Articles tagged with Interferons
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A study found that at least 3.5% of patients with severe COVID-19 have genetic mutations in antiviral defense genes and 10% create 'auto-antibodies' that harm the immune system. These findings provide a potential explanation for why some people develop severe forms of the disease.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a critical role of interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF2) in maintaining the stemness of intestinal stem cells. IRF2-deficient mice exhibited impaired regenerative responses, highlighting its importance in preserving intestinal stem cell function.
Researchers analyzed 113 patients' immune responses to COVID-19, identifying common patterns that predict severe outcomes. High levels of alpha interferon and inflammasome activation were linked to poor outcomes.
A recent study found that type III interferons can fight viral infection while limiting inflammatory damage, but also increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial superinfections in the lung. The researchers caution that these interferons may be more harmful than beneficial when given later in the course of COVID-19.
Researchers tested interferon treatment for COVID-19 and found that timing and duration of exposure may impact bacterial susceptibility. Studies in mice suggest that type III interferons can cause damage to lung epithelium, increasing the risk of lethal superinfections.
A new study in Frontiers in Immunology found that treatment with interferon (IFN)-α2b significantly reduced the duration of detectable virus in upper respiratory tract and blood levels of inflammatory proteins IL-6 and CRP, suggesting potential for an effective antiviral intervention
A UHN-led international research team found that interferon-α2b accelerates virus clearance in COVID-19 patients by 7 days. Treatment also reduced levels of inflammatory markers IL-6 and CRP, benefiting public health efforts to slow the pandemic.
A two-week course of antiviral therapy with interferon beta-1b plus lopinavir-ritonavir and ribavirin has been found to be safe and more effective at reducing the duration of viral shedding than lopinavir-ritonavir alone in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The treatment combination also showed significant shortening of hospital...
Researchers identified subsets of cells in the lung, nasal passages, and intestine that express RNA for both proteins helping SARS-CoV-2 enter human cells. These findings may help guide scientists developing new treatments or repurposing existing drugs.
A new study has identified a molecular pathway responsible for the progression and spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By blocking the signaling pathway, researchers found that tumors grew and spread more slowly. The findings suggest that patients with low ELF5 protein levels should be given interferon-gamma signaling-block...
Researchers found that bats' unique immune response drives viruses to replicate faster, making them deadlier in humans. The study suggests that disrupting bat habitats could increase the threat of zoonosis.
Researchers exploring how chronic stress impacts brain function and increases risk of depression, finding link to complement system and inflammation in prefrontal cortex. Chronic stress may instigate destructive cycle leading to depression through immune response and inflammation.
A study explores blood-brain barrier leakage in CNS infections, implicating interferon gamma as a major contributor. Interferon gamma disrupts the barrier by initiating a signaling cascade that changes endothelial cell behavior.
Research found that interferon production alters placental development, potentially causing serious complications. Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins block syncytin fusion activity, preventing viral entry but also hindering fetal growth.
A UBC study found that beta interferon treatment for multiple sclerosis patients is associated with a 32% lower mortality risk compared to those who did not take the drug. The study followed nearly 6,000 people with MS in Canada and France over two decades.
Scientists have discovered a molecular cause of rare autoimmune disorders, including Singleton-Merten syndrome and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Mistakes in RNA proofreading lead to improper interferon signaling, triggering autoimmunity.
A recent study discovered a genetic regulatory mechanism that controls the production of interferon beta, which causes inflammation and activates immune cells. Interfering with specific enzymes involved in RNA methylation may represent a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases.
Repeated exposure to anti-viral signaling molecules trains the innate immune system to react more efficiently. Fibroblasts exhibit faster and greater activation of anti-viral genes after subsequent stimulations, indicating specific memory in the innate immune system.
A new study reveals the mechanistic relationship between cytokine IL-1ß, obesity, and colorectal cancer. Increased IL-1ß levels in obese mice activate multiple pathways leading to colon cancer. The study highlights the close linkage of obesity and inflammatory response, reflecting IL-1ß's broad actions.
Researchers have discovered that lupus patients' skin cells produce an excessive amount of interferon kappa, leading to increased sensitivity to UV light. The team's findings suggest that blocking this protein may help alleviate photosensitivity symptoms and potentially new treatments for the condition.
Researchers found that a protein called NS2B3 cleaves the STING protein in humans, but not in mice, allowing ZIKV to replicate. This study provides a molecular basis for the virus's restricted host tropism and may aid in developing novel drug and vaccine candidates.
Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti and Luke O'Neill were awarded the 2018 Seymour & Vivian Milstein Award for their major advances in understanding how our bodies recognize and respond to pathogens, leading to profound clinical benefits in treating diseases. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to cytokine and interferon research.
Researchers discovered a specific protein that reduces lung inflammation and improves survival in mice with the flu. The study found that administering this protein after infection improved survival rates by 40% compared to untreated mice.
A new vaccine approach developed at UCLA may help lower hospitalizations due to the flu. The researchers used genomics to identify and eliminate the virus' defense mechanisms, enabling a safe and highly effective vaccine candidate that can be taken as a nasal spray.
Researchers identified how HIV induces antiviral interferon-stimulated genes in infected cells to survive and spread, hindering the body's early immune response. The study aims to boost expression of these genes to stop virus replication.
Researchers found that NS1 suppresses the body's immune responses to viral infection, suggesting a new approach to combat influenza A virus infection. The study proposes developing a live attenuated vaccine based on an engineered influenza A virus lacking NS1 and designing antiviral drugs targeting NS1.
Researchers discuss routes of Zika virus transmission and its effects on pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and microcephaly. Therapeutic approaches aimed at blocking Zika virus transmission from mother to fetus are also presented.
A new form of pegylated interferon, TRK-560, has been shown to reduce hepatitis B virus infections more effectively than conventional agents. The novel compound's attachment of PEG reduces neutralizing antibodies and prevents protein cutting enzymes from cleaving it.
A comprehensive review article explores cytokine regulation of fibroblast behavior and extracellular matrix in the lung, shedding light on chronic inflammation. The study highlights the role of metabolic changes, age, and epigenetic mechanisms in affecting fibroblast activity and immune system cell populations.
A pilot study of an interferon drug has shown promising results in treating Ebola patients, with a 67% increase in survival rates compared to those receiving only supportive care. The treatment also relieved clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea earlier than those not treated with the drug.
Researchers at UTMB engineered Ebola virus variants to study the components disabling the human immune system. The study found that IIDs promote replication of viral particles in cells and counteract the activity of immune cells.
Scientists discovered that women are more susceptible to Zika infection due to a suppressed vaginal immune response. The delayed antiviral immune response allows the virus to remain undetected in the vagina, increasing the risk of fetal exposure during pregnancy.
STAT2, a protein associated with viral infections, also inhibits cell growth and regulates cellular processes. This discovery offers insights into overcoming limitations of interferon therapies and developing novel tools for studying STAT2 functionality.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab improved disability scores by at least one point in nearly 28% of participants, compared to 15% of those receiving interferon. The treatment also showed significant improvements in thinking skills and mobility without tremor or clumsy movements.
A landmark study published in eLife reveals that trisomy 21 consistently activates the interferon response, leading to increased interferon-stimulated genes and lower protein synthesis. This discovery has significant implications for understanding Down syndrome and its characteristic features.
The International Cytokine and Interferon Society has awarded Carl Nathan, John O'Shea, and Jan Vilcek for their outstanding contributions to cytokine and interferon research, leading to clinical benefits for thousands of patients. The award recognizes achievements in basic or applied fields, highlighting the critical role of interfero...
Cirrhosis patients experience impaired immunity due to gut bacteria migration into the liver. Scientists identify that Type-1 IFN released by immune cells incapacitates the immune system, leading to fatal bacterial infections. Strengthening the immune response may now treat life-threatening infections without antibiotics.
A new Yale study found that warmer body temperatures impaired key immune system proteins in human airway cells, but did not completely disable the immune response. Researchers also identified two additional mechanisms that contribute to defense against the cold virus at core body temperature.
A comprehensive review article examines the role of gut bacteria and viruses in MS development and progression. Alterations in gut microbiome composition may influence immune system activity and autoimmune disorders like MS.
A Phase 1 study found that NVR 3-778, a first-in-class HBV capsid assembly inhibitor, is well-tolerated when combined with pegylated interferon. The treatment reduced levels of hepatitis B more than NVR 3-778 alone, with the largest reduction seen in the combination group.
The elbasvir/grazoprevir combination was effective in HCV genotypes 1 and 4 with fewer overall side effects, resulting in an SVR12 of 99.2% compared to 90.5% for sofosbuvir/pegylated interferon. The new treatment demonstrated superior efficacy especially in hard-to-treat patients.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating lupus: interferon gamma. The cytokine stimulates immune cells and is involved in the formation of autoreactive B cells that produce autoantibodies, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made a significant discovery in how our immune system responds to TB, enabling the development of more effective vaccines and personalized therapies. The study highlights the importance of the protein Mal in cell signaling and its impact on responses to Interferon Gamma.
Current diagnostic techniques make aggressive treatment unnecessary for many patients with metastasized skin cancer. The Sunbelt Melanoma Trial found that interferon therapy offered no benefits for stage III melanoma patients with minimal lymph node involvement.
Researchers have successfully flipped macrophages from a pro-cancer, wound-repair promoting phenotype (M2) to an anti-tumor, kill-type (M1) phenotype. This breakthrough could lead to improved cancer immunotherapies by enhancing the body's natural killer cells' ability to target tumor tissue.
A new TSRI study defines an unexpected mechanism at work in an anti-autoimmune drug candidate, ozanimod. The researchers found that S1PR1 agonists directly target immune cells to slow the overproduction of proteins known to cause autoimmune disease.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new immune mechanism that begins working even before interferon is produced, helping to prevent illnesses. This breakthrough sheds light on why some people are more prone to viral infections than others.
A new study found that gamma interferon, an FDA-approved drug, completely protects mice from death when given either before or up to 24 hours after exposure to Ebola. The treatment targets macrophages and blocks the infection of those initial cell targets, preventing a second round of infection.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have found a new component of the interferon system that enhances the body's innate immune defenses while attacking a protein relied on by many viruses. This dual mechanism could lead to effective antiviral drugs and may explain improved survival rates in genetically engineered mice.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that Sendai virus C protein inhibits STAT1 activation after interferon stimulation, enabling the virus to evade the host immune response. This finding opens up new avenues for developing anti-viral drugs to overcome damage caused by interferons.
Researchers have discovered a way to trigger a preventive response to flu infections by boosting the level of IFITM3 protein in cells, preventing cell infection. The method involves inhibiting NEDD4 enzyme, which degrades IFITM3, allowing for sustained production and enhanced resistance to flu viruses.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a unique immune response feature in patients with severe asthma, which may lead to new treatments. The study found that boosting levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) reduces airway hyper-reactivity in animal models.
The study demonstrates a new therapeutic option for chronic HCV infection, achieving high sustained virologic response rates. The combination therapy resulted in 90% sustained viral response (SVR12) rates across various genotypes of the virus.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified a molecular link between DNA damage, cellular senescence, and premature aging. The study found that interferon signaling ramps up in response to double-stranded DNA breaks, prompting cells to enter senescence.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that prevents certain children from producing a protein necessary to fight off the flu. This mutation can lead to life-threatening symptoms and has been found in only one case, but clinicians now have a potential treatment option for children with severe flu cases.
Researchers discovered a common signaling mechanism that produces interferon, a key protein in the immune system. This finding could lead to developing medications to treat human diseases such as lupus, which affects over 1.5 million Americans.
Researchers discovered that EBV microRNAs block a key component of the human immune system called interferon response. This finding explains why some cancer therapies fail in certain cases and may lead to new treatments for viral cancers.
Long noncoding RNAs play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory gene expression and controlling immune responses. Researchers propose lncRNAs as potential targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
New research review highlights the link between cytokines and breast cancer, exploring topics such as cytokine-mediated blood vessel formation and immune evasion. The study suggests that cytokines may serve as prognostic factors for breast cancer patients.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found that genetic variations in the interferon lambda 4 protein impact treatment effectiveness for hepatitis C. This discovery suggests that personalized medicine targeting specific genetic variants could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.