Researchers developed an immune-capable 'cervix-on-a-Chip' model to study sexually transmitted infections (STIs), enabling a more accurate understanding of these conditions and the potential for better treatments. The model replicated key aspects of human biology, including the cervical microenvironment, microbiomes, and immune system.
Research found that sleep and diet impact immune cell proportions and protein expression, with long-term late sleep onset triggering inflammation. The study's indexes reflect human immune health or chronic diseases, providing a foundation for future health assessment and management.
A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Research systematically maps how bacterial metabolites influence disease progression and immune cell functions, highlighting their dual effects on the body. The review emphasizes the need for holistic regulation of metabolite profiles to achieve precision interventions.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that the Amazon molly's ability to reproduce asexually is due to gene conversion, which preserves and repairs DNA inherited from both parent species. This process allows the fish to maintain genetic health despite millennia of cloning.
Researchers have discovered a new biomarker for immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, which is an autoimmune disease that can lead to kidney failure. Complement pathway proteins, including CFHR1, were found to be overexpressed in patients with IgA nephropathy, suggesting a potential treatment target and diagnostic marker.
Researchers have developed a new system to map gene expression across whole mouse bodies, providing a toolkit for studying molecular and cellular processes. The technique allows for the analysis of inflammation in every cell type and organ tissue, paving the way for a 'virtual mouse' model that could be used for research.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped immune gene variation across multiple global populations, identifying common genetic variants that affect antibody production. The findings may contribute to understanding infection susceptibility and inform vaccine design.
A transcription factor phosphorylation switch, OsAHL23, dynamically balances immune responses and growth in rice. The switch is precisely controlled by the kinase OsMPK5 and phosphatase PP2A-A.
Ludwig Lausanne's Ping-Chih Ho has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his distinguished contributions to immune metabolism. His research focuses on elucidating the role of metabolism in anti-tumor immunity and advancing cancer therapy.
Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.
A nationwide survey in Switzerland found that HPV vaccination uptake among adults was lower than among adolescents, with only 27% of those aged 18-45 vaccinated. The survey also revealed significant differences between genders, age groups, and levels of knowledge about HPV, highlighting the need for targeted information and tailored co...
A recent review highlights how immune cells synthesize and release neurotransmitters to modulate immune responses, blurring the boundaries between the nervous and immune systems.
A new study suggests that autoantibodies from Long COVID patients can induce persistent pain-like symptoms in mice, providing evidence for a potential causal role of autoantibodies in the condition. The research also highlights distinct biological subgroups and offers hope for targeted antibody-based therapies.
Researchers discovered a new layer of defense in the lungs, where specialized immune cells coordinate a local response to viral infections. The study found that these cells produce a protein called HIF-1α, which activates neighboring immune cells to mount a coordinated defense.
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
A systematic review highlights the biological mechanisms linking chronic stress to cancer course, including HPA axis activation and immune suppression. Chronic stress affects tumor growth, treatment resistance, and patient outcomes differently across various cancers.
A team of researchers has developed a novel 3D atlas technology, enabling comprehensive understanding of cell distribution across entire organs or the whole organism. This innovation combines with existing gene expression data to advance disease understanding and create new indicators.
Researchers discovered VISTA as a critical immune checkpoint that balances immune activation and inflammation resolution during kidney injury. Administering exogenous VISTA protein shows potent protection against acute kidney injury and its progression to chronic disease.
Researchers at Linköping University found that an existing medication can restore immune cell function in people with HIV. The study showed that the medication blocks type I interferon and restored the function of immune cells, potentially improving health outcomes.
Researchers have created tiny antibody fragments that can be made directly inside human cells, where they bind to proteins linked to disease. The study found that electrical charge plays a crucial role in whether these antibody fragments remain stable and usable inside cells.
Research reveals that TGF-β1 plays a critical role in fibrotic scar tissue formation, limiting neural regeneration and recovery after spinal cord injury. Inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling reduces fibrotic scarring and improves functional recovery.
New research reveals how psychological stress worsens atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, by activating a specific neural pathway. This pathway links the brain to immune responses in the skin, leading to increased inflammation and worsening symptoms.
Researchers identified Mrep, a macrophage population, that promotes muscle repair under normal conditions but triggers heterotopic ossification in FOP. Transplanting Mrep improves muscle repair in FOP mouse models, suggesting therapeutic approaches targeting Mrep could be effective.
Scientists have discovered that cancer cells exploit healthy lung cells to support metastatic tumor growth in the lungs. Decreasing lipid production in lung cells can hinder cancer growth. The study suggests targeting lung cell lipid production as a new approach to treating lung cancer.
Researchers reveal that skin-cell calcium channel TRPV3 is activated by plant-derived fragrant molecules, leading to enhanced immune responses and potential new vaccine adjuvants. The study provides a novel understanding of immune crosstalk and offers a safer approach to enhancing vaccine efficacy.
Researchers have identified BCMA as a key switch maintaining harmful IgA-producing plasma cells in IgA nephropathy. A proof-of-concept study using BCMA-targeted therapy showed a deep reduction in serum IgA levels in cynomolgus monkeys, providing a robust scientific rationale for repurposing BCMA-directed treatments for IgAN.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
Bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis release lactic acid in wounds, suppressing immune cells and preventing them from fighting infections. This creates an environment where other bacteria can take hold, leading to persistent and hard-to-treat wound infections.
The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.
A study in mice suggests that matcha may reduce the need to sneeze in people with nasal allergies, suppressing brainstem neuronal activation without changing major immune markers. The findings provide a potential, food-based option to complement standard care for allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Researchers discover a potential chemotherapy agent that causes cancer cells to release signals similar to those released by infected cells, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to a new approach in cancer treatment, using lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to recruit the immune system as an ally.
A new study found that MYC amplification in metastatic prostate cancer is associated with reduced tumor immunogenicity, making it harder for the immune system to detect and attack the tumor. This reduction in immunogenicity was linked to poorer progression-free survival outcomes in patients with MYC-amplified tumors.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have designed a two-vaccine approach targeting T cell receptors and cancer-specific mutations, significantly improving tumor control and survival in preclinical models. The combination therapy, developed in collaboration with Geneos Therapeutics, offers a promising new tool for treating T cell lymphom...
NIK kinase's non-canonical NF-κB pathway is crucial for immune development and function, while its NF-κB-independent functions regulate cellular metabolism and mitochondrial health. Dysregulation of NIK is linked to various diseases, making it a promising therapeutic target.
A study published in the journal Immunity has discovered that resident macrophages play a key role in regulating eye pressure, suggesting a promising new target for therapies to prevent glaucoma. The findings highlight the importance of the immune system in maintaining healthy eye pressure.
Researchers developed an antibody test for Mpox that accurately identifies those with infection and vaccine-derived antibodies, helping authorities prioritize vaccine use and study disease transmission. The test, validated in Rwanda, uses only four key antibody signatures to ensure affordability and accessibility.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
A new Cornell University study reveals that exposure to diverse microbes and allergens as adults may worsen the development of allergic airway inflammation compared to newborns. Researchers found a break point where protection from microbial exposure might wane, depending on life stage and timing.
Researchers have developed genetically altered astrocytes that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) capable of clearing accumulations of amyloid-β in the brains of mice. These CAR-expressing astrocytes, called CAR-A, substantially reduced Aβ buildup and prevented disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...
Copper metabolism plays a crucial role in inflammatory bone diseases, with copper overload suppressing glycogen synthesis and increasing inflammatory activity. Researchers found that cuproptosis, a form of programmed cell death, can lead to bone weakening and osteoclast formation, providing a potential new therapeutic target.
Research reveals that salivary bacteria from gum disease alter gut metabolism, driving osteoclast activity and systemic bone loss. Microbial metabolites like indole-3-lactic acid inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity.
New MSK research reveals that the TCA cycle's waste-management function may present an opportunity against cancer, microplastics impair immune 'housekeeping' functions and TOX plays different roles in different immune cells. A new combination approach for treating advanced kidney cancer after immunotherapy has also been identified.
Researchers identified molecular defect in taste receptor cells due to reduced levels of PLCβ2 protein, which strengthens the signal before transmission to the brain. Taste cells that detect salty and sour flavors are less affected.
The James P. Allison Institute at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center appoints Eric Gardner, Betty Kim, Rodrigo Romero, and Hojong Yoon to advance immunotherapy research. These experts bring expertise in immune therapy resistance, cancer vaccines, bioengineering, tumor evolution, and drug development.
Researchers found that early precancerous cells in pancreas gather into specific clusters and interact with immune cells, weakening the body's ability to fight them. The study provides fresh insight into how pancreatic cancer may begin taking shape years before it is clinically detected.
New CAR T cells engineered to detect low levels of CD70 show promise in eradicating kidney, ovarian, and pancreatic tumors in preclinical models. This breakthrough provides a potential strategy for treating multiple solid tumor types with targeted immunotherapy.
A recent study led by Virginia Tech researchers found that certain medium-chain fats in infant formulas can strain the developing liver and lead to early signs of steatotic liver disease. Newborn pigs fed with these formulas accumulated liver fat faster than those fed long-chain fats, despite receiving the same calories and protein.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a webinar highlighting recent clinical advances in breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Researchers will present key findings from ASH and SABCS meetings, impacting treatment outcomes.
Immune cells have been found to selectively extract nuclear DNA from dying cells, a regulated cellular function that challenges traditional views of the nucleus. This discovery, known as nucleocytosis, may hold implications for understanding autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer, as well as informing drug development strategies.
The project aims to test whether reducing chronic inflammation triggered by DNA can help older adults stay healthier. The research focuses on retrotransposons, which become increasingly active with age, leading to tissue decline.
Researchers at UCLA have found a way to supercharge immune cells with a fuel source that tumors can't steal, dramatically improving their ability to survive and attack solid tumors. The approach enables T cells to import cellobiose and convert it into usable glucose inside the cell.
Researchers are developing an organ-on-a-chip platform to study immune rejection in pig-to-human liver transplantation, addressing a major hurdle in xenotransplantation. The project aims to generate data supporting future preclinical studies and bring xenotransplantation closer to clinical use.
Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University have identified three novel antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels that effectively target multidrug-resistant bacteria. The peptides, CdPG-3 and CdCATH, demonstrate strong antibacterial activity across Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
A large registry study identifies a specific genetic mismatch linked to severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after cord blood transplantation, tripling the risk of life-threatening complications. Researchers found that a particular HLA combination in donors and recipients increased aGVHD risk by threefold.
A new Immunology Center will accelerate discoveries in muscle immunology and immune responses to gene therapies. Klaudia Kuranda brings expertise in immunology, onco-immunology, and leadership experience to the center.
Researchers have engineered a novel CAR-T cell that can be switched off on demand using a cancer drug, offering improved safety and efficacy. The new system, known as DROP-CAR-T, uses a clinically approved drug to disrupt tumor cell binding, preserving the cells for continued treatment.