Articles tagged with Immunology
Researchers found that inflammatory proteins peak at different times of day based on whether new mothers breastfeed or formula-feed their babies. The study's findings suggest a unique immune profile for lactating mothers and highlight the need for further research into postpartum breastfeeding.
LMU researchers identified key enzymes involved in recognizing foreign RNA for TLR7 activation, including RNase T2 and PLD exonucleases. These findings provide important insights into the complex activation mechanism of TLR7, which plays a crucial role in defending against viruses.
A machine learning tool called PheNet can identify patients with rare, undiagnosed diseases years earlier, improving outcomes and reducing cost and morbidity. By analyzing patterns in electronic health records, the tool ranks patients by likelihood of having a disorder like common variable immunodeficiency.
The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded 2024 research grants to 108 top life scientists from 23 countries. The program supports interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, with grants averaging $400,000 per year.
Researchers discovered that Acanthophora spicifera extracts inhibit Vibrio coralliilyticus growth and improve survival rates in Ostrea edulis larvae. The study highlights the potential of natural compounds from seaweeds as an alternative to antibiotics for aquaculture disease control.
Increased vitamin D bioavailability leads to changes in the microbiome favoring Bacteroides fragilis, enhancing immune-mediated resistance to cancer. Fecal transplantation transfers this anti-cancer immunity to other mice.
Researchers at TUM have uncovered a mechanism by which tumor cells prevent the formation of immune responses, including cytotoxic T cells. This discovery provides rationales for new cancer immunotherapies and could enhance existing treatments.
A team of researchers found that immune cells maintain their alertness through the JAK-STAT signalling pathway when there is no immediate threat. This discovery could lead to new approaches for enhancing the immune system's attention and preventing autoimmune diseases.
The Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 each to young immigrant scientists in the US whose early career work has a significant impact on their field. Applications close June 10, 2024, and prizewinners will be selected by a jury of biomedical science experts.
Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.
Researchers have demonstrated that attaching 'empty' backpacks to neutrophils activates them against cancer. The treated neutrophils infused into mice with cancer activated other immune cells and reduced tumor size. This technique is attractive as a 'drug-free' cell therapy for cancer.
Researchers identified a case of chronic inflammatory bowel disease after a blood stem cell transplant, linked to a genetic mutation in the recipient's body. Genetic analysis revealed that the donor carried a similar mutation, which triggered an autoimmune response.
Researchers have discovered a way to enhance the functionality of CD34-negative hematopoietic stem cells, which could lead to better treatments for blood-related diseases. The treated cells showed improved homing abilities and increased gene activity, suggesting they could be more effective as a treatment option.
Researchers found that Kupffer cells in liver respond to high cholesterol by removing excess, revealing the liver's role in regulating cholesterol levels. This discovery suggests atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs.
New research reveals that lockdowns had a significant impact on the gut microbiome development of babies born during these periods. Babies born during lockdown periods showed lower rates of allergic conditions compared to pre-pandemic babies, likely due to reduced infection and increased breastfeeding.
A new study from EPFL reveals how the CRL5–SPSB3 ubiquitin ligase targets and degrades nuclear cGAS, preventing it from mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues. This regulation ensures a sophisticated balance between immune readiness and protecting the integrity of the cell's genome.
Researchers at City of Hope have developed a new approach to target and destroy hard-to-kill leukemia stem cells. The therapy method uses Type II interferon to disrupt the cancer cells' ability to divide, and a T cell engager antibody to create a bridge between the immune system and the leukemia stem cells.
A new roadmap has been published by IEEE EMBS, outlining five primary medical challenges that need to be addressed through advanced biomedical engineering approaches. The paper, written by 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities, aims to guide future research and funding for groundbreaking innovations.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism behind immune tolerance, where B cells teach T cells to ignore the body's own proteins. This failure can lead to autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis-like Neuromyelitis optica.
Researchers discovered an antibody that can block deadly toxins in snakes found throughout Africa, Asia, and Australia. The antibody protects against multiple snake species and has the potential to be used as a universal antivenom.
Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis by identifying an overlooked sequence in the IκBζ protein. This sequence, known as the OCA peptide, can activate key proteins in immune cells and may help reeling in immune cells gone haywire.
A recent study used AI trained on cell-to-cell communication networks to predict drug responsiveness in immunotherapy for cancer. The model demonstrated high accuracy in analyzing samples from 700 patients with four types of cancer, identifying key communication pathways related to responsiveness and resistance.
Researchers from Pusan National University discovered a link between diabetes and periodontitis, showing pro-inflammatory cytokines rise in classical monocytes. The study highlights the systemic impact of these conditions on immune regulation and suggests a potential therapeutic target to reduce diabetes risk.
Bingxu Liu's research reveals STING as an ion channel that senses danger in mammalian cells, inducing multiple defenses against viruses, bacteria, and tumors. The discovery hints at the adaptability of innate immune proteins like STING, suggesting they have evolved to acquire diverse new functions.
Researchers document various reasons for long-term clinical symptoms in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include immune system alterations, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and mitochondrial issues contributing to post-COVID syndrome.
Scientists discovered a novel mechanism for removing mtDNA from mitochondria, which can initiate an immune response promoting inflammation. The discovery reveals new targets for therapeutics to disrupt the inflammatory pathway and mitigate inflammation during aging and diseases.
Lung adenocarcinoma cells manipulate macrophage lipid metabolism to drive tumor progression. This exploitation of immune cells' metabolic pathways may be targeted with statins, improving lung cancer treatments.
Researchers found that tumors with preexisting immune cell networks were most primed to respond to adoptive T cell therapy, and patients whose tumors featured such networks responded best to treatment. The study provides a step towards identifying patients who are likely to benefit from personalized immunotherapies.
Researchers have developed a gene editing technique that can repair defective immune cells using CRISPR-Cas9, showing promise in treating rare diseases like Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. The therapy involves repairing genetic defects in cytotoxic T cells to normalize the immune response.
Researchers from Niigata University discovered a novel macrolide-DEL-1 axis that drives bone regeneration in aging individuals. The study found that macrolide-based molecules increase DEL-1 protein expression and promote new bone formation, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for periodontitis-induced bone loss in humans.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that cancer cells can prevent the immune system from attacking them by inhibiting key checkpoints. Researchers found that monotherapy agents targeting these checkpoints may not be effective without an inflammatory trigger, explaining why some immunotherapies work while others fail.
A subset of CD4+ 'helper' T cells helps fight cytomegalovirus infection and reduces the chances of transmission. The late-rising T cells expand long after the initial response has died down, gathering in high numbers in the salivary gland.
Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.
A study of blood samples from patients with Long Covid has identified changes in serum proteins, including dysregulated activation of the complement system and thromboinflammatory responses. These findings suggest potential biomarkers for diagnosis and new treatment strategies warranting further investigation.
Researchers found that the complement system remains activated in Long Covid patients, causing cell damage and tissue destruction. This abnormal activity can lead to thromboinflammation and other symptoms of the condition.
A new vaccine design has been developed by a UC Riverside-led research team, which uses preexisting immunity to the influenza virus to help kickstart the production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine aims to speed up the immune response and provide better protection for people who still lack immunity to the coronavirus.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a nasal spray with IgA antibodies that can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The treatment significantly diminished virus load in infected mice and showed stronger binding to the spike protein compared to original IgG antibodies.
Researchers developed anti-CTLA-4 nanobodies that promote antitumor immune responses without inducing colitis in mice, advancing the development of next-generation CTLA-4 inhibitors. The study found that these nanobodies can activate a subset of regulatory T cells while preserving antitumor effects.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells play a crucial role in directing the growth of human lung tissue during development, revolutionizing our understanding of early lung development. The findings also suggest that early immune disturbances could manifest as pediatric lung disease.
Researchers have discovered key mechanisms by which the host immune system blocks viral infection in the cell's nucleus, including the role of signaling proteins called interferons and host protein IFI16. These findings could lead to new treatments for herpesviruses and other nuclear DNA viruses.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have identified PD-1+ T cells as the culprit behind harmful inflammation in certain muscular disorders. The study found that these cells, when activated, produce cell-damaging molecules, causing body-wide weakness and pain.
A Wayne State University study reports progress in a therapeutic approach that can restore immune surveillance and provide long-term protection against ovarian cancer tumors. The therapy, CARG-2020, has shown promise in animal models and may prove more effective than existing immunotherapies.
Researchers discovered how Vγ9Vδ2 T cells recognize pathogens and cancer cells by their altered cell metabolism. The study found that phosphoantigens bind to special molecules inside the cell, triggering a signal to kill. This finding can improve the clinical use of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in tumor treatment.
A new method developed at Karolinska Institutet can identify unique immune cell receptors and their location in human tissue. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel therapies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, by pinpointing the specific immune cells responsible.
A new study found that a type of white blood cell called tumour-associated macrophages can promote the formation of lymphatic vessels, facilitating cancer cell transport to other organs. However, these cells also reduce breast cancer spread to the lungs while increasing it to the lymph nodes.
Researchers discovered distinct mechanisms controlling different types of immune cells and found a way to selectively eliminate 'problematic' cells driving autoimmune disorders. This breakthrough offers precise targets for potential treatment strategies, potentially revolutionizing the way we treat skin conditions.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
Extracellular vesicles have been found to transport bacterial products into human cells, alerting the immune system and potentially affecting physiology. This discovery explains a key mechanism by which bacteria impact our health, with implications for both infections and normal bodily functions.
Researchers analyzed genes and brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer's disease to find sex-specific differences in immune function, cellular metabolism, and communication between brain cells. The study suggests that these differences contribute to women's increased risk for the disease and its severity.
The Snow Centre for Immune Health will transform how we understand and treat immune diseases, offering a whole-of-system approach to address debilitating conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The centre aims to deliver transformational real and measurable impacts for patients through translational research.
Researchers found that tumor-resident T-cell receptor sequences showed high complementarity with the cancer testis antigen DDX53, suggesting an immune response that selects for DDX53-negative cells. This association was correlated with worse disease-free survival rates, highlighting a potential early esophageal cancer antigen.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found a promising cancer therapy also effectively reduces TB growth, even for drug-resistant bacteria. The therapy combines MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors with antibiotics to control TB up to 98%.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that gene splicing can reduce CD20 protein levels, making immunotherapies ineffective. However, CAR-T cell therapy may still be effective against patients with low CD20 levels, offering a new treatment option for these patients.
A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
Researchers at UTSA have discovered a novel strategy to inhibit the spread and infection of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. They identified a peptide-binding domain that can disrupt the virulence of V. cholerae, preventing intestinal colonization and biofilm formation.
Scientists have identified how neutrophils release pro-inflammatory messengers called alarmins through tiny pores in the cell membrane at an early stage of the immune response. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics is offering global grants of up to $200,000 per annum for three years to develop novel therapeutics for pathogens of pandemic potential. Researchers are invited to submit expressions of interest for Round Two of the Foundation Grants program.
Researchers used dynamic total-body PET scans to visualize immune T cell distribution in recovering patients. The study found increased concentrations of CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow of recovering COVID patients compared to healthy controls.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed images of key receptors, unveiling their interactions with molecules and signaling mechanisms. This study provides significant insights into a crucial receptor family within the immune system, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments.
Spanish researchers successfully inhibited TIM-3, an immune checkpoint molecule, promoting a proinflammatory microenvironment that boosts the antitumor response. This breakthrough could guide clinical trials for diffuse intrinsic stem glioma (DIPG), the leading cause of death in pediatric cancer.