Articles tagged with Immunology
A new study shows that boosting nonhuman primates with the Moderna vaccine six months after their primary series increases neutralizing activity against viral variants of concern. The boost sustained antibody responses for at least eight weeks, suggesting significant B cell memory induced by primary vaccination.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) triggers cognitive and psychiatric symptoms through gut-brain axis response, study finds. The gut's vascular barrier closing may impair brain function and hinder communications between organs.
Erica Ollmann Saphire and her team at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have received a $2.6 million grant to develop a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The team aims to create a single vaccine that can protect against future outbreaks of any coronavirus, including SARS-CoV-2 variants.
ImCheck's ICT01 selectively activates Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through all three isoforms of BTN3A, overcoming prior limitations. The therapy demonstrates anti-tumor activity in solid and hematologic cancer models.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that two vaccine doses increase antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19, while a second dose after recovery also boosts levels. The results highlight the importance of completing vaccination with a second dose to achieve optimal immune responses and reduce transmission.
Researchers found that high levels of immune cells in tumors correlate with better outcomes for esophageal cancer patients. The study used the Immunoscore to evaluate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and found a strong association between high scores and long-term survival rates.
Researchers report that 90% of patients who received gene therapy between 2009 and 2012 remain disease-free, with significant immune system differences observed among those treated. The therapy is most effective in younger children, but further work is needed to achieve high levels of gene correction in all patients.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that inhibiting beta2-integrin adhesion on dendritic cells enhances tumour rejection. By regulating epigenetic changes, these integrins dampen dendritic cell functionality and migration, making them more effective at activating T cells and rejecting cancer.
Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect chemical changes in immune cells during the breakdown of pathogens. The breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and better treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, which claims about 1.5 million lives annually.
Researchers at Kyoto University have identified Tox2 as a crucial regulator of T follicular helper cells (TFH), which produce high-affinity antibodies. The study found that Tox2 promotes the long-term survival and functional maintenance of TFH cells, enabling potent and durable antibody responses in vaccines.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine report that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have normal T cell responses to the COVID-19 virus, contrary to previous hypotheses. This suggests that MIS-C may not be caused by an abnormal immune response to the virus.
Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.
A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.
Researchers used an evolutionary approach to identify proteins that coevolve with the ACE2 receptor, which may contribute to COVID-19 complications. Disruptions in these interactions could lead to abnormal blood clotting and inflammation responses, causing tissue and organ damage.
Researchers comprehensively review T-cell responses to respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting key characteristics of peptide-reactive T-cells. The review aims to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms, leading to more effective immune protection and treatment methods.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that machine learning models using viral genomes can predict the likelihood of an animal-infecting virus infecting humans. The researchers identified generalizable features in viral genomes that are independent of taxonomic relationships and developed models to identify candidate zoonoses.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that COVID-19 disease severity is linked to the characteristics of white blood cells called granulocytes. Combined measurements of granulocyte characteristics and widely used biomarkers can predict key clinical features such as respiratory function and multiorgan failure.
Researchers found that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria induce the resorption of alveolar bone, a key component of periodontal tissue. The study suggests that positive and negative bacteria are responsible for periodontitis symptoms.
A multidisciplinary research framework is needed to explore links between evolved tolerance to pathogens and their spillover into humans. Hosts can live with pathogens for long periods, creating conditions perfect for spillover, according to a new review.
Researchers at Osaka University found that E-NTPD8 regulates luminal ATP levels, which affects immune cells and promotes inflammation in colitis. Depletion of neutrophils improved symptoms, highlighting the enzyme's role in preventing severe colitis.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center presented new findings on novel therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy for solid tumors and antibody drug conjugates targeting TROP2. The therapies achieved partial responses in six patients, with an overall response rate of 35.3% and disease control rate of 70.6%.
A study found that elevated mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell activation is strongly correlated with poor immune coordination and increased mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. In contrast, focused immune responses driven by interferon-alpha are associated with survival.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.
A small trial found that the low-dose Moderna vaccine generated long-lived T cell immunity comparable to natural infection. The presence of cross-reactive T cells enhanced immune response in younger and older patients alike.
Researchers have created bispecific antibodies that target multiple regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, neutralizing virus variants and protecting hamsters from clinical disease. The new treatments may be especially effective against emerging variants due to their binding mechanism.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that B cells choose between cell fates to balance acute and memory responses. This understanding could optimize vaccines against viruses or other pathogens.
Researchers have identified nine FDA-approved drugs that can effectively suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells. These compounds have been shown to be safe in humans and could potentially provide an alternative treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Researchers found that viral fossils in Australian marsupials are used to make non-coding RNAs that protect against outside infection. The study suggests that these viral fossils may be helping to immunize animals, potentially providing a mechanism similar to vaccination.
Researchers found that patients with a rare genetic condition may develop chronic inflammatory bone diseases due to an impaired response to interferon gamma. The study suggests that this impairment leads to excessive osteoclast proliferation and increased bone resorption, causing multifocal osteomyelitis.
Researchers have created a new technology to enhance therapeutic antibodies' ability to attack blood cancer cells by leveraging the human immune system. This approach combines IgM and IgG antibodies, resulting in a single molecule with increased complement activation.
A recent study has found that pregnancies complicated by sepsis are associated with a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm delivery. Researchers recommend increased prenatal surveillance for patients with sepsis and other serious infections to mitigate these risks.
Researchers found that prior exposure to common cold coronaviruses boosts the body's immune response to SARS-CoV-2, with cross-reactive T cells recognized by the immune system. The study's findings suggest a protective effect against severe disease and improved vaccine efficacy in younger individuals.
The FDA has granted orphan drug status to Octagam 10%, the first and only IVIg treatment for adult dermatomyositis. The therapy is expected to become the first treatment option for adults with this rare disease, which affects approximately 10 out of every million U.S. residents.
Researchers found that high levels of complement protein Ba are a reliable indicator of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy development, contrary to previous reports. The study's findings provide hope for developing prophylactic treatments to prevent the disease.
A new study in mice reveals that mild maternal infections during pregnancy can promote enhanced immunity in offspring, but also increase susceptibility to inflammatory disorders. The research found that the mother's immune response to infection affected epigenetic changes in the fetal intestinal epithelium stem cells.
Researchers have developed a new adaptive radiotherapy strategy called PULSAR, which combines radiation and immunotherapy to improve tumor control. The approach uses artificial intelligence to personalize treatment plans, allowing oncologists to replan cancer treatment in under 30 minutes.
Long-term kidney transplant survival rates in the US have increased significantly over the last three decades, with five-year survival rates for deceased and living donors rising from 66.2% and 79.5%, respectively, in 1996-1999 to 78.2% and 88.1% in 2012-2015.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new approach to combat cancer treatment challenges by creating self-assembled drugs with high specificity towards human cancer cells. The breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented anti-cancer activity and selectivity in laboratory testing.
Early childhood bilharzia damages psychometric measures, cognitive skills, and executive function in children, leading to disadvantaged educational attainment; treatment with praziquantel can reverse detrimental effects within 6 months.
Researchers identified two lectins, Clec4g and CD209c, that strongly bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking viral entry into cells. These findings hold promise for developing robust therapeutic interventions against circulating variants.
Scientists discovered beige fat cells mediate subcutaneous fat's brain protection and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Beige fat transplantation restored cognitive function in obese mice with dementia-like behavior.
A large study found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth and all preterm births. People of color face disproportionate infection risk while pregnant. Researchers recommend vaccination to reduce COVID-19 infection and prevent preterm birth.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.
Scientists identified five human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize multiple beta-coronaviruses by targeting a conserved structure in the spike protein. These antibodies showed promise in reducing viral load and enhancing immune responses in hamsters, providing potential inspiration for broadly protective vaccines.
A KAIST study found that specific macrophages play a key role in lung damage during COVID-19. The research provides new insights into dynamic immunological changes and could lead to more precise use of immunosuppressive agents.
Researchers discovered that mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibodies are a correlate of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in non-human primates. The study found that these antibodies, particularly in the lower airways, offer protection against severe disease by reducing viral replication.
A substance from Saussurea controversa has been found to promote bone regeneration by stimulating the conversion of stem cells into osteoblasts. The calcium chelidonate was tested in vitro and in vivo, showing non-toxic effects and increased viable stem cells at low doses.
A new COVID-19 pooling test method, P-BEST, has been developed to identify all positive subjects, including asymptomatic carriers, in a single round of testing. The algorithmic method increases testing efficiency and reduces costs, making it ideal for conducting carrier screening when infection rates are low.
A case series describes immunologic features of mild and moderate COVID-19 in pediatric patients, highlighting distinct clinical characteristics. The study found that hospitalized children with COVID-19 exhibit unique immune responses, which may inform treatment strategies.
A recent study found that 3% of NHS hospital staff may be carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus without realizing they are infected. This could lead to transmission to co-workers, family members, and patients. Regular testing for all staff is crucial to prevent infection spread.
A researcher at Penn State is testing the efficacy of common disinfectants against viruses. The study aims to determine the optimal contact time for sanitizing surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
A new DNA test can diagnose chlamydia infection in koalas within 30 minutes, providing on-the-spot results and allowing for quicker treatment decisions. The test, developed using the LAMP method, targets a specific sequence of DNA in the bacteria and has been successfully trialled at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Researchers analyzed 385 patients with transplant glomerulopathy to identify distinct features and outcomes, developing a tool for clinicians to predict health outcomes. The study may help individualize treatments for patients at high risk of transplant failure.
University of Otago researchers have discovered a way to culture cynomolgi malaria parasites, which are almost identical to vivax malaria. This breakthrough could help eliminate the relapsing form of human malaria, a major public health concern worldwide.
Researchers discovered a potential way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and dengue by targeting the sphingolipid pathway in the midgut. This approach could stall viral replication and prevent transmission to humans.
Drs. Henry Boom and Moses Joloba at Case Western Reserve University and Makerere University, respectively, have received a $1.5 million five-year grant to strengthen Ugandan biomedical research capacity. The program aims to provide PhD-level training in microbiology and immunology to talented young Ugandan scientists.
Research found that one in 50 citations in top immunology journals were critical in nature, criticizing specific sections or limitations. Negative citations came from close academics but at a significant distance geographically, highlighting social cost of criticism.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed an 'electronic nose' that can rapidly detect C. difficile infections by identifying unique chemical fingerprints. This technology holds promise for faster diagnoses and tailored treatment options.
L. Barth Reller, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2012 TREK Diagnostic ABMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. He is also an accomplished mentor and trainer of medical microbiologists, having mentored 38 fellows who now hold leadership positions globally.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for IMMUNOLOGY 2012, supporting underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates in biomedical research. This year's 25 awards total $41,250, aiming to increase diversity in the field.