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Study provides roadmap for using convalescent plasma as an effective COVID-19 treatment

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 21, 2023

β-damascone: Aroma component of rose fragrance as a novel immunomodulator

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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Nanoscopic tool assesses alternative COVID-19 prevention

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.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 17, 2023

UNC health provider ushers in first FDA-approved medication for eosinophilic esophagitis

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2022

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers develop promising new cancer therapy

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.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Immune system reboot in MS patients

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Nose swabs may distinguish babies with RSV needing longer intensive care

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.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 2, 2022

Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of COVID-19 jab

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

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.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

Infections can have long-term consequences

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.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalImmunity·DateOct 12, 2022

COVID-19: Boosting with an mRNA vaccine offers better protection in people who received two doses of CoronaVac

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.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2022