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Study uncovers hidden immune remodeling in pneumocystis pneumonia, points to new therapeutic target

Researchers discovered a unique macrophage subset in pneumocystis pneumonia, which exhibited strong anti-inflammatory features and activated pro-proliferative pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of the MAPK pathway reversed this expansion, reducing immune suppression and paving the way for novel treatments.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalInfectious Diseases & Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

Scientists uncover that albumin is prevented from crossing the placenta – open opportunities for design of long-acting biologic medicines with limited fetal exposure

Researchers uncover the placenta distinguishes between antibodies and albumin, allowing for the design of long-acting biologic medicines with reduced fetal exposure. Fusion of IgG antibodies to albumin inhibits transport across the placenta, enabling the development of safer treatments during pregnancy.

UCLA researchers receive NIH grant to boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are developing drug-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for melanoma and potentially other cancers. They identified two promising compounds that could strengthen T cell interaction with cancer cells or make tumor cells more susceptible to destruction by T cells.

First immune pathway discovered that stops a normally harmless fungus spreading through the body and causing deadly disease

A study by King's College London has identified an immune pathway that prevents a normally harmless fungus from developing into a fatal infection. The IL-1 family signalling plays a critical role in containing the fungus, suggesting it may be a broader defence mechanism against other fungal species.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Immune cells may hold the key to fighting obesity-induced muscle dysfunction

A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals that deleting transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) from macrophages enhances muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function. The research found that this approach protected against obesity-related muscle wasting and improved exercise performance.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Flexible bioelectronics armed to the teeth

Researchers developed a flexible, battery-free hydrogel bioelectronic patch that wirelessly monitors periodontal inflammation and delivers localized miRNA therapy. The system successfully distinguished MMP-9 levels between healthy volunteers and patients with periodontal disease.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2026

Nanjing University team proposes PIEM concept to reshape microbiome research

The PIEM concept introduces a new framework for studying persistent intracellular extraintestinal microbes, which reside within internal tissues and cells. Microbiome research has long focused on barrier surfaces, but PIEMs offer fresh perspectives on host–microbe relationships and the pathogenesis of complex diseases.

SourceImmunity & Inflammation·JournalImmunity & Inflammation·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 29, 2026

Building your immunity: Tissue-resident immune cells defend human lungs from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections

A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Researchers identify useful tool for diagnosing endocrine dysfunction in sick foals

A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that an AVP stimulation test can reliably diagnose endocrine dysfunction in sick foals. The test, which involves administering arginine vasopressin to stimulate the release of hormones, showed promising results in detecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis (HPAA) dys...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2026

Immune cells use previously unknown pathway to eliminate AML

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which T cells attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The discovery reveals that AML cells use a CD64-dependent pathway to evade traditional MHC recognition, potentially explaining why AML is sensitive to immune-based treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2026

India’s immunization program reduced child mortality but highlights need for coordinating health, education policies

A new study by University of Notre Dame economist Santosh Kumar Gautam found that India's universal immunization programme significantly reduced infant and under-five mortality rates. However, the programme had mixed effects on educational attainment, with some regions seeing increased primary school completion while others experienced...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Population Economics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 14, 2026