Articles tagged with Immunology
A biological messenger called interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a crucial role in maintaining cytotoxic T cells' 'marathon runner' state, allowing them to provide sustained immunity against chronic infections. This finding has implications for improving treatment of hepatitis C and cancer immunotherapy.
A new cutaquig study found that increasing infusion volume per site resulted in a reduction of injection sites, while increasing infusion rates decreased infusion duration. The research also showed that dosing every other week demonstrated equivalency to trough levels with weekly dosing.
Scientists have discovered a chemical compound, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), that holds promise as a therapeutic agent for various autoimmune diseases. PEP inhibits the maturation of Th17 cells, reducing inflammation and resolving symptoms in mouse models.
Researchers identified a type of immune cell called age-associated B cells as key drivers of lupus disease. Targeting these cells in a mouse model reduced disease progression, suggesting a potential new therapy for lupus patients.
The Vilcek Foundation will award three Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science to rising immigrant scientists. The prizes recognize and celebrate their contributions to their field.
The BIAL Award in Biomedicine is a prestigious international award that recognises outstanding biomedical research. The €300,000 prize is given to researchers whose work has shown exceptional quality and scientific relevance, published within the last ten years.
Researchers re-examine molecular characteristics of WNT-subgroup patients to identify optimal treatment strategies for low-risk medulloblastoma. Key findings suggest that therapy-related late toxicity remains a concern, despite comparable survival rates between children and adolescents with this disease subtype.
A study by researchers from the University of Liège shows that group 2 innate lymphoid cells educate alveolar macrophages, reprogramming them to protect against respiratory allergens. This discovery highlights the central role of ILC2s in shaping the alveolar niche and modulating immune responses.
Researchers discovered polyphenol PCB2DG reduces inflammatory responses by inhibiting glutamine uptake in CD4+ T cells, promoting gene expression to synthesize amino acids. The study's findings offer potential for dietary polyphenol treatment of autoimmune diseases.
A new analysis reveals that convalescent plasma can be used to prevent hospitalizations and save lives in COVID-19 patients. Early treatment with high doses of antibodies significantly reduced hospitalization rates by up to 50%. The study provides a roadmap for using convalescent plasma as an effective therapy for future pandemics.
Research reveals that severe fatty liver disease is caused by a change in cell death modes from apoptosis to necroptosis, induced by RIPK3 and stress-inducible transcription factor ATF3. This mechanism contributes to inflammation and liver damage in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.
Researchers highlight CD200's role in regulating immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and propose alternative strategies for its neutralization. Unbiased genomic- and proteomic-based approaches may help clarify CD200 expression regulation across various human cancers.
Researchers developed a vaccine platform that uses nanoscopic particles to deliver antigens, which can stimulate immune responses. The platform showed promise in early trials with mice, with improved survival rates against influenza and HIV.
UC San Diego scientists developed an AI-based strategy for discovering high-affinity antibody drugs, identifying a new antibody that binds 17 times tighter than an existing one. The approach accelerates the discovery process, reducing failure rates and enabling faster development of novel cancer and COVID-19 treatments.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
Researchers will investigate how ducks' immune systems act as a reservoir for the highly infectious H5N1 virus and engineer antibodies to prevent transmission to other animals and humans. They aim to develop ways to purify antibody-producing cells from ducks and assemble a pool of antibodies to understand their molecular features.
Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a nanoscopic tool using high-speed atomic force microscopy to assess alternative COVID-19 prevention methods. They found that viral surface roughness can enhance the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants, but spike-neutralizing antibodies neutralize the Delta variant spike protein.
Researchers found that high levels of mucosal IgA antibodies in the airways protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least eight months, with a 90% lower risk of re-infection. Participants with prior infections generated stronger mucosal immune responses to Omicron breakthrough infections.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Epidemic Preparedness will bring together researchers from various fields to discuss core tracks such as mathematical modeling, genomics, epidemiological surveillance, and public health policies. Participants will engage in simulated situation rooms and hands-on experience with leading faculty.
The National Cancer Institute has approved atezolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, for the treatment of adults and children with advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma. The approval is based on a phase 2 trial that showed significant tumor shrinkage in about a third of patients.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified distinct patterns of cytokine and granzyme expression in tissue-resident memory T cells, highlighting their complex biology. These findings pave the way for a new branch of precision therapeutics targeting infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.