Articles tagged with Immunology
Researchers have identified a potential new strategy for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive type of adult brain cancer. Disabling a protein called ADAR1 can stall GBM cell proliferation while reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to an anti-tumoral state.
Ana Campos Codo, a Weill Cornell Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Ph.D. student, has been selected for the 2025 cohort of the HHMI Gilliam Fellows Program. The program provides $65,000/year support for up to three years to students and their faculty thesis advisors.
A study by Umeå University and Ghent University reveals that immune cells orchestrate the mobilization of zinc to fight microbes, making them more vulnerable. The balance of trace metals in the immune system plays a crucial role in the efficiency of neutrophils to kill microbes.
Researchers developed a high-volume method to rapidly build and test large numbers of antibodies at once, accelerating antibody research and treatment development. The oPool+ display platform has potential applications in influenza vaccination research, infectious disease treatment, and cancer research.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that basophils suppress lung inflammation during ARDS recovery, suggesting potential treatment strategies. Basophils release interleukin-4, which helps immune cells coordinate responses and alleviate lung inflammation.
Cachexia affects connections between brain and immune system, reducing motivation in cancer patients. Patient-reported symptoms are invaluable data points that may help researchers better understand disease progression.
A team of scientists has developed a protein-based therapeutic tool called Crunch to target and remove specific living cells, such as cancer cells or overactive immune cells. The new system uses the body's natural waste removal system to clear out unwanted cells, offering hope for improved treatments.
Patients with genetic dilated cardiomyopathy who experience severe arrhythmias are at an elevated risk of developing advanced heart failure and requiring a heart transplant. Genetic mutations in genes associated with severe arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death increase the risk of serious heart failure complications.
Researchers develop a therapeutic vaccination concept using silica nanoparticles to target HPV-related tumors. The vaccine activates cytotoxic T cells to destroy cancer cells, with promising results in mice models.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that zeaxanthin, a plant-derived carotenoid, strengthens the activity of immune cells that kill tumor cells. The findings suggest that zeaxanthin could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 56 ME/CFS patients and 52 healthy controls, revealing disruptions in metabolic processes and immune dysregulation. The study suggests specific intracellular pathways correlate with symptoms, leading to potential biomarkers for targeted interventions.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy helped stabilize metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in some patients. The median response duration was 7.6 months, with cancer stabilization occurring in 64% of patients.
Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers discovered that GLP-2 analogs reshape the intestinal environment by expanding villi and crypts, increasing regulatory T cells, and improving nutrient absorption. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with short bowel syndrome and potentially benefits immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers identified three distinct molecular subtypes of follicular lymphoma, offering insights into personalized treatment plans. The subtypes C1, C2, and C3 differ in their genetic profiles and tumor microenvironments, guiding the use of specific therapies.
Dendritic cells, key immune messengers, respond differently to vaccine elements, with some promoting a calm and balanced response and others driving a full immune attack. Researchers have mapped these reactions using cutting-edge methods, revealing the potential for safer and more effective vaccines.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to study biochemical processes that impair the immune system's ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. The method involves tracking RNA-binding proteins and extracellular vesicles, which can compromise immunotherapy.
A team of researchers at the University of Cologne discovered a fundamental biological mechanism connecting STING to inflammatory cell death, which underlies SAVI. Inhibiting programmed cell death alleviated disease symptoms in a preclinical mouse model.
Researchers develop AI-based model for structural analysis of antibodies, offering precision in less time. The S2ALM model integrates sequence and structure, predicting missing information with high accuracy.
Researchers discovered a multi-faceted mechanism behind ASD, revealing the gut microbiota and host immune system's influence on disease progression. Precision-selected probiotics restored metabolic balance, reduced neuroinflammation, and ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in ASD mouse models.
Scientists have created a detailed map of cell behavior in the small intestine of people with coeliac disease using single-cell RNA sequencing. The study found that immune signals from immune system proteins encourage fibroblasts to support changes in the gut lining, suggesting communication between cells plays a key role in the disease.
Researchers at Peking Union Medical College Hospital have developed bi-functional molecules combining PD-1 blockade with precision IL-2 delivery to revive 'sleepy' T cells. This combination enhances immune cell response, reducing toxicity and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that maternal antibodies in breast milk bind to bacteria in the neonatal gut, regulating the immune response and preventing inflammation. This discovery may have implications for human infants, who receive essential immunoglobulin G antibodies from their mothers.
Researchers found that pembrolizumab shrank or eliminated tumors in nearly 90% of participants with desmoplastic melanoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. The therapy offers a less invasive approach compared to surgery or radiation.
Blum investigates how the immune system interprets what we eat, exploring mechanisms of oral tolerance and signaling that help our bodies tolerate most foods. Her research could enable new immunotherapy strategies for preventing or treating food allergies.
The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant is supporting innovative research projects in blood cancer therapy, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The grant, worth almost €1 million, will support young scientists with a focus on transplant immunology and novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
A team of researchers at Mizzou identified which immune cells in pigs have receptors most reactive to influenza. This knowledge may help develop improved therapies or vaccines for both species. The study's findings could also aid in the creation of more effective flu vaccines that provide immunity for longer periods.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded four-year grants to 22 early-career scientists, enabling them to uncover fundamental insights about human health and disease. The selected researchers will explore various topics, including gut bacteria's role in metabolic diseases and the development of the human brain.
A novel approach combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a MET inhibitor enhances treatment response and limits tumor growth in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The strategy slows tumor progression and improves survival outcomes by facilitating the effectiveness of standard treatment.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine generates nearly identical antibodies to those following a natural infection, providing strong protection against the earliest life stage of malaria parasites. This long-lasting immunity is effective without requiring further adaptation.
A team of researchers identified a complex network of regulatory proteins responsible for triggering the most appropriate immune response in macrophages. This study offers new insights into macrophage biology and sheds light on how these cells coordinate their responses to various pathogens.
Researchers identify key symptom categories and biomarkers for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune brain condition. Clinical manifestations suggest the presence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis through NMDA antibody checks, uric acid levels, C-reactive protein, and thyroid-related hormones.
Researchers have developed a research pipeline to create 'universal vaccines' that can address broad viral families and mutated variants. The vaccine design aims to neutralize emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and other viruses with pandemic potential.
Distinct immune pathways involving leukotrienes drive anaphylactic response in food allergies, with genetic variants influencing susceptibility. The drug Zileuton shows promise in blocking this life-threatening response.
Researchers found that bystander CAR-negative CD8+ T cells expanded after CAR-T cell therapy and propagated with bispecific antibody treatment, leading to complete tumor remission. This study supports a new therapeutic effect of bystander T cells in combination with CAR-T and BsAb therapies.
Researchers discovered that our bodies add sugars to RNA, shielding it from the immune system. This 'sugarcoating' prevents inflammation and helps clean up dead cells.
Researchers have developed acupoint-delivered nanovaccines that ignite dual-niche immunological priming, recruiting CD11b⁺ dendritic cells and flooding lymph nodes with nanoparticles. This approach delivers significantly higher immune responses, including 6-fold more OVA-specific CTLs and 10^3 -fold higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers.
Researchers have discovered that glucose aids in T cells' internal communication and boosts their cancer-fighting abilities. T cells allocate significant portions of glucose to build glycosphingolipids, essential for protein production and lipid raft formation, which enhances cell signaling and tumor control.
Researchers have discovered a novel microbial consortium called AUN that produces exceptional tumor eradication in both murine and human cancer models. The therapy exhibits high biocompatibility and minimal side effects, offering a long-awaited solution for immunocompromised patients.
Researchers explore how immune balance affects reproductive success in female mammals, from mating to birth. They find that immune balance is crucial for reproductive success, and that different stages of reproduction require specific immune shifts.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combining country-level information with individual-level variables can improve the identification of soil-transmitted helminth infections among migrant populations. Researchers found that country-level indicators are stronger predictors than individual-level variable...
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified virtual memory T cells, a specialized group of immune cells, which provide nonspecific immunity for infants early in life. These cells are a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, allowing the adaptive immune system time to develop true memory.
Researchers developed a test to detect early-stage solid tumors using a blood sample, identifying patterns in amino acid concentrations that can translate into diagnostic signals. The test achieved an 87% positive rate and showed potential for precision medicine in choosing treatments.
A study of ovarian tumor immune landscapes reveals four distinct immunologic subtypes, with those with T cells surviving longer and having better outcomes. The researchers also found that myeloid cells play a key role in reestablishing the immune landscape upon recurrence.
A global study found that cancer immunotherapies carry a hidden risk: cholestasis, a serious liver condition. Researchers urge aggressive monitoring of liver function, particularly in younger adults and women.
A decade-long study reveals that the source of dietary fat, not adiposity itself, is the primary factor influencing tumor growth in obese mice. High-fat diets derived from animal fats compromise anti-tumor immunity and accelerate tumor growth, while plant-based fats have a neutral effect.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
A multicenter study found influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in children, with a 27% mortality rate. Survivors often experience neurological difficulties, emphasizing the need for rapid treatment and vaccination to prevent ANE.
Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that PD-1 plays a critical role in forming long-term immune defenders in the skin. Blocking PD-1 too early can disrupt this process, leading to side effects. The study challenges current understanding of PD-1 and may impact cancer treatments.
Researchers discovered that immune cells called T cells are abundant in mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with some relocating from the gut. This finding may help explain the benefits of breastfeeding and inform dietary decisions to enhance breast milk production and quality.
Researchers found that certain antiviral genes become less active with age in people with lupus, leading to fewer inflammatory proteins. This reversal of 'inflammaging' may explain why symptoms improve in some older patients, allowing them to approach healthy aging.
Diana Hargreaves will receive $1 million to advance her project on improving immunotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. Her previous work identified better drug targets for cancers with SWI/SNF mutations, leading to breakthroughs in treating difficult-to-treat cancers.
Research found that chronic exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 air pollutants activates harmful allergic-like immune responses in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. The study suggests targeting oxidative stress or modulating NRF2 activity could be a new strategy to treat pollution-induced allergic inflammation.
A study published in Nature found that autoantibodies can tilt the odds dramatically toward shrinking tumors and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Certain autoantibodies linked to better clinical outcomes could reveal cancer's weak spots and point to new targets for treatment.
Researchers developed an IBDV VP2 subunit vaccine that induces specific antibodies and protects against bursal atrophy. The study found that using certain adjuvants, such as Montanide ISA 78 VG, enhances the protective effects of the vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in developing nanoparticles that not only deliver drugs but also contribute to treatment. Their proof-of-concept study shows that particles can be armed with therapeutic potential, revolutionizing the field of nanomedicine.
Conventional dendritic cells have been found to originate from both myeloid and lymphoid progenitors, revealing their unique functions and developmental pathways. These lymphoid-derived cDCs exhibit potent functions in immune suppression and allergy induction, and follow diverse developmental pathways.
A new Cornell University research study reveals that juvenile and subadult bats are the most likely to spread new coronaviruses to other species. Young bats shed viruses more easily when weaned, leading to a high-risk scenario for emerging novel viruses.
Researchers have discovered a way to train the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, including those that cause metastases. The new treatment induces immunogenic cell death, releasing warning signals that teach the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
A new Korea University study provides the first species-specific health risk estimates for indoor airborne microbes based on animal toxicity data. The research determines that exposure to fungi may be unsafe even at levels below current guidelines, while bacteria are within existing regulatory limits.