Articles tagged with Immune Response
A study in Greenland found that atopy increased by nearly 100% between 1987 and 1998, affecting all age groups. The rise in allergies is linked to a transition from traditional to modern society in Greenland.
Researchers found that CD8 T cell responses from laboratory workers vaccinated decades ago remained robust and long-lasting. The findings suggest a need for reevaluation of the durability of smallpox vaccine-induced immunity.
Researchers have developed a potential treatment for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) by using CpG oligodeoxynucleotides to stimulate the immune system. Studies on mice infected with scrapie prions showed improved survival times, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach for human CJD patients.
A team of researchers will study the role of Rac2, a protein important in phagocytic blood cell function, using mice that lack a functional Rac2 gene and exhibit immune system defects. The long-term goal is to develop novel approaches to control phagocyte function and disease.
A recent study found that CellCept therapy can effectively reverse kidney damage and improve graft survival in patients with chronic kidney function decline. The results showed a significant increase in kidney function reversal or stabilization in patients treated with CellCept compared to those on cyclosporine.
Proteins: From Sequence to Structure is the first book in the Primers in Biology series, covering sequence, structure, and functional properties of proteins from a post-genomic focus. The authors, Gregory Petsko and Dagmar Ringe, are authorities in their field and have received high praise for their comprehensive primer.
Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited increased diarrhoea responses to egg albumin, while non-stressed mice also showed occasional reactions. The study suggests chronic stress may contribute to food allergies and intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease.
Researchers found that Copaxone, a commonly used MS treatment, stimulates CD8 cells in patients, whereas untreated patients show weaker responses. This new approach enables effective evaluation of both CD4 and CD8 cells taken directly from patients.
Researchers discovered that hamsters have higher levels of immune cells in their bloodstream during winter months and in response to acute stress. This enhanced immune response helps the animals prepare for potential injury or infection.
Researchers found that early in HIV infection, CD8 T cells become unresponsive to HIV surface molecules, suppressing their ability to attack infected cells. This leads to a dominant immunosuppressive response mediated by the molecule TGF-beta.
Scientists have identified ILT3 and ILT4, a key pair of molecules that function as a brake for the immune response. Increasing their activity on dendritic cells may create tolerance to foreign tissues, while decreasing it can enhance the immune response against malignant cells.
Research found that regular alcohol intake higher than 70 grams per week is associated with increased total serum IgE levels. Moderate drinking may also lead to abnormal immune responses, affecting the control of the immune system's response to allergens.
A study found that the MDR1 gene variation is associated with immune recovery after HIV treatment. The polymorphism MDR1 3435C/T predicts improved CD4-cell count recovery. This suggests P-glycoprotein plays a crucial role in antiretroviral drug absorption.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh identified Langerhans cell precursors that can be targeted to initiate or down-regulate the immune response, potentially leading to novel treatments for asthma and transplant rejection. The discovery could also enhance vaccine development.
Researchers found that bovine thrombin causes an immune response similar to lupus in mice and can lead to post-operative complications. Bovine thrombin is a potent enzyme used in surgical procedures, but its use should be restricted to life-saving surgeries due to the risk of autoimmune responses.
A study found that an oral immune-enhancing nutritional supplement improved preoperative host defence, reduced postoperative infections, and preserved renal function in elderly and high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass. The supplement contained L-arginine, 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and yeast RNA.
Researchers found that minor mutations can significantly impair the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the virus. This means that vaccines targeting these regions may be less effective due to evolving strains of the virus.
A study by Penn researchers found that a common gene delivery system for muscular dystrophy can trigger an immune response in mice unless paired with a muscle-specific promoter. The use of restricted promoters is crucial before expanding clinical trials.
A new study from Penn State suggests that healthy eating habits and good health status can help maintain the ability to fight off germs and reduce illness in older adults. The research found that well-nourished women between 60 and 80 years old have immune systems that function similarly to younger women.
Researchers have identified a substance produced by the tuberculosis bacterium that triggers an immune response, suggesting it could enhance vaccine effectiveness. The substance, combined with vaccines, may push the body's immune system in the right direction to fight tuberculosis and other microbial infections.
Natural T cells are specialized cells that are part of white blood cells and help the body fight disease. Researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine have discovered that CD1d1 associates with glycolipids to transduce signals that 'turn-on' natural T cells, which helps the body fight disease.
Carnegie Mellon researcher Sheldon Cohen suggests that stress reduction may alter immune function, which could lead to better defenses against cancer. However, the evidence for this link is still incomplete, and more research is needed to confirm its validity.
Researchers are developing a new approach to treat cancer by boosting the immune system using dendritic cells, which can be grown in large quantities in culture. The therapy has shown promise in clinical trials, particularly for patients with advanced melanoma or breast cancer.