Articles tagged with Immunology
New research highlights key differences between COVID-19 variants alpha and omicron, including the impact on virulence and disease severity. The study suggests that omicron's genetic makeup is less conducive to causing severe illness compared to its older variant sibling, alpha.
A new study by the University of California - San Francisco found an association between increased drinking and hospital visits for atrial fibrillation in a large population. The study linked acute alcohol consumption with a higher risk of new-onset AF in previously undiagnosed individuals.
A new graft strategy has reduced chronic graft-versus-host disease in leukemia patients by depleting naïve T cells from donor blood. The approach has shown promising results, with only 7% of patients developing chronic GVHD compared to 30-60% with standard treatment.
Researchers discovered that in familial Alzheimer's disease caused by mutations in presenilin 1, Aβ43 generation is stable and unaffected by lower levels of other Aβ proteins. The study provides strong evidence for alternative mechanisms of amyloid beta processing in familial AD compared to sporadic AD.
Researchers developed an immunotherapy strategy using in vivo generated transient engineered CAR T cells to reduce fibrosis and restore cardiac function. The approach showed promise as a personalized therapeutic platform for treating various other fibrotic diseases.
Researchers create new method to genetically analyze resting CD4+ T cells, allowing targeted modifications and insights into HIV interaction. This enables the investigation of cellular factors playing a role in infection and the development of new therapeutic approaches for eliminating HIV from the body.
Researchers found that fibrin buildup triggers an overactive immune response, damaging gums and underlying bone. Suppressing abnormal fibrin activity could hold promise for preventing or treating periodontal disease.
Scientists at the University of Basel have discovered a new signaling pathway that enables T cells to survive for decades. Coronin 1 regulates this pathway, which suppresses T cell death by maintaining PI3Kdelta activity. This finding has significant implications for understanding and controlling immune function.
Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.
Scientists have developed a fusion protein that successfully blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in cell culture tests. The protein combines ACE2 with human antibody fragments, providing reliable protection against future mutations.
Researchers have discovered an ancient category of MHC molecules, MHC-W, which represent a missing link for explaining how class I molecules evolved from a class II-like origin. This finding resolves a long-standing puzzle in immunogenetics.
A study published in Allergy reveals the importance of PU.1 transcription factor in regulating CCL17 gene expression, which contributes to allergic diseases. The research found that suppressing PU.1 can reduce inflammation in asthmatic mice, paving the way for novel treatments.
A December 2020 survey found that about two-thirds of adults in Jordan, the West Bank, and Syria were unwilling or hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Concerns over vaccine rigor and long-term health risks were primary reasons for hesitation.
Studies in mouse models found that maternal immune activation can alter brain development and lead to autism-like behavioral symptoms. The research also revealed a link between maternal microbiome changes and offspring's susceptibility to intestinal inflammation, with increased IL-17a production by T cells.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Texas A¼M University identified a key mechanism used by SARS-CoV-2 to evade host immune systems, targeting the MHC class I pathway. The study found that the virus suppresses the activation of this pathway using the ORF6 protein, allowing it to persist in the body and infect others.
Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.
Researchers at LMU have found a new marker in the blood of Covid-19 patients that correlates with disease severity. Phosphatidylserine levels can potentially trigger inflammatory processes and coagulation disorders, enabling better diagnostics and predicting severe cases.
A new particulate saponin/TLR agonist vaccine adjuvant has been shown to alter lymph flow and modulate adaptive immunity. This study demonstrates the potential of this ingredient as a more effective vaccine booster.
A new rapid test developed by Duke University researchers can measure patient immunity against multiple COVID-19 variants like Omicron and Delta. The CoVariant-SCAN test uses a polymer brush coating to detect neutralizing antibodies, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of antibody effectiveness.
A new study found that vaccinated UK healthcare workers who were previously infected with different COVID-19 variants show varying levels of protection against new variants. The results suggest that the sequence of variant exposure influences immunogenicity profiles, highlighting the need for tailored vaccine development.
A new approach for identifying shared patterns in immune cell receptor sequences may help determine if a person has previously been infected or vaccinated against a given pathogen. Researchers have developed software called tcrdist3 to facilitate this process.
Researchers discovered Roquin's role in controlling immune cell activation and autoimmunity. Mutations can improve anti-tumor responses.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prostacyclin treatment reduced damage to vital organs and halved mortality rates among critically ill Covid-19 patients. The research team hopes to investigate larger patient populations in future studies.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.