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Autoantibodies behind lifelong risk of viral infections

A new study reveals that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, making them more susceptible to severe viral infections. The autoantibodies remain detectable in the blood for life and are associated with a compromised type 1 interferon system.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Could auto-antibodies be linked to severe COVID-19?

Researchers found auto-antibodies against type I interferons in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, compromising their immune response. This discovery highlights the importance of detecting these auto-antibodies in regular health checkups to better prepare for viral infections.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Cancer that spreads to the lung maneuvers to avoid being attacked by “killer” T cells

Cancer cells have been found to employ a strategy to evade the immune system's killer T cells by interacting with myeloid cells and suppressing type 1 interferon production. This natural pathway is crucial for recruiting killer T cells to combat cancer spread. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches, such as forcing tumo...

Severe COVID-19 caused by “senile” interferon response in older patients, researchers suggest

A team of researchers found that aged mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited impaired type I interferon signaling and reduced levels of type II interferon IFN-γ, leading to increased susceptibility to severe disease. Treatment with IFN-γ protected these animals from severe illness.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Study finds relationship between immune pathway response to influenza and genetic ancestry

A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...

Research reveals mechanisms behind “COVID toes”

A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 6, 2021

New nano particles suppress resistance to cancer immunotherapy

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a lipid nanoparticle that delivers immune-signaling molecules into liver macrophage cells to overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy. This approach has shown promise in mice experiments and could lead to the development of an adjuvant treatment for cancer patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Immune response to Zika virus contributes to fetal harm

A study published in Science Immunology suggests that Zika virus triggers an immune response that can cause abnormal placental development and restricted fetal growth. Researchers found that the immune system's antiviral proteins, known as type I interferons, can be detrimental to fetal development if present in excess.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 5, 2018

Invisibility cloak for immune cells

Scientists at ETH Zurich have identified a mechanism that protects immune cells from natural killer cells. Type I interferon receptors play a crucial role in this process, and its absence can lead to the elimination of healthy immune cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalImmunity·DateJun 25, 2014

Novel DNA-sensing pathway in immune response to malaria

A novel DNA-sensing mechanism plays a role in the innate immune response to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The study identifies an unknown receptor coupling to molecules linked with DNA-mediated type I interferon production, suggesting a broader impact on infectious diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 4, 2011

Immune protein fends off exotic virus

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that type I interferons are essential for combating Chikungunya virus infection. The unexpected finding is that fibroblasts, not immune cells, produce the virus-fighting proteins during infection.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2010

New discovery gives tuberculosis vaccine a shot in the arm

A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that interferon can improve the effectiveness of the current tuberculosis vaccine by enhancing dendritic cell function. The research found that type I interferon stimulated dendritic cells to produce a stronger immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateFeb 26, 2009

A step forward in the fight against bacterial infections

Researchers at VIB have discovered the mechanism behind reduced inflammation in mice, which produces just enough interferons to activate the immune system against bacteria. This finding is relevant to the quest for new therapeutics for bacterial infections and may provide a breakthrough in combating these deadly diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2006