Articles tagged with Immunology
Scientists at the Stowers Institute and University of Georgia discover how Cryptococcus neoformans thrives, identifying over 300 potential targets for novel antifungal drugs. The study provides an atlas for developing new therapies to combat this lethal fungus.
Researchers discover iguratimod, a rheumatoid arthritis drug, effectively treats excessive COVID-19 inflammation in mice by maintaining antiviral immune responses. The study provides hope for patients with severe COVID-19-related cytokine storms.
Sara Poletti's research reveals how childhood trauma triggers persistent neuroinflammation pathways and alters brain structure, creating lifelong vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Her work identifies biological markers of trauma and explores prevention strategies to reduce mental illness odds.
A new study has identified a way to target the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (vUNG) that helps HSV-1 evade the immune system, allowing reactivation of APOBEC1 and improving survival in infected mice. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HSV-1 encephalitis by strengthening brain immunity.
Combining immunotherapy drug dostarlimab with standard chemotherapy improved survival and reduced symptoms in patients with advanced endometrial cancer. Patients lived up to 5.5 months longer with fewer side effects, outweighing risks.
Researchers have found that soft tumour tissue enables cancer cells to hide from the immune system, potentially speeding up disease progression. This discovery may help doctors identify patients unlikely to benefit from immunotherapy, guiding them towards alternative treatments.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new review highlights the role of neutrophils and NETs in kidney diseases, revealing an overactive immune response can damage the kidneys. Targeting neutrophils and NETs could lead to a major shift in treatment, with potential therapies showing promising results in clinical trials.
A study reveals PD-1 is a deeply conserved feature across jawed vertebrates, with its discovery in sharks and bony fishes indicating immune restraint via PD-1. Key findings include well-conserved hydrogen bonds between PD-1 and PD-L1, and a conserved role for PD-1 as an immune checkpoint.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered a coordinated network of four cell types crucial for preventing immune reactions to food. This network is initiated by ROR-gamma-t cells, which temporarily suspend tolerance mechanisms to combat infection, and then resume when the threat has passed.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have made new discoveries about BCG therapy, which has been shown to reprogram and amplify immune cells in the bone marrow, boosting the body's ability to fight cancer. The findings could lead to improved immunotherapies for various types of cancer.
The BIAL Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 4th edition of its international award, recognizing exceptional work in biomedical research published within the last decade. Nominations are open until June 30, with a significant increase in prize amount to €350,000.
Researchers identify five distinct immunotypes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, shedding light on why current immunotherapies fail. The study's findings highlight the need for immune-based assessments to guide treatment decisions and suggest a new approach to personalized medicine.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created mirror-image molecules that both directly attack bacterial membranes and stimulate the immune system. The dual-action peptides have shown promise in treating infections by reducing bacterial counts and speeding healing, while also promoting sustained immune response.
A study investigated immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in Latin American patients with advanced liver cancer treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. Most irAEs were mild or moderate and resolved within a month, without impacting overall survival.
A UCLA study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can significantly enhance the ability of T cells to fight cancer and suppress tumor growth across various cancer types in mouse and human tumor models. SSRIs increased access to serotonin signals, making killer T cells happier and more effective at killing cancer c...
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that CD4+ T cells target Chikungunya virus, leading to chronic inflammation and joint pain. The study suggests that these monofunctional T cells may be the culprits behind arthritis-like symptoms in CHIKV patients.
A new study at the University of Turku identified conditions under which Bexmarilimab activates the immune system against cancer. The drug was shown to trigger B cell-mediated immune responses in healthy tissue adjacent to tumors. This could lead to more accurate patient selection and improved treatment outcomes.
Patients with mitochondrial diseases face serious health issues, and a new study reveals that damaged mitochondria put the immune system on overdrive, leading to severe infections. The researchers identified specific molecules that could be targeted with new treatments to protect this vulnerable population.
Research from Babraham Institute uncovers importance of RNA binding proteins in regulatory T cell function. The study sheds light on how the immune system maintains balance and forms foundation for understanding age-related inflammation.
Researchers at KAIST have identified a critical protein called SLIRP that acts as an 'immune switch' regulating immune responses to viruses and autoimmune diseases. Suppressing SLIRP can alleviate abnormal immune responses in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, coronavirus, and encephalomyocarditis virus infection.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers identifies anti-TFAM antibodies as a significant risk factor for thrombotic events in people with lupus. These antibodies attack an essential protein crucial for maintaining the health of mitochondria, leading to damage and increased risk of blood clots.
A team of researchers investigated the immune response to the yellow fever vaccine, discovering that specific cell types respond to interferons and a key molecule SIGLEC-1 becomes prominent after vaccination, associated with rapid antibody formation.
A new study uses explainable machine learning to predict metastasis and mortality in children with medulloblastoma, identifying key immune factors driving risk. The model provides a transparent approach to prognostic accuracy and supports personalized clinical decision-making.
Researchers uncover pivotal role of cyclic dinucleotides in triggering bacterial immune response, leading to rapid and robust activation of defenses. The study provides a unified model for how CDNs trigger membrane-targeting immune responses across diverse immune systems.
The new Epigraph vaccine developed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln virologist Eric Weaver protects against H1N1 swine flu and can also protect against influenza in humans and birds. The vaccine significantly outperformed commercial vaccines, providing protection for up to a decade.
Researchers discovered that ascites fluid produced by ovarian cancer suppresses cytotoxic lymphocytes, crippling immune cells' ability to kill cancer cells. Fats in ascites cripple NK cells, T cells, and innate T cells, which are attractive candidates for cellular immunotherapies.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science demonstrates a critical enzyme pathway in maintaining immune cell activity. The research suggests that histone deacetylase (Hdac1) plays a crucial role in preventing excessive decline of effectiveness in exhausted cells.
A study found that co-infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus suppresses immune responses, leading to worsened lung function decline in patients with cystic fibrosis and COPD. The presence of both bacteria together reduces the production of key immune signalling molecules, effectively dampening the body's inflam...
A review in Cancer Biology & Medicine explores the potential of AI to decode complex biological data for personalized cancer care. By integrating genomics, medical imaging, and pathology, AI excels at processing vast quantities of genomic and multi-omic data.
A new study found that women with the most common autoimmune diseases die from cardiovascular disease more frequently than men. This highlights the need for improved CVD risk management in these patients.
Monoclonal antibody nirsevimab provides strong real-world protection against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants. The analysis found that nirsevimab reduces hospitalization rates by 83% and intensive care admissions by 81% in children aged 12 months and younger.
Researchers have shown that good gut bacteria can manipulate the immune system's response, leading to rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that T cells in the gut can transform into super-powerful and potent cells that attack the body's tissues.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered a crucial pathway to preserve thymic function as we age. The study found that increasing fibroblast growth factor FGF21 can help maintain thymus size and function, allowing for a broader range of T-cells to develop.
Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified biomarkers in the blood associated with long COVID symptoms, particularly severe respiratory disorders. The study found that these biomarkers are also linked to inflammatory signal pathways involved in cell death and lung damage.
Research at the University of Bristol has linked mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia to immune response, suggesting a fundamental change in understanding causal mechanisms. The study identified 29 potential biomarkers that could be used for novel therapeutics in mental health conditions.
Researchers created a comprehensive human T cell reference for 68 subtypes and states, alongside the STCAT tool, achieving 28% higher accuracy than existing methods. The tool allows users to browse T cell expression profiles and analyze customized scRNA-seq data.
A team of researchers has identified a novel oncometabolite that accumulates in tumors and impairs immune cells' ability to fight cancer. The study highlights how the metabolic environment of tumors influences T cell function, opening new possibilities for improving cancer immunotherapy by targeting tumor metabolism.
Researchers from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw discovered a crucial role of enzyme TENT5A in extending poly(A) tails of therapeutic mRNA molecules, making them more stable and effective. Macrophages play a key role in vaccine effectiveness, capturing and neutralizing 'intruders' after administration.
Researchers developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays that can be customized for medical imaging, sensor technology, and environmental protection. These tiny clay-based materials exhibit high brightness and versatility, enabling precise tuning of optical properties.
Researchers have found that a specific protein modification to the immune protein MDA5 can block viral replication and reduce heart inflammation. The study's findings could lead to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral treatments that target multiple viruses.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
Research reveals pregnancy-induced immune shifts affecting disease susceptibility and delivery outcomes, with adaptations in T cells, B cells, and monocytes identified across stages.
A recent study published in Cell revealed that a specific intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies by breaking the threshold between friend and foe in the gut. Researchers at WashU Medicine identified this cell as RORγt+ dendritic cells, which maintain tolerance to harmless food allergens, preventing allergic reactions.
Scientists at Nano Life Science Institute developed engineered EVs that activate immune cells inside tumors, enhancing immune responses while reducing harmful side effects. The breakthrough could lead to more targeted and effective cancer therapies with fewer side effects.
T cells with low Bach2 levels accumulate in affected areas, leading to chronic symptoms. Modulating Bach2 levels may help reduce atopic dermatitis chronicity.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method to diagnose COPD by analyzing protein levels in nasal lavage. The study found that elevated IL-26 levels can indicate an early phase of the disease, and may lead to new treatment strategies targeting this cytokine.
Researchers found that NADPH oxidase 2/ reactive oxygen species pathway exacerbates periodontitis in mice with colitis. NOX2 inhibitors reduce ROS levels and inflammation, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for patients with both conditions.
Researchers developed a new approach to strengthen NK cells' fight against tumors by using CRISPR/Cas9 to eliminate the SMAD4 gene, making them resistant to TGF-β and Activin A molecules. The modified cells showed greater capacity to control tumor growth in both laboratory models and mice.
Researchers found that ultrafine bubble showers significantly suppressed inflammation in mice with atopic dermatitis caused by external factors. The treatment also improved skin protective barrier proteins. However, no significant effects were seen in mice with atopic dermatitis caused by genetic factors.
A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.
Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells gain a survival edge by carrying copies of critical cancer genes on circular pieces of DNA outside chromosomes. The discovery highlights the importance of targeting extrachromosomal DNA in treating the disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that plasma cells are programmed from birth to migrate to protected sites in the body, where they produce large amounts of antibodies. High expression of integrin β7 is an excellent marker for these cells' ability to home to the bone marrow.
Research finds that certain viral antibodies and genetic risk factors can increase MS risk, with elevated antibody levels combined with a specific gene variant associated with strong increased risk. The study also identifies potential biomarkers for early diagnosis.
A new study found that white blood cells that remember past inflammation events are quick to overreact, raising the risk of blood clots. Researchers discovered that these immune cells, called myeloid cells, have increased blood-clotting activity long after the initial inflammatory event.
A team of researchers has identified a critical signaling pathway involved in the recruitment of CD8+ T cells into atherosclerotic plaques. This discovery provides new potential therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
Research reveals that even a single night of sleep deprivation can alter the profile of immune cells, similar to those found in individuals with obesity. This suggests that the immune system is highly sensitive to sleep patterns and may contribute to long-term inflammatory states and increased risk of disease.
A new study introduces Mal-ID, a machine learning framework that analyzes immune receptor datasets to identify disease signatures. It achieved high classification accuracy in distinguishing six distinct disease states with a multiclass AUROC score of 0.986.
Researchers have discovered double negative memory B cells, a novel subset of immune cells that are more dysfunctional when in close contact with tumors. These cells may be a useful diagnostic marker and a potential target for developing new immunotherapies.