Articles tagged with Immunology
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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%.
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.
Researchers found a quantitative difference in B cell response following vaccination between young and older adults, with younger adults mounting a stronger clonal response and older adults having more activated B cells. This study provides insights into the age-related differences in B cell vaccine response and may lead to the develop...
Dr. Qihui Zhou aims to investigate the role of immune cells in ALS and FTD with a focus on the C9orf72 gene mutation, potentially leading to better treatments.
Researchers at Dana-Farber and MD Anderson Cancer Center found that MTA buildup in tumor cells impairs T cell function. Depleting MTA with enzymes restores T cell activity, improving checkpoint inhibitor effectiveness in MTAP-deleted cancers.
A team of researchers has uncovered a previously unknown compensatory mechanism found in liver disease. Giant cell clusters, formed by immune cells from the bone marrow, take over the filtration function of impaired Kupffer cells. This finding changes the way we think about the role of the immune system in liver fibrosis.
Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.
A comprehensive molecular characterization of T cell infiltration into the CNS has been achieved using CRISPR screening, revealing essential inhibitors and facilitators of T cell migration. The study identified 5 key regulators that can be categorized into three functional groups, providing new insights into MS pathogenesis.
Researchers found that beta-blockers can revive exhausted killer T cells, making them better cancer fighters. The study discovered a link between the sympathetic stress response and immune system response to cancer.
A new study from Uppsala University has found that women with a high genetic predisposition for blood clots are six times more likely to develop a blood clot during the first two years of using contraceptive pills. This knowledge could be used to identify women at risk and counsel them on alternative methods of contraception.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 195 clinical trials found that cell therapy can reduce the risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%. The studies, conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021, used various types of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells.
Agriculture can both facilitate and hinder pathogen spread through deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss. Promoting agricultural practices that boost biodiversity and create barriers can prevent zoonotic spillover.
New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory suggests that high tumor mutation burden does not guarantee an effective immune response in patients with mismatch repair deficiency. The study found that tumors with identical mutations across all cells responded to immunotherapy, while those with subclonal mutations did not.
Researchers investigated the role of tertiary lymphoid tissues in aging kidney disease, identifying proinflammatory interactions between renal cells and immune cells that promote inflammation and injury. The study suggests targeting proinflammatory cytokines for potential therapeutic strategies.
Patients with severe long COVID often struggle with fatigue and exertion intolerance, with recovery rates varying depending on the initial infection's severity. A recent study found that those with ME/CFS experience little to no improvement in symptoms, while some patients in a second group show gradual improvement over time.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that weightlessness affects T cells in astronauts' immune systems, making them less effective at fighting infections. The study's results could lead to new treatments for reversing these changes.
The WVU team evaluated Code Interpreter's features, finding it accessible to students but limited for scientists working with biological data. The plugin breaks down barriers for coding, but lacks internet access and parallel processing capabilities.
A new study published in BMJ Oncology has found that relatively short-term use of immunosuppressant medications to control inflammatory diseases is not associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. The research included over 10,000 participants and tracked their cancer incidence for an average of 10 years.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in producing large amounts of immunoglobulin G, a crucial antibody in the human body. The discovery could lead to advancements in manufacturing antibody-based therapies for diseases such as cancer and arthritis.