Articles tagged with Immunology
Researchers at Université de Montréal developed a statistical model using blood biomarkers to predict which patients are most at risk of dying from COVID-19. The model is based on the amount of viral RNA in the blood and has been validated on two independent cohorts, showing high predictive accuracy.
A study using GDPR-compliant mobile phone data found significant decreases in household mixing during the first two lockdowns, but increases during the third, coinciding with the vaccine rollout.
A new study found that genetic ancestry shapes the immune response to the influenza virus, with increased European ancestry associated with a stronger type I IFN response. This finding has potential clinical implications for understanding COVID-19 susceptibility and disease progression.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity, suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms and bone loss. They discovered DCIR binds to glycoproteins on macrophages and osteoclasts, reducing inflammation and immune responses.
Antibodies that mimic the SARS-CoV-2 virus may explain lingering symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 and rare vaccine side effects like allergic reactions and blood-clotting. This theory, based on classic immunological concepts, suggests a cascade of immune responses that can lead to adverse effects.
Researchers found that antihistamines improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, particularly those with pre-existing allergies or high plasma histamine levels. The study suggests targeting the histamine receptor HRH1 may be a useful treatment approach.
Researchers found that higher antibody levels correlate with greater vaccine protection against COVID-19. The study provides new insights into how to measure vaccine efficacy, potentially guiding approval decisions and vaccine regimen modifications.
Previous antibody responses to harmless coronaviruses contribute to SARS-CoV-2 immunity, reducing infection severity and hospitalization rates. Researchers found that people with strong immune responses to other human coronaviruses have some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.
Researchers identified molecular targets of transplant rejection and developed a laboratory procedure to quantify donor-reactive T cells in mice. The study's findings could lead to improved immune monitoring of clinical transplant recipients and potentially replace invasive procedures like biopsies.
A new study reveals that memory T helper cells can work with memory B cells to effectively defend the body against chronic viruses. This finding has direct relevance to developing new vaccines for HIV and hepatitis C, as it suggests a more sustained immune response.
A new study reveals that many young adults with asthma are not prepared to transition to adult asthma care. The survey found that half of all respondents did not receive sufficient transition preparation from their pediatric providers, highlighting the need for better education and support.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that interleukin-26 plays a critical role in bacterial pneumonia by directly killing bacteria and modulating the immune system. This finding positions IL-26 as a new potential target for biological treatment of pneumonia, an increasing global health threat.
A study found that COVID-19 decreases dendritic cells in the blood, impairing their ability to stimulate T cells. This could make patients more susceptible to secondary infections during recovery. Despite this, patients still generate antibodies and activate a robust immune response against the virus.
Researchers have discovered a new type of skin cell, TIFFs, that may play a role in inflammatory skin diseases such as scleroderma. These cells were found to interact with immune cells and expand in response to inflammation, leading to an exaggerated response and fibrosis.
A new study reveals that certain strains of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) found on healthy skin can prolong the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans and help its innate immune system fight against Staphylococcus aureus. RNA sequencing analysis also shows these beneficial strains activate genes related to innate immunity.
A new study published in Nutrients found that consuming fermented soy product ImmuBalance reduces eosinophilic-related inflammation in the bronchi of asthma model mice. The researchers also discovered a suppression of proteins that induce eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting beneficial effects for allergic asthma.
A study of young Swedish adults found that over one in four had SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, but fewer had measurable levels of memory B and T cells compared to other age groups. The researchers will continue to study long COVID and vaccination effects on immunity.
A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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%.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.