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Finding HIV’s sweet spot

Researchers found that HIV prefers to infect memory CD4 T cells with large amounts of specific sugars, including fucose and sialic acid. The study also reveals that HIV boosts the production of these sugars in infected cells, highlighting a new target for potential treatments.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaleLife·DateJul 5, 2022

Immune cells anchored in tissues offer unique defenses against pathogens and cancers

A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Unvaccinated children mount COVID-19 immune response, but vaccination may be key to strengthening immunity

A study found that unvaccinated children develop a rapid immune response to SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to less severe symptoms, but limits the development of an immune memory response. Vaccination is believed to strengthen immunity by inducing key components such as memory T cell and B cell responses.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalImmunity·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2022

T cell warriors need their R & R

Researchers at Yale University discovered a critical protein pair that maintains T cell quiescence, keeping immune systems healthy. Without this resting state, T cells die, making hosts more susceptible to infections and cancer.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2022

World-first discovery of cornea T cells protecting eyes from viral infections

A groundbreaking study has discovered that the cornea produces a delicate immune response to fight viral infections without damaging vision. Long-living memory T cells have been found patrolling and fighting viral infections in the cornea, upending previous thought on T cell presence in healthy corneas.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

HIV: bestowing CD8+ T cells with properties observed in natural controllers

Researchers successfully reprogrammed non-controllers' CD8+ T cells to acquire properties of natural HIV controllers, enabling them to suppress viral load and survive without exhaustion. This breakthrough could lead to a cell therapy strategy for achieving HIV remission, with potential applications in cancer treatments.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Moffitt researchers identify key characteristics of immune cells in ovarian cancer

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that tissue-resident memory T cells are crucial for recognizing tumor cells in ovarian cancer. These T cells arise from circulating T cells and undergo a differentiation process to target cancer cells, providing a potential roadmap for improved immunotherapy options.

T-cell responses may help predict protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with and without cancer

New study reveals that T-cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can predict protection against infection. In healthy individuals, T cells with a specific cytokine profile offered immunity against COVID-19. In contrast, cancer patients showed lower T-cell responses and increased susceptibility to infection.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 18, 2022

Boosting the immune defense: Interleukin-2 promotes fate decisions in CD8 T cells for long- or short-term immune protection

Researchers found that interleukin-2 promotes the development of two subsets of CD8 T cells, one producing IL-2 and the other not, with distinct fates. The IL-2-producing cells develop into immune memory cells with long-term protection, while the non-IL-2-producing cells gain effector traits but lose memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Study shows immune cells against COVID-19 stay high in number six months after vaccination

Researchers found that CD4+ T lymphocytes — immune system cells — produced by people who received COVID-19 vaccines persisted at high levels six months after vaccination, with a significant response against the delta variant. The study also showed that vaccine-elicited fighters recognize and help attack coronavirus delta variant.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 16, 2021

New target for COVID-19 vaccines identified

Researchers have discovered a new target for COVID-19 vaccines that could complement existing vaccines by inducing an immune response against 'replication proteins', essential for the viral cycle. The approach may lead to the creation of a pan-coronaviruses vaccine protecting against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

A Chinese medical journal review sheds light on T-cell responses in respiratory diseases

Researchers comprehensively review T-cell responses to respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting key characteristics of peptide-reactive T-cells. The review aims to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms, leading to more effective immune protection and treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 30, 2021

How the immune system remembers viruses

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that memory T cells form earlier in the immune response than previously believed, contrary to current scientific opinion. This discovery has significant implications for vaccine development and could lead to improved vaccines with increased long-term effectiveness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2020

Scientists propose immune cocktail therapy to boost cancer-immunity cycle in multiple aspects

A research team from Chinese Academy of Sciences proposes an innovative immune cocktail therapy combining ICT with other approaches to enhance cancer treatment. The therapy achieves anti-tumor effects by enhancing T cell priming, killing tumor cells, and generating immune memory T cells.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateSep 30, 2020

Memory training for the immune system

Scientists discovered a key transcription factor regulating T cell survival and immunological memory. Overexpressing this factor in CAR-T cells improved therapy efficiency for cancer treatments. Improved therapies could benefit patients with B cell lymphoma and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 28, 2020