Articles tagged with Immune System
Research found that micronutrient supplements before pregnancy alter gene methylation in offspring, impacting their immune system. The study's findings have significant public health implications for regions with food security issues.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have identified a single viral protein called LMP1 that the immune system watches over to keep the Epstein-Barr virus in check. The study suggests two possible options for treating EBV-fueled lymphomas in immunosuppressed patients, including using CD4+ T cells and NKG2D-Fc fusion proteins.
Yale University researchers found that the circadian clock regulates a key immune system gene response to bacteria and viruses, suggesting that sleep patterns disruptions contribute to illnesses. The study also suggests that timing of vaccinations may be improved based on jet lag influence on immune system.
Research reveals that a circadian clock controls the expression and function of TLR9, an immune system protein, leading to enhanced or impaired immune responses depending on the time of day. The study's findings have significant implications for sepsis treatment and prevention.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have identified a new molecule DC-SIGN that plays a role in damping down the body's allergic response to house dust mites. This discovery could pave the way for developing new therapies or treatments for preventing allergies.
A researcher at Indiana University has discovered a compound that could counteract HIV's ability to hijack the immune system's protection mechanism. The compound, which binds to the CD59 protein, enables antibodies and complement proteins to attack infected cells instead of just viral particles.
Scientists have developed a new method using DNA sequencing to identify cancer cells that can be targeted by the immune system. By analyzing genetic data from cancer cells and normal cells, researchers were able to identify specific mutated genes whose altered proteins trigger immune system attacks.
A study led by Uppsala University reveals that structural modifications of DNA are duplicated or lost more commonly in older individuals. This may explain the impaired immune system with age. The researchers found large rearrangements in blood cells of people over 60, as well as smaller changes in younger individuals.
A recent study suggests that seasonal variations in the immune system may impact the effectiveness of a vaccine targeting type 1 diabetes. The vaccine, which uses the GAD65 antigen, showed promise in earlier trials but failed to demonstrate significant effects in its latest phase 3 trial. The study's authors propose that factors such a...
Researchers discovered that leprosy pathogen Mycobacterium leprae manipulates micro-RNs to evade the human immune system, specifically targeting vitamin D-dependent immune pathways. This finding offers new treatment avenues for infectious diseases.
A Northwestern University study identifies a key player in the human immune system, revealing its crucial role in activating the immune response. The protein, STIM1, was found to regulate not only one function but also another critical step in immune activation.
Matthias Mann's work on mass spectrometry revolutionized the analysis of proteins, enabling quantitative analysis of cancerous tumors. Fiona Powrie's research on bacterial intestinal flora and immune system interactions opens new perspectives for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
Scientists have identified a crucial molecule called PfSET10 that instructs malaria parasites to employ their 'invisibility cloak' to hide from the immune system. The research sheds light on how Plasmodium falciparum causes disease and evades the immune response, with implications for developing targeted treatments.
A study by the NIH found that over 32 million Americans have autoantibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system that target body tissues. The prevalence of these autoantibodies is higher among women, older individuals, and African-Americans.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered a novel antiviral immune pathway in culicine mosquitoes, which produces virus-derived small RNAs similar to piwi-interacting RNAs. This finding suggests a robust immune system, but understanding how viruses overcome it remains an open challenge.
Researchers have discovered how to harness the bacterial immune system to selectively target and silence genes. This finding has far-reaching implications for biotechnology and biomedical research, allowing for the modification of gene expression in bacteria used for biofuels and pharmaceuticals.
A recent study published in Neurology reveals a sophisticated link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially leading to new treatments and prevention strategies. Researchers found that EBV triggers inflammation and nerve cell damage in the brain, which is known to cause MS symptoms.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers have created a human immune system mouse model that closely mimics the response to a tick-borne infection in humans. The study found that mice developed B1b-like cells, specialized antibody-producing systems used to fight bacterial pathogens, which helped resolve the infection.
A team of researchers at UCSF has discovered that tiny immune cells called macrophages can switch on the brown fat in response to cold temperatures, inducing it to burn energy and produce heat. This finding suggests that the immune system plays a role in thermoregulation, potentially leading to new strategies for enhancing metabolism.
A new treatment using leukemia patients' own infection-fighting cells appears to protect them from infections and cancer recurrence after fludarabine-based chemotherapy. With a restored immune system, patients can stop taking prophylactic antibiotics and may have prolonged progression-free survival.
A phase I study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that low-dose IL-2 therapy reduced symptoms of chronic graft-versus-host disease in half of patients, with significant improvements in skin and liver function. The treatment also allowed some patients to taper off or stop immune-suppressing medications.
A £3.6 million project seeks to illuminate a fundamental mechanism controlling cells in the immune system as we age. Understanding this process may lead to new possibilities for improving health in older people.
A recent study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that arginine supplementation can reactivate cancer-fighting T-cells in patients with glioblastoma. This is achieved by replenishing the amino acid arginine, which is depleted due to persistent neutrophil activity. The result is an improved immune response against cancer cells.
Researchers identified a new immune system defect in aged mice that makes them more susceptible to severe respiratory viral infections. Inhibiting the immune molecule PGD2 can reverse this defect, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for older patients with severe respiratory viral infections.
A new study reveals that the recipient's immune system, specifically T-cells, alternately discourages and encourages stem cells to regrow bone and tissue. Administering regulatory T-cells or anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin increases the rate of bone growth and defect repair.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular signature for biliary atresia, a devastating pediatric liver disease. The study found that some children with the condition exhibit high levels of Th2 immune system activity, providing a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers investigate how c-myc gene mutations interact with p53 and Bcl2 genes in Burkitt's lymphoma. The study shows that the nature of the second 'hit' determines immune response against developing tumours, with implications for cancer therapy.
Researchers found that connexin 36 protects mouse pancreatic beta-cells against apoptosis triggered by immune molecules prevalent at the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Promoting connexin 36 expression and function could provide a therapeutic strategy to protect beta-cells from immune system attack.
Research suggests that natural intestinal flora may play a crucial role in the emergence of multiple sclerosis. Beneficial bacteria can activate immune cells and trigger an overreaction of the immune system in genetically predisposed individuals. This finding has important implications for disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a key gene that regulates the immune system, providing vital clues to reversing autoimmune diseases. The discovery is part of a $2 million grant to investigate new therapies for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Centenary Institute researchers have identified a set of immune cells in the outer layer of the skin that prevent the immune system from attacking friendly bacteria. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-mediated disorders.
Researchers have developed a method to create tolerance in the immune system by attaching peanut proteins onto blood cells and reintroducing them. This approach has shown promise in preventing life-threatening allergic reactions. By tricking the immune system, researchers hope to target multiple food allergies at once.
Researchers found a molecule in intestinal cells that induces immune tolerance and reduces excessive immune reactions. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize treatment for autoimmune disorders such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and Lupus.
A new study found that blocking Toll-like receptors reduces the effects of alcohol on the brain, which could lead to treatments for alcohol dependence and acute overdoses. This shift in understanding may help identify individuals at risk of brain damage after long-term drinking.
Berkeley lab researchers have discovered a complex protein structure in E.coli that plays a critical role in defending against viruses and other invaders. The 'Cascade' complex acts as a surveillance system, detecting and inactivating invading pathogens using RNA-guided target binding.
A study reveals that tumors can disable the T cell–attracting protein CCL2 by modifying it with reactive nitrogen species, keeping T cells out. Scientists are now developing RNS-blocking drugs to restore T cell function and potentially enhance cancer treatment.
Research reveals that immunotherapies like CTLA4 strengthen the immune system's attack on cancer by blocking proteins that prevent T cells from activating. The study also shows that these therapies can keep tumors from benefiting from IDO, an enzyme used to suppress the immune response.
Researchers have identified two weak points in the hepatitis C virus that could be targeted by a new vaccine. The discovery uses next-generation deep sequencing and computer analytics to track changes in the virus after infection, revealing opportunities for effective vaccine development.
A recent study found that when people have been recently sick, they are more likely to pay attention to and avoid others who might make them sick. This activation of the behavioral immune system is independent of conscious worries and is linked to a faster response in avoiding potentially contagious individuals.
A study on natural killer cells in wild mice found that these mice have higher numbers of NK cells compared to lab mice, suggesting a closer representation of human immune systems. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental factors are needed to fully represent the immune system.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism controlling aging in white blood cells, opening up the possibility of temporary boosting of the immune systems of older people. This could help fight off infections and improve quality of life for older individuals.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a unique computational method to analyze the H1N1 virus, identifying key mutation strategies that led to the 2009 pandemic. This method reveals crucial differences between the pandemic strain and common seasonal H1N1 strains, shedding light on potential vaccine development.
Researchers identified 29 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, shedding light on immunological pathways and immune system involvement. The study confirms 23 known genetic associations and provides insight into a possible link between genetic and environmental risk factors.
A large international study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of the disease. The research highlights the pivotal role of the immune system in causing damage and helps explain the nature of the immune attack on the brain and spinal cord.
A researcher is investigating the factor that initiates the immune system's overreaction after a traumatic event. The goal is to interrupt this chain of events and prevent unnecessary cell death in the intestines.
A newly discovered human antibody recognized multiple strains of the flu virus, providing a promising lead for developing a longer-lasting vaccine. The antibody, dubbed CH65, binds tightly to the receptor pocket on the influenza virus, making it less affected by mutations.
Researchers found that mannan oligosaccharides increase the total number of immune cells in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. MOS also alleviates the overstimulation of the immune system, reducing fever and improving feed efficiency.
Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites employ camouflage to avoid detection by the immune system in pregnant women. This allows the parasite to infect the placenta, putting both the mother and unborn child at risk. The study provides insight into the complex ways in which malaria evades the human immune response.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a synthetic chemical compound that reduces MS severity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals while stimulating interferon-beta production. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for treating the chronic inflammatory disease, which affects over 100,000 people in the UK.
Researchers have developed a new cancer vaccine using a library of DNA that targets multiple tumor proteins, avoiding overreaction by the immune system. Early studies in mice show successful treatment results without severe side effects.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a human vaccine that uses viruses to stimulate the immune system to attack and cure prostate cancer in mice. The vaccine has shown promise in treating other aggressive cancers, such as lung, brain, and pancreatic cancer, with no apparent side effects.
Scientists discovered that a single amino acid prevents perforin from killing host cells, protecting cytotoxic lymphocytes from destruction. The findings shed light on the immune system's ability to regulate cell death and disease.
A large Swedish study found that surgical removal of the appendix and tonsils before age 20 increased the risk of premature heart attack. The study's findings suggest a potential link between immune system alterations and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed a new microchip that can quickly and inexpensively assess immune function by examining biomarkers from single cells. The technology has the potential to be used routinely to monitor immune system performance and evaluate the effectiveness of certain classes of therapeutics, such as vaccines and immunotherapies.
Researchers found potential tools for controlling cytokine storm in children with juvenile arthritis and autoimmune diseases. The study identified two important molecules that control the severity of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening condition.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that induced pluripotent stem cells could be rejected by the immune system, challenging their potential as a promising means to develop stem cell therapies. The study suggests that iPSCs are subject to some of the same problems of immune system rejection as embryonic stem cells.
A new chemical bonding process adds new functions to stainless steel, improving its suitability for biomedical devices. Carbohydrate molecules are attached to the surface, enabling interaction with the immune system and potentially overcoming problems like blood clotting and allergenic responses.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a critical molecule that, when absent in T-cells, can cause autoimmunity. This finding has significant implications for stem-cell transplantation treatments used for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers found that beneficial gut bacteria like Bacteroides fragilis hijack immune cells to prevent inflammation. The bacteria produce a molecule that tricks the immune system into activating regulatory T cells, preventing autoimmune reactions.