Articles tagged with Immunology
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a novel tool to help stratify rejection risk in kidney transplantation. They found that mismatching SIRP-alpha between donors and recipients contributes to worse rejection, scarring, and graft failure in humans, suggesting improved transplant outcomes.
Long-haul COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome share similar pathophysiologies, including oxidative stress, autoantibodies, and impaired mitochondrial energy conversion. These conditions also exhibit neurodegenerative outcomes, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of dementia.
Researchers have developed a 3D bio-printed model of lung tissue that closely mimics natural complexity, enabling better testing of respiratory diseases and drug development. The model can be adapted to include additional cell types or patient-derived cells, making it a powerful tool for personalized medicine and disease modeling.
Researchers at University of Missouri uncover the antiviral potential of defensins, tiny proteins with powerful antimicrobial properties. Defensins can block SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells, offering a promising approach to treating viral and bacterial infections.
Researchers identify new group of immune cells driving autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells in pancreas during cancer immunotherapy. JAK inhibitors, already FDA-approved for psoriasis and arthritis, show potential to prevent and even reverse type 1 diabetes in preclinical models.
Researchers from UCLA have developed innovative biomaterial strategies to mimic immunological synapses, enhancing T cell activation rates and long-term efficacy in CAR-T therapy. The approaches leverage flexible interfaces and mechanical properties to promote memory T cell formation and distribution.
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease found that melanin degradation is impaired in genetically engineered mice lacking the SLC26A4 gene, leading to chronic inflammation and macrophage activation. The researchers propose a novel pathological cascade where melanin accumulation exacerbates hearing loss in pigmented individuals.
Researchers create map of T cell responses to Chikungunya virus, shedding light on chronic disease triggers. They found that people with chronic disease have T cells targeting the same viral epitopes as those who cleared the virus.
A new study from UF Health reveals an antibody-drug conjugate that kills aggressive B cell malignancies while sparing healthy cells. The combination of cancer-hunting antibodies and tiancimycin, a natural compound found in soil microbes, shows promise as a powerful treatment option for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
A new study reveals how the body preserves long-term immune memory in the lungs after viral infection by relocating immune cells to nearby lymph nodes. Researchers identified the chemokine receptor CCR5 as the key molecule guiding this movement.
Researchers have deciphered a key mechanism for RNA therapeutics, explaining why certain modified RNAs evade the innate immune response. Pseudouridine modifications can avoid detection by pattern recognition receptors, such as TLR7 and TLR8, through impaired endolysosomal processing.
Scientists from Pusan National University discovered a genetic biomarker, FCGBP, that is strongly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and poor outcomes following lung transplantation. The finding may help identify high-risk patients and devise timely immunosuppressive treatments.
Researchers discovered a previously unappreciated mechanism by which CMV infects cells lining blood vessels and contributes to vascular disease. The finding highlights a new potential avenue for developing antiviral drugs and suggests other herpes viruses could use similar molecular structures to evade immune detection.
Scientists found that blocking PTGIR could help revitalize T cells in their battle against cancer. Prostacyclin interacts with PTGIR to lead to T cell exhaustion, which can be reversed by inhibiting this interaction.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that biological drugs used to treat severe asthma do not completely eradicate inflammatory cells. Researchers discovered an increase in blood levels of these cells during treatment, which could explain why inflammation often returns when treatment is tapered or discontinued. The study aims t...
The SEB Conference 2025 will feature over 500 talks on latest advances in experimental research across animal, plant and cell biology. The event highlights groundbreaking research in biomechanics, wildlife conservation, human disease and bio-inspired robotics.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that fire smoke exposure can alter the immune system on a cellular level, even in healthy individuals. Exposure to particulate matter, gases, and other compounds in fire smoke was linked to changes in immune cells, inflammation, and gene expression.
A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.
A new UVA Health study finds that stocking two twin packs of epinephrine autoinjectors and having campers leave their own at home is the most cost-effective strategy for residential camps. This approach comes with an estimated overall cost of $4.33 per camper.
Research found that macrophages use two independent pathways to regulate inflammatory and lysosomal responses to toxic particles. The study identified key transcription factors and signaling pathways involved, offering potential therapeutic opportunities to quell inflammation.
A new review identifies CHEK2 as a potential biomarker for predicting response to immunotherapy and suggests that combining CHEK2 inhibitors with existing therapies may enhance anti-tumor effects. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes in solid tumors.
Researchers developed a new approach to generate CAR T cells directly inside the body using targeted lipid nanoparticles, showing rapid and sustained immune reprogramming. This in vivo method holds promise for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases by harnessing a patient's own immune cells.
Deepshika Ramanan, a Salk Assistant Professor, has been recognized as a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar for her innovative research on maternal immunity and lactation. She will receive annual grants of up to $110,000 to conduct groundbreaking work in neuroscience, cancer, immunology, and pain.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.