Articles tagged with Immune System
An international team of researchers from the University of Bonn Hospital and the London Research Institute have now discovered that our immunosensory system attacks viruses on a molecular level. This means a healthy organism can keep rotaviruses, a common cause of diarrheal epidemics, at bay.
Researchers have identified a peptide from parasitic worms that suppresses the immune response and may provide relief for multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus patients. The study paves the way for a new drug containing the peptide to be developed.
Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells falter with age due to DNA replication problems, leading to a decline in immune function. However, even old stem cells can repair induced DNA damage efficiently and retain molecular tags associated with DNA damage.
A new Northwestern University study finds that an intervention focused on strengthening families can reduce inflammation in children from low-income backgrounds. The training program improved parenting and communication between parents and children, leading to reduced inflammation.
Scientists discovered a new pathway the dengue virus takes to suppress the human immune system, deepening understanding of the virus and its potential for more effective treatments. The study reveals how sfRNA interacts with proteins in the cell to evade antiviral defenses.
Research at Aarhus University found that children raised on farms have lower risk of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study suggests a correlation between urbanization and rising incidence rates of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers discovered that mice born by natural birth have a stronger immune system due to exposure to their mother's beneficial bacteria. This may lead to the development of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that children raised on dairy farms have a lower risk of developing allergies. The study suggests that delayed maturation of the immune system may be a risk factor for allergic disease. Researchers plan to examine specific factors on dairy farms that promote immune system maturity.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered a mechanism by which Streptococcus pneumoniae switches from harmless commensal to pathogenic bacterium, triggered by T regulatory cells. This balance is crucial in preventing inflammation and disease.
Researchers discovered how beryllium changes the shape of immune system proteins, triggering an inflammatory response in the lungs. The findings describe a new form of immune response that combines elements of allergic hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, with potential for new therapeutic strategies.
A new study shows that specific immune system signals repel a common parasite but also cause a dormant herpes virus to become active again in mice. The findings highlight complex interactions between infectious agents and the immune system, which can lead to unexpected consequences.
A new T cell therapy has been developed to protect immunodeficient patients from infections. The treatment involves transferring a few immune cells, which are then used to fight off specific pathogens, and has shown great potential in clinical trials.
Researchers developed a nanoshell to protect foreign enzymes used in chemotherapy, shielding them from the immune system. The nanoshell acts like a filter in the bloodstream, allowing amino acids to feed cancer cells while trapping enzymes that starve cancer cells.
Researchers at UGA report that Tpl2 plays a key role in directing immune system components, which may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found reduced chemokine receptor activity in mice lacking the enzyme.
Researchers found that even uninfected cells can trigger immune defenses against TB by transferring immune-stimulating proteins from infected dendritic cells. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines, including the BCG vaccine for TB, which works on a similar principle.
Researchers engineered a bacterial toxin to attach to tumour cells, forcing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer. The engineered toxin significantly reduced human colon cancer tumours in mice with minimal metastasis.
Researchers found that treating cystic fibrosis patients with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) enhanced autophagy and cleared the lethal bacterial infection Burkholderia cenocepacia. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with CF who are resistant to traditional antibiotics.
Scientists have discovered a new drug that significantly improves the effectiveness of radiotherapy in stopping tumor growth and increasing long-term survival. The combination treatment reduces secondary lung tumors and demonstrates potential for improved cancer treatment.
Immunology is the study of the human immune system, which seeks out and destroys dangerous bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also explores how its activity connects with other body systems, influencing metabolism, hormone levels, and overall well-being.
A clinical trial found that HIV-positive women build antibodies against HPV and experience no unusual safety issues after vaccination. The study's results counter doubts about the vaccine's effectiveness in this population, suggesting it is safe and beneficial for those with weakened immune systems.
Researchers discovered that antibiotics like gentamicin can cause abnormal proteins to be presented to the immune system, potentially triggering autoimmune disease. This approach, used to treat diseases in genes with truncated proteins, may come with a risk of initiating autoimmunity.
A team of researchers at the Technical University of Munich has identified a receptor that limits the immune response to uric acid crystals, preventing overreaction and damaging healthy tissue. The discovery sheds light on the fundamental mechanism by which the immune system recognizes crystalline structures.
The Milieu Interieur Project characterizes healthy human immune responses using TruCulture technology, a proprietary blood collection system. The study reveals unique patterns of immune responses to complex stimuli, shedding light on genetic and environmental causes of immune variations.
Scientists have discovered that B-lymphocytes lack the protein PTP1B, making them hyperactive and promoting an autoimmune attack. This study provides a new mechanism for how B-cells regulate an immune response, potentially playing a significant role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a set of genes that can be turned back on to evade immune detection in ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancer. Reversing these epigenetic changes with an FDA-approved drug allows cancer cells to become more vulnerable to immune therapy, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
Researchers have successfully activated an immune system response in mice by applying localized heat to tumors, which then targeted and eliminated other tumor sites. This innovative approach uses iron-oxide nanoparticles and magnetic energy to kickstart the immune system against metastatic tumors.
Researchers studying cow antibodies have gained insights into the diversity of human antibodies, which is crucial for recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. The unique structure of these cow antibodies may also be useful for antibody-based therapies or diagnostics.
A study found that newborn mice's lung dendritic cells respond differently to RSV infection, leading to impaired CD8+ T cell responses. This understanding can guide vaccine approaches for infants to promote adult-like immune responses.
A team of scientists has discovered the structure of the NS1 protein, which helps dengue and West Nile viruses replicate and evade the immune system. The researchers believe this breakthrough could lead to the development of a vaccine that protects people without increasing their risk.
Researchers discovered a stem-loop structure in viral RNA that blocks host cell immune proteins, allowing viruses to evade the immune system. By altering this structure, scientists hope to develop treatments that restore natural virus-fighting capabilities and stop or slow viral infections.
Lund University researchers have created a method to visualize inflammatory processes in the pancreas during type 1 diabetes. This allows them to study the body's response to new treatment strategies and potentially develop a model for human immune system diseases.
Researchers find that people can detect unpleasant odors in sweat after exposure to toxins, potentially indicating an early immune response. The study suggests that there may be biomarkers for illness in the form of volatile substances from the body.
Researchers found that inhibiting STAT1 chain formation can block detrimental type-II interferon responses while preserving anti-viral protection, providing a new target for improving current treatments.
Researchers discover a molecule that causes atherosclerosis also activates white blood cells called T cells in mice, worsening autoimmune disease symptoms. This finding sheds light on the link between autoimmunity and atherosclerosis, potentially leading to improved treatments.
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the elephant shark genome, comparing it with human and other vertebrate genomes. The study found that sharks lack certain types of immune cells and exhibit robust immune defences despite this, and also revealed why cartilage prevails in their skeleton over bone.
Researchers discovered that invariant natural killer T cells produce and release GM-CSF to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. This finding provides insight into the immune system's ability to combat TB.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that blocking immune system molecule interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and matching major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotypes can improve corneal transplant acceptance rates in mice. The strategy enhances long-term graft survival, almost guaranteeing success.
A PDL-1 antibody could help the immune system fight off influenza viral infection by blocking its impact on T cells, which are crucial for a effective response. The study found that treating mice with an antibody against PD-1 significantly improved their ability to clear the virus.
Researchers found that moderate drinking boosted the immune system of rhesus macaques, leading to enhanced responses to vaccines. In contrast, heavy drinkers showed diminished vaccine responses. The study suggests a potential link between moderate alcohol consumption and improved immune function.
A study by UC Riverside-led team found that moderate alcohol consumption can bolster our immune system and potentially fight infections. The finding could lead to new interventions to improve vaccine responses, benefiting vulnerable populations.
Stanford researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a universal flu vaccine by targeting the protein stem rather than the head of a critical protein. This approach aims to offer broader protection against different strains of flu and potential multi-season immunity.
A new guideline recommends most immunocompromised patients receive annual influenza shots, while those with cancer or undergoing chemotherapy should not. The guideline aims to provide 'one-stop shopping' for clinicians caring for immunocompromised patients.
A nanosponge vaccine has been developed to combat MRSA toxins, triggering neutralizing antibodies and fighting off lethal doses in mice. The vaccine was found to be safer and more effective than traditional toxoid vaccines made from heat-treated staph toxin.
Researchers found that a daily probiotic drink changed how cells in nasal passages reacted to pollen, but not hay fever symptoms. The study suggests a link between the gut microbiota and immune responses in seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Researchers have identified how golden staph bacteria target and destroy key immune cells, disrupting the body's defense against infection. By visualizing this process using advanced microscopy techniques, the team gained insights into how golden staph evades the immune system and causes tissue damage.
Transplant recipients who suppress their immune systems with powerful medications may inadvertently allow a mysterious microorganism called the anellovirus to thrive, Stanford researchers report. The study found that levels of anellovirus rose significantly as immunosuppressant drugs took effect.
Researchers found that natural selection acts on evolvability, favoring traits that enable rapid adaptation and evolution in pathogens like Lyme disease bacteria. This is evident through increased genetic diversity among unexpressed cassettes, which offer a window into past natural selection for more evolvable VlsE protein.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a powerful mechanism that regulates the lifecycle of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergies and autoimmune diseases. By targeting a specific receptor, scientists may be able to develop new treatments for eosinophilic disorders like asthma.
The Stanford team's molecular invention enhances the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells, while a Johns Hopkins University team develops a better heart shock system. Other notable inventions include a mechanical leech substitute and an early detection system for ovarian cancers.
Researchers have discovered that the immune system forms in the embryo's yolk sac before blood stem cells, potentially leading to a better understanding of childhood diseases such as leukaemia. The study provides new insights into the development of immune-competent cells and their relationship with blood stem cells.
Research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that newborn infants' immune systems suppress helpful bacteria colonization by CD71+ cells, leading to infection susceptibility. The study proposes a new explanation for neonatal infections and suggests temporary immune suppression extends beyond the intestines.
June L. Round will use the award to develop ways to kill 'bad' bacteria while preserving commensal microbes that provide health benefits. Her research aims to exploit immune mechanisms to distinguish between good and bad organisms.
Researchers have mapped the structure of complement component C1, a protein responsible for spotting foreign agents and triggering the immune response. The study reveals how the complex is assembled from its constituent proteins, shedding light on the immune system's prevention of disease and potential therapeutic applications.
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) inhibits immune response against cancer by binding to killer T cells, preventing them from recognizing and attacking nascent tumors. The LPA5 receptor is responsible for this inhibition, which can halt tumor growth.
A team of scientists has created an artificial protein that mimics a key site on the HIV outer coat where antibodies can bind, providing a potential new strategy in vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. The new protein was designed to facilitate the production of desired antibodies while preventing undesired re...
Researchers discovered four genera of haemosporidian parasites in West African bats, closely related to the malaria pathogen Plasmodium. The study highlights the complex relationship between bats and pathogens, with potential implications for understanding human malaria evolution and developing new vaccines.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered a mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus bacteria attack and kill off immune cells. The toxin selectively binds to surface receptors on different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils and T-cells.
Scientists at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identify IRF4 protein as key regulator of elite killer T cells, which recognize and fight infections. Enhanced IRF4 production boosts immune response against HIV and other chronic infections.
Research suggests that gut microbes play a crucial role in immune function and are linked to various health issues, including autoimmune disease, depression, and obesity. Understanding the microbiome can help personalize therapies to restore balance, and identifying new types of probiotics could mitigate antibiotic misuse.
Medical scientists at the University of Alberta have made a key discovery about how the immune system kills healthy cells while attacking infections. Their research could lead to better solutions for cancer and anti-viral treatments by manipulating the immune system response to block collateral damage.