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One day of sleep deprivation can alter your immune system and increase inflammation

Research reveals that even a single night of sleep deprivation can alter the profile of immune cells, similar to those found in individuals with obesity. This suggests that the immune system is highly sensitive to sleep patterns and may contribute to long-term inflammatory states and increased risk of disease.

SourceAmerican Association of Immunologists Inc·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2025

Human Immunome Project and Michelson Medical Research Foundation award $150,000 grants to three early-career scientists researching immunology and vaccines

Three early-career scientists, Dr. Omar Abudayyeh, Dr. Caleb Lareau, and Dr. Yuzhong Liu, are awarded $150,000 grants for their innovative research on human immunology, vaccine discovery, and cancer immunotherapy. Their proposals aim to advance our understanding of the immune system and develop new treatments for deadly diseases.

Innovative dual-target drug may lead to new investigational approach for breast cancer patients

Researchers at University of Melbourne and Pfizer discover new insights into a dual-target drug that may supercharge cancer-fighting immune cells, potentially leading to improved outcomes for breast cancer patients. The study found that this approach can enhance anti-tumor immunity by intratumoral CD8+ T cells.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

From Spanish flu to today: how immune cells keep up with a changing virus

Researchers discovered immune cells that can recognise influenza (flu) viruses even as they mutate, providing a potential solution to the annual updates of flu vaccines. The study found that certain T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections, can detect multiple flu strains, even those that have evolved over a century.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Leveraging artificial intelligence for vaccine development: A Ragon-MIT advancement in T cell epitope prediction

Researchers developed MUNIS, a deep learning tool that predicts CD8+ T cell epitopes with high accuracy, potentially accelerating vaccine development. The tool was validated using experimental data from influenza, HIV, and EBV, demonstrating its potential to streamline vaccine design.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2025

The new Human Microglia Atlas provides insights on the roles of these immune cells in neurodegenerative diseases

The study provides insights into the roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, revealing nine transcriptionally distinct subpopulations. The GPNMB-high Lipo.DAM signature is associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, and may hold relevance for immune-based therapies.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

International Alliance for Primary Immunodeficiency Societies selects Rockefeller University Press to publish new Journal of Human Immunity

The International Alliance for Primary Immunodeficiency Societies has partnered with Rockefeller University Press to launch the Journal of Human Immunity, an open-access journal focused on human immunity and inborn errors of immunity. The journal aims to provide a platform for groundbreaking research and attract top-tier submissions.

Metallo-supramolecular complexes enantioselectively target monkeypox virus mRNA G-quadruplex and inhibit monkeypox virus replication by increasing the immune response

Researchers designed metallo-supramolecular complexes that selectively bind to MPXV mRNA G4, modulating A5L protein expression and immune response activation. These findings highlight the significance of G4s in viral immunodominant protein expression and offer potential avenues for developing antiviral therapeutics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 11, 2025

CryoSCAPE: Allen Institute scientists develop ‘suspended animation’ technique for blood draws that will aid research for underserved populations

Researchers at the Allen Institute have developed a new approach called CryoSCAPE, which stabilizes blood samples to preserve molecular composition and lower costs. This technology will enable broader participation in research studies and clinical trials for underserved communities.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Seasonal flu vaccine study reveals host genetics’ role in vaccine response and informs way to improve vaccine

A recent study found that host genetics, particularly major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-II polymorphisms, drives individual differences in influenza vaccine response. The research also presents a novel vaccine platform that broadens antibody and T cell responses against diverse influenza subtypes.

New research reveals how the body clock regulates inflammation

Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have discovered that macrophages, a type of immune cell, work differently throughout the day due to the body's internal clock. This daily rhythm determines when immune cells are most efficient at detecting threats and mounts a response.

SourceRCSI·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 17, 2024

Your immune cells are what they eat

Researchers at Salk Institute establish a novel framework for the relationship between nutrition and cell identity. They found that a nutritional switch from acetate to citrate plays a key role in determining T cell fates, shifting them from active effector cells to exhausted cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2024

Study reveals how our gut cells detect harmful invaders

Researchers from Osaka University discovered that the GPR31 receptor in gut surveillance cells detects bacterial metabolites and triggers immune responses, which could lead to new drug developments and probiotic treatments. The study also found that these receptors play a key role in the immune response to gut infections in humans.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - Osaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

Possible trigger of Crohn’s disease discovered: Dysfunctional mitochondria disrupt the gut microbiome

Researchers at TUM found that mitochondrial dysfunction in mice leads to chronic intestinal inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome. The study suggests potential new treatments targeting mitochondrial pathways or addressing the connections between the microbiome and mitochondria.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Research by UVA faculty member could help prevent organ transplant rejection

Researchers have made breakthroughs in creating nanoparticles that can modify the immune system to accept transplanted organs without compromising it. This new approach has potential implications for treating diabetes, cell therapy, and autoimmune disorders, offering hope for patients who currently face rejection.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2024