An impact on implants
A researcher is studying how early immune system responses can predict the long-term success of biomedical implants. The study aims to develop methods for modulating macrophage activity to encourage positive outcomes.
Immune Response
Articles tagged with Immune Response
Molecular mechanism behind why allergies are more common in developed countries discovered
A team of researchers has discovered a molecular mechanism that explains why allergies are less common in developing countries. They found that antibodies produced in response to a parasitic worm infection can prevent an allergic reaction when faced with novel substances like peanut protein.
Carbs during workouts help immune system recovery
Research from QUT found that consuming carbohydrates during or immediately after intense exercise helps minimise exercise-induced immune disturbances and aids the body's recovery. The study suggests that stable blood sugar levels reduce the body's stress response, moderating undesirable mobilisation of immune cells.
Study: Experimental malaria vaccine plus chloroquine protects against controlled infection
An experimental malaria vaccine strategy, PfSPZ-CVac, combined with antimalarial medication protected all nine clinical trial volunteers given three high-dose vaccinations. The vaccine induced a response from T cells and identified 22 malaria parasite proteins that could be the targets of protective immune responses.
Scientists devise novel way to predict efficacy of malaria vaccines
Researchers identified candidate molecular signatures in the blood of vaccinated subjects that predict the likelihood of success from vaccination. The study found that these signatures can discern whether volunteers were protected when exposed to mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
Queen's researcher publishes new findings on how plants manage immune response
A recent study published in Science has identified a previously unknown means by which plants regulate their immune systems to prevent further response once an infection is dealt with. This discovery could lead to the improvement of immune systems in food crops, addressing a significant challenge for global food security.
Bodywide immune response important for fighting cancer, Stanford researchers say
A study by Stanford researchers found that a systemic, whole-body immune response is essential for effectively attacking and eradicating tumors. The researchers used mass cytometry to monitor the physical attributes of individual cells in samples of millions or billions, revealing an increase in immune cells and regulatory T cells in s...
Tuberculosis virulence factor identified, may be target for new drug
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that hijacks the human immune system's response to tuberculosis, revealing a key protein that turns off the call for an immune response. The protein CdnP is now considered an attractive target for a new TB drug.
Gene editing takes on new roles
Researchers have combined CRISPR gene editing with single-cell genomic profiling to understand nuanced cellular processes. The new technology enables precise manipulation of genes in individual cells, revealing previously unknown functions and advancing the field of genetic engineering.
Blood-borne HPV antibodies indicate head, neck cancer prognosis
A new study suggests that blood-borne HPV antibodies can serve as a reliable biomarker for predicting the outcome of all types of head and neck cancer. The researchers found that patients with an immune response to HPV have a lower risk of dying during the five-year follow-up period, regardless of the exact location of their tumors.
Research team discovers a pathogen's motility triggers immune response
A research team at the University of Georgia has discovered that a pathogen's ability to move through the body triggers an immune response. The study found that bacterial motility induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, which are web-like structures of DNA associated with antimicrobial molecules.
Immune system mechanisms -- the work of Dr. Jean-Sébastien Delisle recognized
Dr. Jean-Sébastien Delisle's research uncovers the unexpected role of Neuropilin-1 and dendritic cell maturation in the immune response to infection and disease. His discovery is timely, helping improve cancer treatment and potentially enhancing responses in unfavourable conditions.
Family ties: Immune response size controlled by cell 'inheritance'
Australian researchers discovered that immune T cells develop in 'families' programmed to divide and die at different times after an infection is detected. This understanding may underpin future improvements in vaccination and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
AgriLife Research team makes strides in fight against Zika
Researchers found a protein produced by yellow fever and Zika viruses that suppresses the mosquito's immune response, allowing the virus to evade detection. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like Zika.
Tick-tock: Immune T cells know when their time's up
A team of researchers discovered that immune T cells have two internal clocks controlling their lifespan and division, shedding new light on how the body regulates immune responses. The discovery also explains how errors in these clocks may lead to immune cell cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Study suggests that autophagy inhibitors could improve efficacy of chemotherapies
Research suggests that inhibiting autophagy can improve chemotherapy's immune-targeting effects without compromising overall immune system function. In mouse models, autophagy inhibitors did not disrupt the immune response to tumors during chemotherapy.
Zika virus infection alters human and viral RNA
Researchers discovered that Zika virus infection leads to modifications of both viral and human genetic material, including the addition of methyl groups. This alteration affects viral replication and the human immune response, highlighting the importance of methylation in vaccine and therapy development.
Immune system of African-Americans responds more strongly to bacterial infection
Researchers found that African Americans have a stronger immune response to bacterial infections compared to Europeans, partly due to genetic differences. This response is linked to reduced susceptibility to autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and tuberculosis.
Mobilizing our immune system to fight viruses
Researchers at Monash University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how T cells recognize viruses, challenging decades-old immunological concepts. By using the National Synchrotron, they gained key molecular insights into the T cell-virus interaction, revealing a new way T cells 'see' viruses and triggering an immune response.
Anti-cancer effects found in natural compound derived from onions
Research from Kumamoto University has discovered that a natural compound isolated from onions, onionin A, exhibits anti-ovarian cancer properties. ONA inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells and enhances the effects of anti-cancer drugs, making it a promising treatment option.
Tweaking the immune response might be a key to combat neurodegeneration
A recent study suggests that manipulating the immune response in adult zebrafish brains could lead to the activation of neural stem cells and the proliferation of new neurons. This finding has significant implications for the potential development of novel therapies against Alzheimer's disease.
Research provides clues to how Zika virus breaches the placental barrier
Researchers found that Zika virus infection damages placental cells and enhances entry of the virus through HSV-2 receptors. Fetuses in pregnant women with HSV-2 infection are at higher risk for microcephaly and other effects caused by Zika virus.
Researchers probe HPV's manipulation of immune system
Researchers have discovered that HPV16's E7 protein can suppress the body's immune response to the virus. This knowledge could lead to new therapies and ways to block cancer suppression of the immune response.
'Animal Farm' immunity receptors only work in a crowd, researchers find
Tiny immune receptors on T-cells recognize antigens more effectively when clustered together, leading to improved immune response. This discovery could lead to new strategies to reprogram inactive T-cells and improve treatment for cancer and deadly infections.
Genetic regulation of the thymus function identified
A team of researchers has identified the genes controlled by Foxn1, a protein essential for thymus development and function. The study reveals that Foxn1 regulates vital functions in the postnatal thymus, providing insights into its role in autoimmune diseases, vaccination responses, and tumor defense.
Flesh-eating infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients spur new discovery
Researchers discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking IL-1beta inhibitors are 300 times more likely to experience invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, highlighting the molecule's critical role in sensing bacterial infections. The study also suggests that inhibiting this immune response can put patients at risk for infe...
The VesiVax® System: Vaccine development made easy
The VesiVax system uses virus-like particles to induce strong immune responses against various diseases. Dr. Qizhi Cathy Yao is developing better adjuvants for pancreatic cancer and Chagas disease using the system.
Getting it 'just right' in the immune system
Researchers suggest that duration of T-cell interactions with dendritic cells may be key to matching immune response to infection severity. Understanding this process could lead to advancements in vaccine development and the study of autoimmune diseases.
Vaccines fail to protect obese mice from severe influenza infections
Researchers found that flu vaccines with adjuvants do not work as well in obese mice, highlighting the urgent need to understand vaccine response in obese humans. Obesity leaves individuals at increased risk for flu-related complications, including hospitalization and death.
Visual side effects of immunosuppressive drugs shown in rats used for translational stem cell study
A new study found that immunosuppressive drugs can alter visual performance in rats, which are commonly used for translational stem cell research. The findings have important implications for interpreting results of studies using these models.
Sorafenib treatment alters immunosuppressive phenotypes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Sorafenib treatment reduces immune-suppressive phenotypes in HCC patients, including decreased PD-1 expression and lower regulatory T cells. These responses correlate with increased overall survival.
Genetic drivers of immune response to cancer discovered through 'big data' analysis
Researchers discovered 122 genetic regions linked to immune cell infiltration in tumors, which could inform the development of future immunotherapies. The study analyzed a large public genomic database and identified new leads for cancer immunology research.
Mount Sinai researchers develop simple method to characterize immune cells in tumors
A new method called MICSSS helps characterize human cells involved in immune responses at the tissue site, before and after treatment with immunotherapy. This technique enables views of co-expression of markers on the same cells while sparing material from tissues.
Resilience affects whether childhood trauma results in harmful gene response
A new study found that resilience is a key factor in determining individual response to childhood trauma at the molecular level. Researchers discovered that child soldiers with PTSD who demonstrated high resilience scores had comparable gene expression to civilian youths without PTSD symptoms.
Immune checkpoint blockade improves antitumor vaccine response in mouse glioblastoma model
Researchers found that immune checkpoint blockade improved survival and promoted immune cell infiltration into tumors when combined with an antitumor vaccine. The study suggests PD-1 and PD-L1 may help tumors evade vaccines, supporting testing of therapeutic combinations in clinical trials.
Engineers design programmable RNA vaccines
Researchers develop customizable RNA vaccines that can be manufactured in one week, inducing strong immune responses against various pathogens. The vaccines show 100% effectiveness in tests in mice, making them a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.
E. coli: The ideal transport for next-gen vaccines?
A new E. coli-based transport capsule has been developed to improve the efficiency of next-generation vaccines, with promising results in fighting pneumococcal disease. The capsule uses a harmless strain of E. coli wrapped in a synthetic polymer to deliver antigens and trigger an immune response.
Baylor College of Medicine awarded more than $1 million from NIH for Zika study
The Baylor College of Medicine has been awarded over $1 million from the National Institutes of Health to lead a study on people infected with Zika virus. The study aims to inform diagnostic and infection control measures, as well as Zika vaccine development.
E-cigarette use can alter hundreds of genes involved in airway immune defense
A study by UNC researchers found that vaping e-cigarettes alters dozens of genes essential for upper airway immune defense, similar to cigarette smoking. This discovery suggests that inhaling flavored liquids in e-cigarettes has consequences on epithelial cell gene expression, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory problems.
Cholera vaccine study in Haiti suggests problems with current booster regimen
A study published in PLOS NTDs examined the immune response to a bivalent whole cell oral cholera vaccine in Haitian adults. The researchers found that the booster dose after 2 weeks did not stimulate the immune system further, suggesting an optimal dosing schedule may be needed.
Engineering the immune system to kill cancer cells
Researchers at University of Notre Dame develop new T cell receptor technology to enhance immune system's ability to target specific cancer antigens. The engineered receptors allow for a more directed and accurate immune response against cancer cells.
Cancer-causing virus strikes genetically vulnerable horses
A study by Cornell University researchers found genetic links between horse immune function and the papillomavirus that causes sarcoid skin tumors. The findings suggest a complex mix of virus, host genes, and tumor development, with relevance to related human conditions like cervical cancer.
Why malnutrition is an immune disorder
New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.
Taking control of key protein stifles cancer spread in mice
A new study reveals that suppressing a key protein, Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), restores multiple antitumor responses in the lungs of mice, preventing cancer spread. Researchers tested an intervention that boosted the RIG-like helicase pathway, which counteracts CHI3L1's effects and decreases tumor-inducing responses.
Healthy intestinal flora keeps the mind sharp -- with some help from the immune system
A recent study by Dr. Susanne Wolf found that white blood cells act as an intermediary between the gut microbiome and the brain, playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and memory function. The research suggests that antibiotics may disrupt this communication pathway, leading to impaired neurogenesis and memory deterioration.
HIV vaccine design should adapt as HIV virus mutates
Researchers found that viral adaptation in HIV can predict a person's current disease status, as well as the degree to which newly transmitted HIV-1 is adapted to their new host. This knowledge can help design more effective vaccines by focusing on parts of the virus that are most difficult to undergo adaptation.
Research discovers mechanism that causes cancer cells to escape from the immune system
Researchers discovered that cancer cells can escape the immune system by disabling the NLRC5 gene, which regulates MHC class I genes. This finding provides a new biomarker for predicting cancer patient survival and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
Broadly neutralizing antibodies improve immune response; clear HIV reservoirs
Researchers found that a potent antibody can evoke a strong immune response in humans and accelerate the clearance of infected cells. The study revealed that administering this antibody to HIV patients can lead to a significant reduction in viral loads.
Exposure to routine viruses makes mice better test subjects
A new study reveals that laboratory mice infected with common human viruses develop an immune system similar to newborn humans, but unlike adult humans. This finding suggests that the lack of infection may be a reason why research mice differ from humans.
NSF CAREER award focused on improving the 'broken movies' of biology
Biologist Anthony Gitter is using a $900,000 NSF CAREER award to develop new methods for analyzing complex biological data. He hopes to create more accurate models of gene and protein interactions by mapping out dynamic processes like the immune response.
Curcumin may help overcome drug-resistant tuberculosis
Researchers found that curcumin successfully removes Mycobacterium tuberculosis from infected cells in culture by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. The study suggests a potential new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis that could be less prone to resistance development.
Study finds more social insects have weaker immune response, highlights role of hygiene
Research from North Carolina State University found that eusocial insects with larger colonies exhibit weaker immune responses. The study suggests that hygiene behaviors play a key role in keeping these insects healthy, rather than just immune systems.
Plant pathologist awarded nearly $2 million
Hailing Jin, a UC Riverside professor of plant pathology and microbiology, received $1.25 million from the National Institutes of Health to study small RNA machinery in plant immunity. She will also receive $700,000 from the National Science Foundation to investigate RNA trafficking pathways between pathogens and hosts.
Impact of climate change on parasite infections depends on host immunity
Researchers found that climate change increases soil-transmitted parasites in pastures, leading to increased infection risk. The study also showed that host immune response affects the severity of infection, with older individuals carrying more severe infections when immune response is ineffective.
Fighting flu with designer drugs: A new compound fends off different influenza strains
Researchers designed a new compound HB36.6 to target the HA stem region of influenza viruses, offering broad-spectrum protection against different strains. The study found that HB36.6 provided better protection than Oseltamivir and showed synergy when combined with low-dose post-infection treatment.
Advice for preventing spread of Zika; news from Annals of Internal Medicine
Experts offer guidance for pregnant women to avoid mosquitoes, while debating the need for annual physicals in patients. The ACIP releases its 2016 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule with major changes to HPV and pneumococcal vaccines.
Immune response differences might determine severity of West Nile Virus disease
A study found that older individuals and those with neuroinvasive disease have elevated and atypical T cell responses, promoting pathogenic outcomes. The researchers suggest that immune-mediated damage may contribute to neurologic symptoms in West Nile Virus infection.
Lung cell found to act as sensor, regulator of immune response
Researchers found that a type of lung cell acts like a sensor, linking the lungs and nervous system to regulate immune responses. This discovery may lead to new treatments for pulmonary diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function
A Yale University study found that the hormone FGF21 protects against age-related loss of immune function by promoting T cell production. Increasing FGF21 levels may be an additional strategy to bolster immune function in the elderly or cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
High folic acid intake in aged mice causes a lowered immune response
A study by Tufts University researchers found that high folic acid intake causes a lowered immune response in aged mice, particularly affecting natural killer cells. The study used an aged mouse model and found that excess folic acid impaired NK cell development, leading to reduced immunity against viral infections and cancer.