Articles tagged with Antigens
A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.
A study found that individuals with the HLA-A*01:01 allele have developed robust T-cell immunity to COVID-19, suggesting a genetic predisposition to severe forms of the disease. The allele is more common in patients with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19.
Researchers identified 17 clusters of single cells in peripheral blood, showing upregulation of antigen processing and presentation pathways and downregulation of genes involved in ribosome pathways with age. The study also found senescent T cells resistant to apoptosis, potentially targeted for treatment.
A new study reveals that long-lived germinal centers, which can last for six months, are maintained by a dynamic balance between founder B cells and newly introduced naive B cells. The research provides insights into the workings of these microscopic training grounds and could inform future vaccine design.
Researchers developed a Quenchbody fluorescent immunosensor that detects SARS-CoV-2 with exceptional speed and sensitivity. Adding a crowding agent enhances performance, allowing for lower detection limits and faster results. The technology shows promise for rapid and cost-efficient diagnosis of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Researchers develop new method to identify crucial protein fragments driving autoimmunity, enabling better diagnostics and therapies. The study finds cross-reactivity between human and microbial proteins drives autoimmunity in at least two diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research, IAVI, Fred Hutch, and VRC publish study data in Science, revealing a stepwise approach to producing antibodies capable of targeting wide range of HIV variants. The Phase 1 trial shows favorable safety profile and induces targeted response in 97% of vaccinated individuals.
Researchers have developed a polymeric carrier for mRNA vaccines that reduces inflammation and maintains efficiency, potentially offering better cancer treatment options. The new carrier, tested in preclinical studies, shows promise for low-side-effect cancer therapy.
A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
Recent scientific studies have shed light on the effects of exposure to earlier SARS-CoV-2 forms on immune response to Omicron variants. Researchers identified a pan-variant antibody with ultra-potent neutralizing potency, which may help reduce treatment resistance.
A study found that 60% of healthcare workers tested positive for COVID with antigen tests after five days and 50% were positive after seven days. Antigen tests are a better proxy for indicating infectiousness than PCR tests.
Scientists have elucidated the exact molecular structure of an IgM-type B cell receptor, revealing its asymmetrical complex with signaling subunits. The discovery provides insights into how the receptor interacts with other molecules and could lead to a better understanding of vaccine development and lymphoma formation.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a mechanism that helps dendritic cells migrate more quickly to lymph nodes. The discovery reveals that forming multiple centrosomes enables these immune cells to stay on course longer before continuing their search.
A new CAR NK cell engineering approach requires two signals to eliminate target cells, improving tumor specificity and enhancing anti-tumor activity. This strategy mitigates NK cell exhaustion and fratricide, leading to better focus on and attack of only the tumor cells.
Researchers have developed a malaria vaccine candidate that is safe and immunogenic in adults, offering improved protection against the disease. The vaccine combines FMP013 antigen with ALFQ adjuvant, which displays promising immune-enhancing effects.
A study led by University of Pennsylvania scientists reveals how tumor-derived factors stimulate trogocytosis, a process that can help cancer cells evade detection and grow unchecked. Blocking this process improved the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in mice.
A team of Stanford scientists has developed a new method to predict which antigens will lead to a strong immune response, allowing for more effective cancer immunotherapies. By applying a sliding force between peptides and T cell receptors, the researchers can identify the best antigen-receptor pairs in under five hours.
Researchers developed a mobile phone app using AI to accurately detect COVID-19 infection in people's voices, outperforming lateral flow tests. The app achieved an accuracy of 89% and can be used for remote testing, enabling rapid screening of populations.
A large cross-sectional study found that baseline plasma antigen levels are highly associated with both the severity of pulmonary illness and clinically important patient outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Higher antigen levels were linked to increased risk of pulmonary worsening and delayed hospital discharge.
Higher SARS-CoV-2 antigen levels in hospitalized patients correlate with worse pulmonary function and longer hospital stays. Antigen levels also predict disease severity and outcomes, suggesting their potential as a biomarker for COVID-19 treatment.
A large study of over 660,000 children found that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a range of symptoms and health conditions. The research suggests that some children may experience persistent health issues after infection, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Researchers captured first image of antigen-bound T-cell receptor complex with bound antigen at atomic resolution. The study reveals no significant structural changes in the receptor after antigen binding, sparking further investigation into the signaling pathway activation mechanism.
A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...
Researchers found that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) Glypican-3 (GPC3) is expressed in nearly 70% of MCC tumors and up to 90% of MCPyV-negative cases. GPC3 expression is associated with worse prognosis, including increased risk of death from MCC. This makes GPC3 a promising target for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy.
Researchers have developed a new way to deliver vaccines through mucosal tissues in the nose, generating strong immune responses in mice and non-human primates. The technology bypasses traditional barriers to delivery by engineering antigens to bind onto albumin, allowing them to effectively target immune tissues.
A study of 40 individuals found that the duration of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with positive home rapid antigen tests, with symptoms persisting longer in those with prolonged test positivity. The findings suggest that symptom duration may be a useful indicator for determining when to stop testing.
A research team led by Dr Chen Ting-Hsuan developed a new rapid antibody test that shows the level of antibodies readable by the naked eye, displaying results as a length of a visual bar like a mercury thermometer.
Researchers found that frequent, regular rapid antigen testing, combined with isolating those who test positive, can effectively suppress COVID outbreaks. The study suggests that testing every other day can be as effective as a 24-hour turnaround PCR test in reducing transmission.
Researchers analyzed antibodies to internal and surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2, finding that profiles of internal proteins predicted survival outcomes as well as those for surface proteins. The study suggests targeting other parts of the virus could enhance COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.
Researchers compared the accuracy of rapid antigen tests with RT-PCR in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection among college athletes during the Omicron variant. Rapid antigen tests showed high sensitivity but lower specificity, while RT-PCR demonstrated higher specificity and sensitivity.
A new study by McGill University and US National Cancer Institute researchers reveals that antigen strength, rather than quantity, drives T cell responses. This discovery has implications for predicting vaccine efficacy and designing more effective immunotherapies.
Researchers from Arizona State University investigate autoantibodies in healthy individuals, revealing their pervasiveness and role in human health and disease. The findings aim to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for a range of illnesses.
Experts advise against routine prostate cancer tests for asymptomatic men due to the test's limited ability to prevent deaths and potential for overdiagnosis. Instead, they recommend using a 'risk checker' tool to explore options with a doctor, emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidance on PSA testing.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Amsterdam have identified a new mechanism that prompts T cell responses, including MHC-I cross-dressing. This discovery may lead to improved vaccine design and targeted cancer treatment strategies.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...
Researchers found that COPD leads to premature senescence of the immune system, reducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This disruption impairs the immune system, making COPD patients more susceptible to infections.
Researchers developed a new test method to detect tuberculosis (TB) progression from latent infection in elephants using IgG antibodies against Antigen 85B. High levels of IgG against ESAT6/CFP10 remained constant, while IgG against Ag85B increased before disease onset and declined with treatment.
Serial self-testing with untrained individuals revealed a high frequency of procedural steps errors and accurate interpretations were inconsistent. The study suggests that self-performed RADT may not be suitable for mass screening in the workplace.
Four rapid antigen tests were found to be less sensitive to the Delta variant than the Omicron strain. The study suggests that continuous assessment and updating are needed for these tests to remain effective in detecting COVID-19 infections. Continuous improvement is necessary to ensure they meet public health testing goals.
Researchers found that left-handed chiral gold nanoparticles increased the immune response in human cells even without an antigen, leading to a 25.8% increase in vaccine efficacy. The discovery uses chirality to enhance immune responses, potentially applicable to various vaccines.
Researchers have developed a rapid COVID-19 test that uses molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles to detect SARS-CoV-2. The new test is more sensitive and works under extreme conditions than existing antibody-based tests, with preliminary results indicating it can detect a 6,000-times lower amount of the virus.
A study suggests that accounting for genetic factors causing normal variations in PSA levels could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. By analyzing data from over 95,000 men, researchers identified a polygenic score that accounted for 7.3-8.7% of variation in baseline PSA levels and was not associated with prostate cancer.
MIT biological engineers have developed a new technique that allows them to precisely identify interactions between immune cells and their target antigens. This tool, which uses engineered viruses, enables large-scale screens of such interactions and could accelerate the development of more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.
The newly developed COVID vaccine, PreS-RBD, targets the receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 and induces a robust immune response. The vaccine has shown effectiveness in protecting against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron, even in individuals who have not previously built up immunity.
A new model suggests that antibodies select antigens based on their surface characteristics, similar to a child playing on stepping stones. The researchers used DNA origami to simulate the behavior of antibodies and found that they tend to favor closer antigen distances.
Scientists developed a pipeline for identifying and prioritising potential tumour antigens for fast generation of cancer vaccines. The 'plug-and-play' vaccine technology enables rapid, affordable, and feasible approaches to deliver targeted peptides to patients, potentially leading to quicker and easier personalized therapy.
A study assessed SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing accuracy among asymptomatic individuals in workplaces. Repeated testing was found to increase detection of COVID-19 cases, but also led to more false positives and decreased sensitivity.
Researchers have discovered an essential role of LCOR in enabling cancer cells to present tumour antigens, making them visible to the immune system. This approach increases the success of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype with low treatment response rates.
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.
A new low-cost, portable instrument uses photonic technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples with high sensitivity and speed. The device can measure small quantities of virus like PCR tests but is as fast as rapid antigen tests.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting viruses like Ebola and SARS CoV-2 using simple, inexpensive, and fast nano-sensors. The Nano2RED technology provides 10 times better sensitivity than existing ELISA tests and can be produced at a cost of around 1 cent per test.
A new genomics study has helped guide the development of vaccines against Shigella, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children. The research revealed the extent of genomic diversity among Shigella species, highlighting challenges to current vaccine approaches.
A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.
A pooled data analysis of 8 commonly used COVID-19 lateral flow tests found they fell short of minimum criteria set by WHO and US/UK regulators. The tests' accuracy varied between children with and without symptoms, raising concerns about their use in schools.
Researchers discovered nine genes in S. mansoni's autophagy pathway inhibited by the primate's immune system, preventing parasite multiplication and contaminating the host. The study suggests a potential novel therapy and vaccine against schistosomiasis.
Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University have identified specific parts of the dog allergen Can f 1 that can trigger an immune response in people. The researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the protein and found several potential epitopes, or regions, that could be targeted by a vaccine.
The Lancet infographic reviews COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The study suggests that improved test accuracy could aid in pandemic control measures.
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.
A large field hospital study shows that a rapid Covid-19 test is as accurate as PCR detection, with high sensitivity rates for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The rapid antigen test's ease of use, time savings, and cost effectiveness make it an ideal solution to reduce testing disparities in medically underserved communities.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.