Articles tagged with Immunology
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that alveolar macrophages act as antigen-presenting cells to prime CD8+ T cell expansion in the lungs. This process involves the production of interleukin 18, leading to the development of resident memory-type cell populations.
Researchers identified six genes associated with dementia risk in people of African ancestry, differing from those found in European populations. The study highlights the need for increased representation of non-European ancestry groups in genetic research to address health disparities.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exhausted cancer-fighting T cells can become immunosuppressive when working in low-oxygen tumor environments. Targeting these conditions can reinvigorate these cells, improving response to immune-based cancer therapies.
Dupilumab, an FDA-approved medication, offers new hope for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, a rising condition in the US. The treatment reduces eosinophil counts and improves symptoms of dysphagia, leading to better endoscopic healing and histologic severity improvements.
Researchers found genetic mutations to OAS and RNase L proteins increase inflammatory response in immune cells, leading to MIS-C. This understanding may provide clues to chronic inflammation diseases like Kawasaki disease.
Researchers develop synthetic gene circuits to activate anti-tumor functions on demand, allowing for long-term systemic tumor eradication. These advancements enable precise control over CAR T cell function, targeting tumors locally while minimizing toxicity issues.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel molecular pathway that causes gout and its progression to joint tissue erosion. The findings position lubricin as a novel therapeutic target for both the prevention and treatment of the disease.
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center will receive funding from the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (IRG) to support pilot work, training, and career development for junior faculty members. The grant aims to address cancer disparities in Los Angeles and beyond.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that the circadian body clock influences immune responses to vaccines. The research discovered that the shape of mitochondria in dendritic cells changes throughout the day, impacting their ability to break down vaccines.
The German Research Foundation has approved a new Collaborative Research Center at the University Medical Center Mainz, exploring regulatory T cells in immune-related and tissue-specific diseases. The project aims to develop tailored immunotherapies using Treg cells, which could lead to breakthroughs in patient care.
A Phase 1 clinical trial presents promising results for a broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) HIV vaccine, inducing bnAb-precursor responses in 26 of 27 vaccine recipients. The germline-targeting immunogen was safe and feasible, supporting the concept of germline targeting for HIV prevention.
Researchers analyzed a child's genetic data to identify novel mutations in the GTF3A gene, which impair the innate immune response. The study found that these mutations make cells more susceptible to HSV-1 infection and loss of antiviral immune response.
Researchers review myeloid-derived suppressor cells' phenotypes, mechanisms of immunosuppression, and roles in cancer treatment. Studies on non-malignant diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and obesity, are lacking, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A new multivalent mRNA vaccine candidate has shown promising results in mice and ferrets, producing high levels of cross-reactive antibodies and offering protection against various influenza strains. The approach differs from previous universal flu vaccines by including antigens specific to each subtype.
A genetic inactivation study found that FMRP mediates immune evasion in mouse tumors by repressing T cell recruitment. Inactive FMRP resulted in reduced tumor growth and increased susceptibility to T cell attack.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine describe findings that could bolster the effectiveness of immune-checkpoint therapy by using natural killer (NK) cells. The research team developed a monoclonal antibody targeting KIR2DL5, which allowed NK cells to vigorously attack and shrink human tumors.
USCF researchers have developed a new approach called CAR Pooling to compare different re-engineered T cells with varying molecular features. The screen revealed new and surprising receptors that make these therapeutic cells more powerful, promising a better treatment for blood cancers.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered why a stem cell transplant is effective in treating multiple sclerosis. The study found that memory T cells reappear immediately after the transplant and do not trigger an autoimmune reaction due to pre-damage caused by chemotherapy. This knowledge enables the body to gradually ...
Researchers found histamine releases HMGB1 in vascular endothelial cells, leading to severe symptoms. Administering anti-HMGB1 antibody attenuated hypotension and improved recovery rates.
Scott Glaberman at George Mason University received a grant to improve the phytohemagglutinin assay for assessing immunity in amphibians. The project aims to determine how pollution affects amphibian vulnerability to disease, benefiting conservation efforts.
Researchers found significantly higher antibody levels in people who experienced mild to moderate vaccine reactions, with younger individuals having greater concentrations. Vaccine reactions were mostly rated as mild to moderate and were well-tolerated overall.
A research study led by Mabel Vidal identified a common genetic signature among infiltrating T cells of different cancer types. The study used AI to analyze data from public repositories and confirmed the results through proteomics experiments.
A UCSF-led study sheds light on the mechanisms behind sex differences in ICI-induced myocarditis, a potentially fatal side effect of cancer immunotherapy. The research suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors may interact with sex hormones to cause cardiac toxicity in female patients.
Researchers used nose swabs from children with RSV in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to examine gene expression. They found that some children had greater damage to nasal cells, correlating to longer PICU stays. This discovery could lead to a diagnostic test to predict which infants will require a longer stay.
A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a nanovaccine that delivers cancer antigens to dendritic cells, inducing strong cellular immunity. The new system, using positively charged cationic lipids, increases cytokine production by approximately 100 times compared to previous designs.
A new study reveals that urolithin A from pomegranates can rejuvenate T cells by recycling and renewing mitochondria, enhancing their ability to fight tumors. The researchers plan to investigate the application of urolithin A in clinical trials for colorectal cancer.
Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.
A new type of protein-based nanocomposite, AaLS/TRAIL/EGFRAfb, was developed to enhance the efficacy of TRAIL and inhibit EGFR-mediated survival signaling pathways. This synergistic approach successfully suppressed tumor growth without significant side effects in a mouse model.
Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.
Recent advancements in pig-to-human transplants have demonstrated potential as a solution to the dire transplant organ shortage, with over 100,000 people awaiting transplants. Further research is needed to address challenges such as navigating ethical concerns and reducing organ rejection, but trials should continue in humans.
A VUB study has mapped the immune system's response to brain infections, revealing that resident macrophages play a key role in defending against pathogens. The researchers found that blood-derived immune cells can eliminate parasites, but may retain 'memory' of past infections, altering their ability to respond to future insults.
A large observational study in Brazil found that mRNA boosting offers considerably better protection against COVID-19 than inactivated CoronaVac boosting, particularly among elderly individuals. The findings have immediate implications for guiding boosting strategies in countries where most of the population received inactivated vaccines.
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that intravenous omega-3 treatment improved immune function and stimulated healing of inflammation without compromising the body's response to COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new, cost-effective low-risk treatment for severe COVID-19.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
Researchers explored how differences in skin composition affect susceptibility to diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The study found that body site determines skin structure and function, with specific lipids and proteins playing a crucial role in disease diagnosis.
A newly discovered sarbecovirus in Russian bats has the ability to use human ACE2 to enter cells and is resistant to antibodies from people vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This finding highlights the potential risk of transmission between animals and humans.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht will investigate how intestinal microbiota impacts cancer immunotherapy and therapy side effects. The project aims to develop microbiota-targeted therapies to improve ICI treatment effectiveness and reduce severe inflammation.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a previously unknown barrier that separates the bloodstream from smelling cells in the upper airway of mice, which may hinder the effectiveness of vaccines. The BOB barrier also allows antibody-secreting plasma cells to produce neutralizing antibodies locally.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.
A third vaccine dose offers better protection against Omicron infection and hospitalization compared to two doses. The study found that a third dose maintained longer protection against infection for a longer time.
A study found melamine and cyanuric acid in nearly all pregnant participants' samples, with higher levels in women of color and those with greater tobacco exposure. Regulatory action is needed to limit exposure to these carcinogenic chemicals.
Gut epithelial cells control mutualism between host immune system and gut microbiome by regulating SFB and Th17 cell levels. Lack of IκBζ gene impairs defense mechanisms against pathogens, leading to inflammatory diseases.
Scientists at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes use CRISPR-based edit to render therapeutic T cells more resilient, overcoming a major factor limiting cancer immunotherapies' success. The discovery may help improve treatment of both solid and liquid tumors.
Researchers captured first image of antigen-bound T-cell receptor complex with bound antigen at atomic resolution. The study reveals no significant structural changes in the receptor after antigen binding, sparking further investigation into the signaling pathway activation mechanism.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Japanese herbal medicine DKT reduces colitis severity by preventing gut bacteria loss and increasing immune cells. It restores Lactobacillus levels and promotes type 3 innate lymphoid cells, alleviating inflammatory responses.
Researchers at National University of Singapore have identified S1P as a potent signaling molecule crucial for maintaining blood vessel integrity and function. The study highlights the importance of S1P export from blood cells and blood vessels in preventing complications and mortality related to vascular diseases.
A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...
A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Scientists have discovered a new way to detect infection by sensing physical forces produced by bacterial invasion. Cells use mechanosensor protein PIEZO1 to detect changes in surface tension, triggering an early and fast immune response.
A study by the University of the Basque Country detected Arcobacter species in 22.3% of analyzed food samples, with A. butzleri being the most abundant. The bacteria were found to possess virulence genes and could cause gastrointestinal disorders. Biofilm formation on food contact surfaces was also observed.
A US study found that health facilities in metropolitan areas with a high proportion of Black citizens were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines, indicating potential vaccine access barriers. The study suggests disparities in vaccine distribution across the country.
The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.
Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method called MotifBoost that can predict infections based on limited T-cell receptor data. By focusing on short sequences of amino acids in the receptors, the approach achieved more accurate results with smaller datasets, shedding light on the human immune system's recognition of germs.
A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A new machine learning model uses network-based biomarkers to predict patient response to immunotherapy in multiple cancer types, enabling personalized treatment plans. The study improves upon conventional methods, increasing accuracy and benefiting more patients.