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Researchers develop a faster, stronger rabies vaccine

Researchers developed a faster and stronger rabies vaccine by adding B cell activating factor (BAFF) to an existing inactivated virus-based vaccine. This new approach enhanced the immune system's response, increasing virus-neutralizing antibodies quickly and significantly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 14, 2019

Could cytotoxic T-cells be a key to longevity?

Scientists have discovered that supercentenarians, people over 110, have an excess of cytotoxic CD4 T-cells, which may be key to their immunity. This finding could provide new insights into the mechanisms of healthy aging and immunosurveillance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

Ebola antibodies at work

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Germany's University of Cologne have identified two antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals that provide long-term immunity against Ebola. These antibodies, which target specific sites on the viral glycoprotein, demonstrate effective protection against the virus.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 10, 2019

How IL-6 allows the immune response to develop for a key cell, the T follicular helper

A preclinical study shows that IL-6 protects T follicular helper cells from deleterious effects of IL-2 by interrupting a feedback loop, allowing them to receive sustained T-cell receptor stimulation. This finding has important therapeutic implications for autoimmune diseases like lupus and may lead to better treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 13, 2019

Lasker Foundation announces 2019 Lasker Awards

The 2019 Lasker Awards recognize Max D. Cooper and Jacques Miller for their discovery of the function of B and T cells in the adaptive immune system. The awards also honor H. Michael Shepard, Dennis J. Slamon, and Axel Ullrich for their development of Herceptin, a monoclonal antibody therapy that targets HER2-positive breast cancer.

Simultaneous infection by 2 viruses the key to studying rare lymphoma

Researchers have successfully created stable, cancer-like cells in the lab by simultaneously infecting white blood cells with two viruses, Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for understanding the progression of this rare blood cancer and developing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

B and T cells in celiac disease

Researchers discovered that B cells specifically binding N-terminal epitopes of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) more efficiently take up and present TG2-gluten complexes to gluten-specific T cells. This suggests that B cells with this specificity are the main antigen-presenting cells for pathogenic T cells in celiac disease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

B cells off rails early in lupus

Researchers found signs of activation in resting B cells, which precede the activation of immune cells in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a previously underappreciated stage of the disease. The study identified patterns of gene activity that could be used as biomarkers for disease development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 3, 2019

Binding with consequences

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which bacteria like Burkholderia ambifaria activate white blood cells and attack the immune system. The study found that lectin BambL binds to carbohydrate residues on the surface of B cells, triggering an immune response in immunocompromised hosts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 6, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019

New clues discovered to lung transplant rejection

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified a process that may prevent antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplants. They found that giving immunosuppressive drugs can help the lungs survive and induce growth of lymph node-like structures within the grafts, which contain cells that dampen immune responses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2019

Immune health in space

A new study reveals spaceflight has limited impact on B-cell immunity, a crucial part of the immune system. Astronauts living on the International Space Station for 6 months showed unaffected B-cell immune competency, suggesting in-flight vaccine-based countermeasures may be effective.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 4, 2018