Articles tagged with Immunology
Gut epithelial cells control mutualism between host immune system and gut microbiome by regulating SFB and Th17 cell levels. Lack of IκBζ gene impairs defense mechanisms against pathogens, leading to inflammatory diseases.
Scientists at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes use CRISPR-based edit to render therapeutic T cells more resilient, overcoming a major factor limiting cancer immunotherapies' success. The discovery may help improve treatment of both solid and liquid tumors.
Researchers captured first image of antigen-bound T-cell receptor complex with bound antigen at atomic resolution. The study reveals no significant structural changes in the receptor after antigen binding, sparking further investigation into the signaling pathway activation mechanism.
Researchers at National University of Singapore have identified S1P as a potent signaling molecule crucial for maintaining blood vessel integrity and function. The study highlights the importance of S1P export from blood cells and blood vessels in preventing complications and mortality related to vascular diseases.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Japanese herbal medicine DKT reduces colitis severity by preventing gut bacteria loss and increasing immune cells. It restores Lactobacillus levels and promotes type 3 innate lymphoid cells, alleviating inflammatory responses.
A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.
A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...
Scientists have discovered a new way to detect infection by sensing physical forces produced by bacterial invasion. Cells use mechanosensor protein PIEZO1 to detect changes in surface tension, triggering an early and fast immune response.
A study by the University of the Basque Country detected Arcobacter species in 22.3% of analyzed food samples, with A. butzleri being the most abundant. The bacteria were found to possess virulence genes and could cause gastrointestinal disorders. Biofilm formation on food contact surfaces was also observed.
The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.
A US study found that health facilities in metropolitan areas with a high proportion of Black citizens were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines, indicating potential vaccine access barriers. The study suggests disparities in vaccine distribution across the country.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method called MotifBoost that can predict infections based on limited T-cell receptor data. By focusing on short sequences of amino acids in the receptors, the approach achieved more accurate results with smaller datasets, shedding light on the human immune system's recognition of germs.
Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.
A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A new machine learning model uses network-based biomarkers to predict patient response to immunotherapy in multiple cancer types, enabling personalized treatment plans. The study improves upon conventional methods, increasing accuracy and benefiting more patients.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have gained new insight into an antibody's flexibility and its impact on immune response. They found that a more compact, rigid antibody is more active than a flexible one, enabling stronger anti-cancer effects.
Scientists have found that prior exposure to Staphylococcus aureus prevents effective vaccination due to immune response memory. To overcome this, the research suggests targeting only the protective component of the protein IsdB, generating a more effective vaccine against MRSA.
Research reveals Lect2 protein enhances type I IFN and IFN-stimulated genes expression, suppressing viral replication. Lect2 binds to MET receptor, inhibiting SHP2 activity and promoting RIG-I degradation.
Researchers discovered that porous cell membrane formation allows cancer-inducing proteins to escape and promote tumor growth in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver cancer. The release of IL-33 and IL-1β from senescent hepatic stellate cells accelerates cancer development by suppressing anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A UC San Diego study suggests COVID-19 rebound symptoms after taking Paxlovid are likely caused by insufficient drug exposure, not resistance or impaired immunity. The study found the virus remained sensitive to the drug and no relevant mutations were detected.
Researchers have developed a new drug called OximUNO, which has shown to treat breast cancer in mice by targeting tumor-associated macrophages. The treatment reduces primary tumour lesions and lung metastasis, and prolongs the survival of mice with triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.
Researchers analyzed 139 patient blood samples to identify common mechanisms underlying COVID-19 recovery. They found that a gradual reduction in neutrophil counts and changes in molecular regulation of the immune system characterize the recovery process.
A new USC study found that stress accelerates immune aging, leading to a weaker immune system and increased risk of chronic diseases. The study identified lifestyle factors like poor diet and low exercise as contributing to accelerated immune aging, while CMV vaccination may be a potential intervention.
A new study reveals that non-coding mutations in the human genome can increase cancer risk by altering epigenetic marks on DNA. Researchers identified an important biological mechanism, which could lead to therapies targeting this pathway.
Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 show differences in motor function and relaxation, especially when held. Preliminary analysis suggests increased risk of neurodevelopmental changes compared to uninfected babies.
A new study by McGill University and US National Cancer Institute researchers reveals that antigen strength, rather than quantity, drives T cell responses. This discovery has implications for predicting vaccine efficacy and designing more effective immunotherapies.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes healing in acute inflammation by shifting the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding opens new avenues for treating inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers discovered that blood vessels forming from lymphatic vessels were found to be suited for specific functions. In transgenic zebrafish, they found that fins develop with lymphatic-derived blood vessels, which are perfectly suited for fin development.
Scientists have discovered a small molecule that bypasses ADAR1 suppression and directly activates tumor cell death by ZBP1, inducing highly immunogenic cell death and destroying fibroblasts supporting tumor growth. This approach has the potential to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating therapy-resistant tumors.
A new study found that crown-like structures surrounding breast tumors in overweight and obese patients can hinder their response to therapy. Researchers identified a potential molecular biomarker, CD32B, which is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
The US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases has made a breakthrough in understanding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) disease process. The study found that the host inflammatory response is a significant driver of CCHFV-mediated disease, and that modulating this response could help prevent severe disease....
A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of SARS-CoV-2 variants contain the same three mutations, which together improve the virus's ability to infect human cells and evade the immune system. The combination of K417, E484, and N501 mutations enhances viral fitness by balancing positive and negative selection pressures.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that COVID-19, MIS-C and Kawasaki disease share similar underlying molecular patterns. The study reveals that MIS-C is a more severe version of the immune response than KD, with potential implications for improved disease diagnosis and treatment.
Patients who experienced severe systemic inflammation during hospitalization for Covid-19 have a higher risk of dying within one year after seemingly recovering. Prescription of steroids upon discharge from hospital significantly reduces this risk, with effects seen even in the most severe cases.
Research found that SARS-CoV-2 relies on human transmembrane proteins, especially IFITM2, to replicate efficiently and produce infectious viruses. Antibodies targeting IFITM2 can protect lung cells from infection, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach by targeting host factors instead of viral ones.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers developed a new test method to detect tuberculosis (TB) progression from latent infection in elephants using IgG antibodies against Antigen 85B. High levels of IgG against ESAT6/CFP10 remained constant, while IgG against Ag85B increased before disease onset and declined with treatment.
Research reveals that the IgG3 subclass exhibits superior antiviral activity, with its long and flexible hinge region being critical for protection against viral infections. This understanding can guide the design of 'super-antibodies' for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers identified UHRF1 as a protective factor in rheumatoid arthritis, where its suppression exacerbates disease. Stabilizing UHRF1 with Ryuvidine improves arthritis pathogenesis and suppresses organoid development.
Professor Holger Frey's innovative research aims to preserve PEGylation benefits while avoiding immune system recognition. His project RandoPEGMed seeks to create modified polymers for medicinal agents, potentially solving the problem of increasing antibody resistance.
A gene defect among people of Inuit ancestry has been discovered, putting children at risk of dying from child vaccines or simple viral infections. The defect is found in 1 out of 1500 Inuits and can be screened for using heel prick blood test samples.
The efficacy of Palforzia in treating peanut allergies is being called into question by Dr. Michael R. Perkin, who raises concerns about adverse events and potential long-term side effects. The editorial review aims to provide a balanced perspective on the treatment option.
Researchers found that tumor cells use endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) proteins to resist T cell attack and survive cell death. Inhibiting ESCRT activity in cancer-derived cells makes them more susceptible to CTL killing, providing new insights into cancer immunotherapy.
The 44th AChemS meeting investigates how COVID-19 affects olfactory function, leading to significant symptomology and quality of life impacts. Researchers will discuss recent findings on chemosensory testing and COVID-19, as well as the relationship between smell and depression.
Researchers at Charité, MDC, and FU Berlin have studied the mechanisms of action of antibody and dexamethasone treatments for COVID-19. They found that combination therapy is more effective in reducing viral activity and inflammation in lung tissue, suggesting a potential game-changer in treating severe cases.
Researchers found daily e-cigarette use altered inflammatory markers in the brain, colon, and heart, while lungs showed gene expression changes; flavors influenced organ responses to infections like COVID-19.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that double-stranded RNA molecules can activate the immune system response leading to bone deterioration in gum disease. The study found that dsRNA triggers the differentiation of osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down bone, leading to increased bone ero...
City of Hope researchers present new developments in cell therapy for acute myeloid leukemia and non-small cell lung cancer. A novel smoking cessation program increases patient desire to quit with personalized counseling.
Researchers analyzed genomic profiles of over one million cells from 1,000 people, identifying a link between specific genes and immune cell types in autoimmune diseases. The discovery could lead to tailored treatments and refine clinical trials.
A new study reveals that a subset of fibroblasts, known as Scleroderma-Associated Fibroblasts, are crucial to the development of scleroderma. The researchers found these cells in nearly 100 scleroderma patients and identified biological markers correlated with specific kinds of organ damage.
CD22 paradoxically augments BCR signaling by upregulating BCR expression, restoring B cell function in immunodeficient cells. High levels of BCR are required for survival, and CD22 facilitates this process.
A new study reveals that zinc supports immunity by developing disease-fighting immune cells called T cells and regrowing the thymus, an immune organ. Zinc supplementation also promotes immune recovery after bone marrow transplant and works even better than the natural mineral in experimental compounds.
Katalin Karikó, a Hungarian-born biochemist, received the 2022 Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Biotechnology for her decades-long research leading to the development of safe and effective mRNA vaccines. Her work has had a profound impact on culture and society, particularly in the fight against COVID-19.