Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New players in the immune response

A research team led by Professor Wolfgang Kastenmüller has discovered that unconventional T cells play a crucial role in triggering site-specific immunity in distinct lymph nodes. The study reveals that different subtypes of unconventional T cells migrate to specific lymph nodes, influencing the immune responses there.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Novel T cell bispecific antibody shows potent anti-tumor activity in preclinical models of epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) mutant glioblastoma

A novel T cell bispecific antibody targeting EGFRvIII mutant glioblastoma has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. The therapy harnesses the power of the immune system to selectively target and destroy cancer cells, offering a safer treatment option for patients.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateAug 2, 2022

Protective T cells remain 20 months after COVID-19

Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJul 21, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 2022

Anti-rejection medication and immunotherapy kicks cancer and protects kidney transplants

Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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

Study: Medicine for inflammatory bowel disease may protect against severe COVID-19

A recent study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that biologic drugs for inflammatory bowel disease may improve the T-cell immune response in patients vaccinated against COVID-19. This could potentially offer protection against severe disease. The study suggests that these treatments may be used to monitor vaccine and booster outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 26, 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

Dynamics of adaptive immunity in tuberculosis uncovered

Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 17, 2022

Data published in a Lancet journal on COH04S1, a City of Hope-developed COVID-19 vaccine, shows it produced robust antibodies and T cells against SARS-CoV-2

The investigational vaccine targets both the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, producing neutralizing antibodies and inducing T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2. COH04S1 is being studied in Phase 2 trials for immunocompromised patients and as a booster for healthy adult volunteers.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 10, 2022

New way viruses trigger autoimmunity discovered

Researchers discovered a viral infection can trigger autoimmunity in mice by disrupting the thymus's screening process for self-destructive T cells. Infection with murine roseolovirus led to autoimmune gastritis months later, highlighting a previously unknown way viruses can trigger autoimmunity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

CDI lab discovers novel mechanism of immune ‘memory,’ with vaccine implications

Scientists at Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation have discovered a novel mechanism of immune 'memory' that could improve vaccine effectiveness. The Tcf1 transcription factor plays a crucial role in recognizing threats the immune system has faced before, and researchers believe it may be possible to enhance this imm...

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2022

The body fights infection amidst 'waves' of regulatory CD4+ T cells

A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that two groups of regulatory CD4+ T cells develop at different times to combat acute inflammation. The early Tregs reduce autoimmune damage, while the second wave shuts down the entire immune response to signal infection clearance.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

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

SARS-CoV-2 protein targeted by immune cells also triggers response in bat Coronaviruses

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2022

Most people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination have T cell immune responses against Omicron variant despite low antibody responses

A recent study published in Cell found that T cell responses are still robust against the Omicron variant in most individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, offering protection against severe disease. Booster vaccines can enhance T cell responses, substantially increasing immunity against severe COVID-19.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Once upon a BCG vaccine

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified Th1* cells as a key marker in the body's immune signature following BCG vaccination. The study found that these cells respond well to the vaccine and can help fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that causes TB.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? UCLA study points the way

Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Unconventional T cells promote immunity to malaria

A new study reveals that gamma delta T cells play a critical role in promoting clinical protection against malaria. The unique T cell receptor on these cells enables them to recognize and tolerate Plasmodium falciparum parasite fragments, providing a vital component of an effective immune response.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 1, 2021

How T cells recognize infection or disease

Researchers at Monash University have discovered how gamma delta T cells recognize the MHC-like molecule MR1, providing key insights into the immune system's ability to detect infections and diseases. The study sheds light on the unique ways these cells interact with MR1, paving the way for new immunotherapies.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021