Articles tagged with Immunology
A new study found that patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma may benefit from receiving immunotherapy earlier, with a significant increase in objective response rate. Researchers explored adding relatlimab to nivolumab and saw promising results in overcoming resistance to single-agent anti-PD-1.
Scientists have created a complex tissue model of human bone marrow using only human cells, replicating the cellular complexity of the body's 'blood factory'. This breakthrough reduces the need for animal experiments in blood cancer research and potentially enables personalized therapies.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara propose a cyst-targeted therapy using monoclonal antibodies to interrupt the runaway growth of fluid-filled sacs in polycystic kidney disease. The treatment, targeting a driver of cyst progression, shows promise in slowing or reversing the disease with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that immune cells in the gut follow an atypical pathway to produce antibodies providing long-term protection against viruses. The study could help guide the development of better vaccines for respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers have developed an innovative antibody-based enzyme switch called 'Switchbody', which is activated upon antigen binding. The switch's mechanism relies on a 'trap-and-release' process, offering new opportunities in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Researchers have identified a protein complex that drives T cell exhaustion in tumors and show that disrupting it can revive exhausted anti-tumor CTLs. The study's findings offer new hope for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in overcoming immune reactions behind human rejection of transplanted pig kidneys, paving the way for more successful clinical trials. The study reveals three major immune responses against the pig kidney and identifies potential biomarkers as early-warning systems for rejection.
A combination of immunotherapy drugs shows improved response rates and long-lasting tumor suppression in patients with mismatch repair-deficient and microsatellite instability-high cancers. The results broaden treatment options for these biologically aggressive cancers.
A new study identifies fatty acid elongase ELOVL5 as a key promoter of inflammation resolution in the lungs. The research reveals that ELOVL5 works through a dual mechanism to dampen inflammatory pathways and generate pro-resolving lipid signals.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Michele Ardolino is bridging scientific fields to unlock the mechanisms behind effective immune responses in cancer patients. They will study the interactions between the immune system, nervous system, and gut microbiome to design more personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a 'humanized' model of aortic valve calcification, enabling testing of potential treatments. The breakthrough could lead to new therapies to stop or reverse calcium buildup, improving outcomes for people with heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a skin patch test that can detect antibodies associated with COVID and flu infections. The test uses carbon nanotubes and is orders of magnitude more sensitive than existing tests.
Research at Amsterdam UMC found that early HIV treatment improves immune system function in the short term but leads to dysregulation in the long term. After six months of treatment, the immune system functions similarly to that of people without HIV, but this improvement is temporary and does not last beyond three years.
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal identified tumor-promoting keratinocytes linked to HPV infection and poor prognosis. These cells were found to interact with immune cells, promoting tumor proliferation and differentiation.
A recent review in the Chinese Medical Journal uncovers how circulating tumor cells evade immune elimination, highlighting their interactions with immune cells and blood components. The study suggests new therapeutic targets, including anti-platelet therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to combat cancer metastasis.
A randomized clinical trial has shown that rituximab is effective in preventing relapses and reducing the need for corticosteroids in adults with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. The study involved 66 adult patients treated with either rituximab or a placebo, with impressive results at the 49-week follow-up.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells shed their glycocalyx layer to move into tissues, changing the understanding of inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. This finding may lead to new approaches in developing drugs targeting immune cell movement and treating infections and inflammatory diseases.
Two landmark international studies published in The Lancet and Nature Medicine expose the need for faster recognition, better diagnostics, and personalized treatment pathways to combat pneumonia and sepsis. Irish ICUs face a shortage of beds, with implications for delayed care and increased mortality.
MIT researchers use messenger RNA to activate an immune pathway in nearby immune cells, triggering the destruction of tumors. The approach combines existing immunotherapy drugs and avoids side effects associated with large doses of STING activators.
Researchers have visualized intricate dynamics of heart cell interaction during repair, revealing how immune cells guide connective tissue and prevent overgrowth of scar tissue. The study provides a critical foundation for future research aimed at reducing scar formation and maintaining the heart's pumping capacity.
Researchers explore manganese's impact on cancer immunotherapy, highlighting its potential to boost anti-tumor effects and induce immunogenic cell death. The review aims to synthesize findings on the cGAS-STING pathway and Mn's overall role in immune checkpoint therapy.
A UCLA study finds that DNA copy-number changes enable melanoma cells to resist immune attacks, leading to tumor relapse. The researchers suggest a strategy to make tumors more prone to self-destruction after immune attacks, potentially extending the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Scientists discovered profound and specific changes in T cells as people age, leading to weaker immune responses to vaccines. This insight opens the door to designing more effective vaccines by compensating for age-related cellular changes.
The Allison Institute's third annual scientific symposium featured a panel discussion with five Nobel laureates, highlighting breakthroughs in cancer vaccines, immunotherapy, and immunology research. The event also recognized scientific achievement and leadership through award presentations.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles to target lung cancer. By manipulating these tiny messenger particles, scientists can deliver specific instructions to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Researchers have developed vitamin-engineered nanoplatforms that can overcome tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. These platforms integrate immunomodulation, precision drug delivery, and diagnostic capabilities, enabling targeted therapy and early detection of cancer.
A new study shows that eosinophils, typically linked to allergies, play a protective role against Candida infections by recognizing the fungus and releasing proteins that stop its growth. This discovery opens the door to new therapies that could strengthen natural defenses against life-threatening fungal infections.
Salk Institute researchers have determined the structure of HIV's integrase protein during its newly discovered function, enabling the development of better HIV therapeutics. The study reveals a surprising flexibility in the protein's architecture, which can interact with both DNA and RNA, paving the way for new integrase-targeting drugs.
The Stowers Institute has appointed its first AI Fellow, Sumner Magruder, to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in biological research. He will collaborate with researchers to design new algorithms and unlock insights from large datasets.
A genetic mutation previously associated with skin disorders like psoriasis also affects the intestine, leading to reduced gut motility and increased vulnerability to bacterial infections. This finding broadens our understanding of the connection between genetics, immune signaling, and gastrointestinal health.
A new Alliance trial is exploring the effectiveness of a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The study aims to improve disease control and quality of life for patients with limited treatment options.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's propose a unified approach to understand blood cell formation, identifying rare cell populations and gene regulatory networks. This breakthrough advances targeted therapies and stem cell engineering.
UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center oncologists and researchers will continue developing novel therapies using patients' own immune system to defeat cancer. The center's faculty and research facilities support clinical trials that bring new treatments to patients.
University of Missouri researchers are helping farmers prevent disease outbreaks by teaching biosecurity practices, such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes. They also provide guidance on safe composting methods to dispose of dead livestock, reducing the risk of disease spread.
Researchers found that ATG9A helps prevent inflammation by promoting autophagy-mediated cleanup of inflammatory proteins in skin cells. This mechanism limits TNF-driven STING activation and ZBP1-dependent cell death, preventing severe skin disease.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
Researchers developed a novel technology to attach 'fake targets' to tumor cells, enabling immune cells to attack regardless of antigen presence. The Univody platform showed promising results in animal models, suppressing tumor growth and triggering broader immune activation.
A study found that higher thymic health is associated with better outcomes in cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, including a 35% lower risk of cancer progression and 44% lower risk of death. Thymic health may serve as a non-invasive biomarker of adaptive immune competence in various cancers.
A comprehensive guide describes the effects of spaceflight on the immune system, including microgravity, cosmic radiation, and sleep disruptions. The study provides integrated mechanistic insights into how these stressors alter immune physiology, with potential relevance in aging research.
A study published in the Journal of Intensive Medicine found that moderate-dose corticosteroids improve sepsis patient recovery rates by stabilizing immune cells and reducing inflammation. The treatment also shows protective effects on the heart and vascular system, preventing cardiovascular failure and organ damage.
Han Xiao, a pioneer in medicinal chemistry, has been awarded the David W. Robertson Award for his contributions to therapeutic discovery. His research focuses on developing chemical tools to probe and manipulate biological systems, with a focus on cancer therapy.
Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University have identified key proteins produced by Helicobacter pylori that can trigger a strong immune response. By analyzing these proteins using immunoinformatics, the team has pinpointed potential vaccine targets to prevent stomach ulcers and cancer.
This study found that TNF-α is highly expressed in asthma patients' airways and induces bronchial fibroblasts to produce inflammatory cytokines. The upregulated genes are closely related to eosinophil or neutrophil inflammation, indicating a role for bronchial fibroblasts in airway inflammation.
A new lab-designed protein has been discovered to regulate blood glucose levels, offering a potential new treatment avenue for people with Type 1 diabetes. The substance combines insulin and glucagon into one molecule, signaling the liver to respond naturally.
A study published in Aging Cell suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help reverse changes in the immune system caused by menopause, leading to a healthier immune profile. Women taking HRT showed fewer inflammatory monocytes and stronger infection-fighting ability compared to age-matched controls.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to engineer CAR-NK cells that are less likely to be rejected by the patient's immune system, making them a promising treatment for cancer. The cells can destroy most cancer cells while evading the host immune system, and may offer a better safety profile than traditional CAR-T cells.
A multi-institutional study found that serially testing tumor samples can detect immune system activation in recurrent glioblastoma even when traditional imaging measures cannot. The researchers used multi-omic analysis and integrated data from various sources to show positive changes in the tumor microenvironment over time.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have identified a previously uncharacterized subset of immune cells called preTfr that play a critical role in preventing autoantibody production. In patients with severe COVID-19, these cells are significantly reduced, correlating with increased levels of harmful autoantibodies.
Three young scientists received top honors at the 2025 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists, each receiving a $250,000 prize for their innovative work on critical global issues. The awards recognize exceptional scientific achievement and innovation by U.S.-based researchers under 42 years old.
Professor Sakaguchi's Nobel Prize win recognizes his groundbreaking research on regulatory T cells, crucial for preventing excessive inflammation and autoimmune reactions. His work aims to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancer, and other conditions.
A newly identified antibody, 04_A06, has been found to block 98.5% of over 300 different HIV strains in laboratory tests. In humanized mice models, the antibody reduced viral load to undetectable levels, offering a promising approach for HIV prevention and treatment.
A Wayne State University study found that prenatal Zika virus exposure leads to sex-specific changes in a baby's immune system, affecting frontline immune cells. Males are more affected, with slower growth and an exaggerated inflammatory response.
Researchers at Aarhus University used mini-organs to show that cervical epithelial cells actively detect and combat infections, with uninfected cells becoming immune-active. This discovery opens opportunities for mucosal vaccines and targeted treatments against STIs and infertility.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that ALS is likely caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by inflammatory CD4+ T cells targeting specific proteins in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells may slow disease progression and prolong survival times.
The review highlights the critical roles of phospholipids in regulating immune cell migration, differentiation, and survival, as well as their regulatory effects on inflammation. Dysregulated phospholipid metabolism is linked to various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Chrysothemis Brown, an immunologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has been selected as a 2025 Freeman Hrabowski Scholar to pursue curiosity-driven research on early life immune development and tolerance. The award supports her lab's work in understanding immune tolerance and developing new treatments for immune-related dis...
Researchers have discovered myeloid cells in children's liver tumors that could be activated for treatment. This discovery provides new avenues for immunotherapy in childhood liver cancer.
Researchers identified two lymphocyte subpopulations associated with arsenic trioxide therapy for APL, the CD8 ISG T cells and NK NFκB cells, which provide new insights into its mechanism of action. ATO treatment also revitalized dysfunctional NK cells and remodelled immunoglobulin proteins.
The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating immune responses, inflammation, cell development, and proliferation. Research into its functions and mechanisms continues to uncover new breakthroughs in immunology and life sciences.