models.
A new study reveals that hepatocytes release soluble Tim-3 protein to limit immune-mediated damage in response to drug-induced liver injury. The protein binds to Galectin-3 and Galectin-9 to regulate immune cell infiltration, providing protection against subsequent damage.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC identified a hormone produced by the thymus that keeps inflammation under control. As we age, levels of this hormone decrease, allowing diseases like cancer to progress. Increasing this hormone improved cancer survival and made immunotherapy more effective in older mice.
A new framework integrates all stages of carbohydrate vaccine development, from antigen production to clinical evaluation. The framework highlights emerging technologies like automated glycan assembly and AI-driven glycoscience to transform vaccine design.
Research reveals that blood vessel endothelial cells produce lipoprotein lipase (LPL), guiding activated T cells to enter tumors and fight cancer cells. LPL enables endothelial cells to present tumor-derived components, acting like a 'wanted poster' to alerting T cells to the presence of cancer cells.
University of Minnesota researchers found that certain immune cells, regulatory T cells, prevent helpful T cells from eliminating hidden cancer cells. By combining treatment strategies, they improved the immune response and reduced cancer spread in preclinical models.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant progress in treating rare brain infections with a virus-specific T cell therapy, achieving an overall response rate of 56.8% in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The center also introduced a novel CAR T cell therapy for hard-to-treat kidney ...
Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a previously unknown pathway for B-cell development in chickens, bypassing the bursa of Fabricius. The discovery reveals that B cells originate in the bone marrow and migrate to the cecal tonsils, establishing an IgA-mediated intestinal barrier.
Researchers developed a new way to uncover differences in how viruses infect and destroy individual microbial cells. The study used a mathematical modeling framework to analyze infection outcomes in individual cells, revealing striking accuracy and new insights into viral behavior.
Researchers developed a new allergen-specific IgE test to detect functional antibodies capable of triggering immune responses in food allergies. The improved AlphaCL method overcomes limitations of conventional tests, maintaining strong signal responses even with serum components present.
Dr. Rui Yang receives a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists to uncover genetic causes of life-threatening immune disorders and identify new treatment paths. The research aims to advance diagnosis and understanding of rare diseases while fostering the next generation of scientists.
A buildup of bile acids caused by an unhealthy gut can drive breast cancer to other parts of the body, researchers reveal. The study found that replenishing beneficial bacteria or treating patients with FDA-approved bile acid sequestrants may reduce breast cancer metastasis.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which T cells attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The discovery reveals that AML cells use a CD64-dependent pathway to evade traditional MHC recognition, potentially explaining why AML is sensitive to immune-based treatments.
A specific subgroup of neutrophils signals the immune system to dial down its response, allowing regeneration. The study shows that the fine regulation of inflammation is crucial for healing and that unleashing the right signals can reactivate nerve regeneration.
Researchers created a comprehensive single-cell map of the tumor immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions. The study identified five distinct subtypes, or 'ecotypes,' that capture meaningful insights into signaling pathways and genetic programs not fully explained by disease stage alone.
Eight Fred Hutch researchers will receive funding for projects guiding pancreatic cancer treatment decisions, improving CAR-T effectiveness, and stopping acute myeloid leukemia development. The Evergreen Fund, an internal grant program, aims to accelerate translational discoveries to commercial viability.
A new study by University of Notre Dame economist Santosh Kumar Gautam found that India's universal immunization programme significantly reduced infant and under-five mortality rates. However, the programme had mixed effects on educational attainment, with some regions seeing increased primary school completion while others experienced...
Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered that mature, aged cells can revert into active stem cells that regenerate damaged tissue. This finding challenges the prevailing view on tissue regeneration and implies the possibility of therapies promoting natural healing mechanisms.
This review highlights metabolic crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells, shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and limiting immunotherapy efficacy. Emerging metabolic intervention strategies aim to overcome therapeutic bottlenecks in skin cancer treatment.
Recent studies have challenged the classical view of immune checkpoints as local suppressive molecules only active in tumor immunity. Instead, ICs participate in systemic immune homeostasis and are embedded in broader inflammatory and metabolic networks.
Macrophages are critical drivers of chronic allograft failure, with emerging strategies targeting key macrophage signaling pathways providing an important conceptual shift. Targeted therapies, such as inhibiting the purinergic pathway and mTOR/NF-κB pathway, show promise in preventing chronic rejection.
Scientists at Hackensack Meridian Health's CDI Lab published two companion papers explaining the 'exhaustion' of key immune cells. The first paper identified Id proteins as determinants of exhausted CD8+ T cell fate, while the second paper revealed CTCF's role in dynamic enhancer activation and invariant barriers.
Recent studies have expanded our understanding of immune checkpoint functions, revealing their involvement in systemic immune homeostasis and broader inflammatory networks. Aberrant IC regulation has been linked to various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic inflammation.
The new journal features cutting-edge research across basic, clinical, and translational immunology. It is designed to connect researchers across the full breadth of immunology, deepening understanding of the immune system in health and disease.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Scripps Research have developed an HIV vaccine that trains immune cells to see past HIV's defenses. The vaccine resulted in the best HIV-fighting antibody response ever seen in primates, with human trials now underway.
Prof. Yehu Moran's election to EMBO recognizes his groundbreaking research on the evolution of biological defense systems, advancing our understanding of life and exemplifying the university's scientific excellence.
A new study reveals that excessive fibrin deposition drives chronic inflammation in diabetic periodontitis. A targeted peptide successfully stops this inflammation and promotes periodontal bone regeneration, offering a potential universal therapeutic strategy for various immune-mediated diabetic comorbidities.
Researchers engineered HER2-specific CAR-T cells to simultaneously silence TIM-3 expression, demonstrating improved anti-tumor responses and significantly elevated lytic cytotoxicity. In vivo evaluations showed delayed tumor growth and minimized tumor burden with this strategy.
A new study discovered a previously unknown antiviral defense mechanism in sea anemones, revealing that animals may have evolved more than one way to fight viral infections. The findings suggest that fundamentally different antiviral strategies have emerged across the animal kingdom.
A comprehensive map of human STING reveals how different regions regulate immune signaling and how small genetic changes can alter its behavior. The study identifies both known and previously unknown regulatory sites, providing new insight into how immune signaling is regulated.
A study reveals that a cellular interaction between immune cells and fibroblasts drives the progression of Sjögren's disease by promoting chronic inflammation. The CD153+ CD4+ T cell-CD30+ fibroblast axis is identified as a key trigger, and targeting this axis may provide new therapeutic opportunities.
A phase III trial is investigating whether an immune-boosting drug can help keep early-stage lung cancer from coming back after surgery. Researchers aim to enroll 336 participants with stage I non-small cell lung cancer and determine if the treatment reduces recurrence.
A recent study found that people with active TB have a specific inflammatory response in their airways, dominated by neutrophils that can lead to disease progression. In contrast, those who control the infection have a different immune cell balance, suggesting a way to predict and prevent TB through early intervention.
A review published in Diabetes Care suggests that physical exercise could play a role in promoting immune regulation, preserving beta-cell function, and reducing inflammation in type 1 diabetes. The evidence highlights the potential benefits of exercise on immune profiles displaying anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Scientists discovered a direct link between estrogen and gut inflammation in Crohn's disease. The study used zebrafish models to show that estrogen signalling plays a crucial role in maintaining normal gut health. This finding could lead to more personalized approaches to treatment, especially for females affected by the disease.
Researchers developed engineered CAR-T cells that specifically degrade soluble TNF, preventing and treating all stages of RA in human TNF-transgenic mice. A single infusion provided sustained benefit without redosing or ADA risk, offering a promising alternative to chronic disease management.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
Researchers create a hydrogel-based oral formulation that coats the esophageal lining and releases antibodies like infliximab to treat inflammatory conditions. The formulation reduces side effects by temporarily loosening cell-cell junctions, allowing larger molecules to pass through.
Researchers found a strong association between gut microbiome composition and bone health in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Bifidobacterium longum was identified as a key microbial driver of bone loss through immune-mediated mechanisms.
A deadly hantavirus cluster on a cruise ship has sparked global alarm, but new research highlights the overlooked risk of agricultural and wildlife farming environments. The study calls for a One Health approach to protect agricultural workers worldwide from this preventable occupational risk.
The University of Oklahoma is establishing the Oklahoma Center of ImmunoEngineering with an $11.5 million NIH award. The center will integrate wet lab science and data science to accelerate disease research. Four early-career faculty members are selected as research project leaders, and the center offers training workshops, seminars an...
Researchers at UC Riverside link immune signaling to disrupted brain function and cognition after concussion, finding a crucial link between TLR4 and MMP-9. Blocking these pathways may limit changes in brain circuits and improve long-term neurological outcomes.
Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated microRNAs (EV-miRNAs) form a precise communication network for organ crosstalk, mediating immune regulation and disease outcomes. EV-miRNAs display organ tropism, influencing tumor growth, anti-tumor immunity, and inflammation.
Johanna Joyce, a leading tumor immunologist, has begun her two-year term as President of the European Association for Cancer Research. She will focus on strategic oversight, promoting broad scientific collaboration, dialogue, and training, while addressing issues such as gender disparities in science.
Researchers from Kyushu University discovered that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 drives macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 state by activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This mechanism links the body clock to intracellular metabolism and immune function, offering new insights into treating inflammatory diseases.
The PediQEESI is a new pediatric adaptation of the QEESI questionnaire to assess chemical intolerance in children. It can help identify patterns among symptoms, exposures, and daily functioning, enabling parents and clinicians to avoid future exposure and trigger symptoms.
Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.
Researchers at IGTP identify N-glycosylation as essential for preserving immunomodulatory function of extracellular vesicles. The study found that intact N-glycosylation can reduce monocyte recruitment to inflamed endothelium, contributing to a better understanding of these vesicles' therapeutic potential.
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.