Articles tagged with Immune System
Researchers at UCLA developed two PET scanning probes that target different cells in the immune system with high specificity. The probes work better when used together, revealing the extent and cellular composition of an immune response and its effects on various diseases, including cancer and auto-immune disorders.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that traumatic experiences alter genes involved in stress response and immune system, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified six to seven times more unmethylated genes in individuals with PTSD, most related to the immune system.
Scientists have engineered Bacillus anthracis to produce higher-than-normal amounts of capsule depolymerase, releasing the protective capsule and leaving the bacterium vulnerable to detection and destruction by the immune system.
The Xenopus tropicalis genome has been nearly completely sequenced, providing a powerful model to study gene organization, regulation and function. The findings hold significant promise for improving human health by shedding light on the basic mechanisms of genetics.
A new study found that looking at pictures of people with diseases triggers a stronger immune response, which may be beneficial for fighting off pathogens. The researchers suggest this response could have evolved as a way to prepare the body for potential infections when additional cues indicate a higher threat.
Researchers at the Trudeau Institute discovered that cytokines can influence immune responses to subsequent infections and vaccination procedures. This knowledge provides a potential explanation for why chronic infections can alter immune responses to vaccines. Needle vaccinations may be more effective in regions where people are alrea...
Researchers at Caltech have discovered a crucial balance between beneficial and potentially harmful gut microbes that can either promote health or lead to diseases like IBD. The study reveals how altering this balance can affect the host's immune system, leading to inflammation.
Researchers found that natural killer T (NKT) cells impede the healing process, leading to slower wound closure. Inactivating these cells using an antibody is being tested as a potential treatment.
A Barrow scientist has been awarded a major grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue his research on myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. The $450,000 grant will focus on Th17 cells, which may play a key role in causing or intensifying autoimmunity.
A recent study by OHSU researchers explains how cytomegalovirus (CMV) can overcome the immune system's defenses to re-infect individuals. The virus is able to evade a key portion of the immune system called CD8+ T cells, allowing it to re-infect despite a strong and long-lasting immune response.
Researchers at EPFL discovered how tumors create a tolerant microenvironment by mimicking key features of lymph nodes. This allows tumors to avoid detection by the immune system, leading to cancer progression.
Scientists found that a protein barrier in mosquito midgut prevents disease-causing agents like the Plasmodium malaria parasite from infecting mosquitoes. Disrupting this barrier could trigger immune defenses to protect insects from infection, potentially informing new strategies for blocking malaria transmission.
Researchers have identified genes that predispose people to gluten intolerance, which is linked to the human immune system and inflammations rather than gluten breakdown. The findings suggest a possible connection between virus infections and the onset of gluten intolerance.
A new University of Illinois study shows that soluble fiber can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The research found that mice fed soluble fiber were less sick and recovered faster from illness compared to those fed insoluble fiber.
Researchers have discovered that aphids lack critical immune genes, instead relying on reproduction to protect themselves. This finding could lead to new methods for controlling these pests and better understanding human health.
Belatacept demonstrates effective immunosuppression with fewer side effects and superior kidney function compared to cyclosporine. The study found a higher early rejection rate but better long-term graft survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a single low dose infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) significantly reduces pain in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), improving quality of life. The treatment has few adverse effects and can be repeated every four weeks.
Aged mice treated with a macrophage-specific growth factor exhibit enhanced resistance to bacterial infection, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. The study's findings provide insight into the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to age-related increased susceptibility to infections.
Alexander Ksendzovsky, a third-year medical student, has been awarded the Lucien Rubenstein Award for his groundbreaking research on a potential vaccine to fight malignant brain tumors. The American Brain Tumor Association recognized his outstanding work as part of their annual Research Award Program.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a mechanism regulating vital immune functions in healthy individuals. A link between nutrition and immune defense was found via the insulin signaling pathway, with low insulin levels activating FOXO transcription factor to switch on immune defense proteins.
Researchers found that an early immune response is key in controlling the spread of HTLV-1, a virus that causes adult T-cell leukemia and inflammatory diseases. Providing fewer immune cells for the virus to attack at a critical time can significantly reduce the infection's severity.
Researchers have identified a critical imbalance of regulatory cells and increased 'attack' cells in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This imbalance can be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes, reducing the need for colonoscopies.
Researchers found that the immune system produces early-stage B cells with potent HIV-blocking antibodies but eliminates them before they mature. This 'catch-22' prevents the production of these protective antibodies, hindering vaccine development.
Newborns are susceptible to diseases due to an imbalance of white blood cells. Researchers have identified a depleted group of T-helper cells and aim to create an immune-strengthening vaccine.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine found a previously unrealized role of receptor-binding residues in host evasion, which could be a bottleneck for the virus. This discovery may lead to more efficient vaccine design not only for H1N1 but also for other strains of the flu.
The 'Immune Attack' video game increased teenagers' understanding of cell biology and molecular science, according to a study. Players navigated the microscopic world of immune system proteins and cells to save a patient with bacterial infection, measurably improving their knowledge.
Researchers found that patients with high immune response during surgery recovered faster and had better knee function. Men were more likely to mount the beneficial stress response, leading to full recovery. The study suggests simple blood tests could predict patient recovery months after surgery.
Malaria parasites adapt their molecules to evade the host's immune response, with different approaches used in children and adults. Researchers discovered a limit to severe disease-causing variants and found evidence for a vaccine against this deadly form of malaria.
A new cancer vaccine has successfully eliminated tumors in mice by reprogramming the mammalian immune system. The implant-based vaccine targets tumor-specific antigens and directs T cells to hunt down and kill cancerous cells, providing durable protection against relapse.
Researchers found that a commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the risk of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation. The study analyzed 1,300 donor-recipient pairs and identified UGT2B17 as a key factor in graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers found raised levels of interleukin-1beta in the spinal fluid of recent-onset schizophrenia patients, indicating activated brain immune defense systems. This discovery offers new potential treatments for the condition, potentially interrupting its course at an early stage.
Researchers at UCI discovered a way to boost palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels, a potent anti-inflammatory substance. The PEA-boosting compound shows wide-scale promise as an immune-response drug treatment for allergies, illnesses and injuries.
Research found that couples who use thoughtfulness and reasoning during conflicts show lower stress-related protein levels, suggesting a potential health benefit. The study measured cytokine levels before and after marital discussion tasks and found a correlation between cognitive word use and reduced inflammation.
The Radiation Effects Research Foundation will study the impact of atomic bomb radiation on the aging immune system, analyzing biological samples from elderly Japanese survivors. Understanding how the immune system ages may help care for the growing population of older adults worldwide.
A study of over 2500 pregnant women found that those in long-term relationships with their biological fathers were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have undersized babies. Prolonged exposure to paternal antigens may induce tolerance in the maternal immune system, reducing the risk of these conditions.
Researchers aim to understand how the JC virus attaches to host cells, with potential treatments for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The five-year grant will explore the virus's interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain.
A new study found that eight in 10 Americans are missing out on the health benefits of a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, resulting in a phytonutrient gap. Consuming a variety of colorful foods can support immune function and overall health.
New research suggests that prolonged space travel weakens human immune systems, making astronauts more susceptible to disease. The study also found that microorganisms such as bacteria can grow more rapidly in space conditions, increasing the risk of contamination and serious infection.
Two genetic mutations, CARD9 and Dectin-1, have been identified as increasing the risk of fungal infections in humans. These findings offer new insights into the genetic basis of fungal diseases and may pave the way for future therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and other infections.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered specific immune cells that attract corrupted proteins, increasing the risk of variant CJD in younger individuals. This finding may lead to better diagnosis methods and potential vaccine development.
Aging immune systems in elderly cancer patients are less efficient and require customized treatments. Researchers aim to understand intrinsic defects in the old immune system to stimulate antitumor responses.
A new study found that depressive symptoms are associated with increased levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory protein predicting cardiovascular events. In contrast, levels of interleukin-6 were not related to later increases in depressive symptoms among healthy adults.
Prolonged surgery can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher likelihood of complications. Limiting surgical time to less than three hours improves patient outcomes. External fixators are often used to stabilize orthopaedic injuries and allow for staggered surgeries over several days.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme, TRC8, that enables cytomegalovirus to shut down an antiviral defense by destroying the MHC I protein. This allows the virus to evade immune system surveillance and trigger an immune response.
A phase 3 trial found that anti-T cell globulin (ATG) reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplant patients. This results in improved survival rates and reduced complications without compromising overall survival or increasing relapse rates.
A MSU researcher is studying how gastric bypass surgery affects the immune system's ability to defend the body after drastic weight loss. The study aims to understand potential adverse effects of morbid obesity on certain facets of immune defense.
A researcher at the University of Western Ontario is investigating how bacterial superantigen toxins lead to toxic shock syndrome and other serious diseases. By understanding how these toxins work, scientists hope to develop drug inhibitors that can neutralize them.
Research suggests that stress can damage our immune system, leading to weaker responses to vaccines, increased risk of infections, and delayed wound healing. Chronic stress may also accelerate the aging process, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Type II diabetes.
Researchers found that HIV-1 damages the gut's B-cell arm of the immune system just days after transmission, disrupting its ability to fight infections. This damage affects both reactive and non-reactive B cells, leading to a weak response against pathogens like influenza.
Researchers have discovered a method to deliver a natural suppressor of the immune response, HLA-G, directly to dendritic cells using microscopic beads. This approach shows promise in creating 'designer' immune cells that can tolerate transplanted organs. The therapy could potentially replace current anti-rejection drugs and improve pa...
A study from the University of Gothenburg reveals Helicobacter pylori manipulates immune cells to develop a chronic infection. The bacterium also increases regulatory T cells in the stomach lining, which may lead to new treatments against peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that the signal molecule tenascin-C can trigger chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of tenascin-C in joints may cause the activated immune system to attack and lead to persistent inflammation.
Researchers have discovered two new structures involving the central component of an enzyme important to the complement system of the immune response. These findings may pave the way for more efficient therapeutics for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Scientists have identified a molecular factor called GARP that plays an essential role in regulatory T cell function. By artificially inserting GARP into transplants, researchers were able to convert immune-reactive T cells into regulatory T cells, which inhibit organ rejection.
A new study found that increased levels of specific cytokines and chemokines can predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) up to three years before symptoms appear. The study identified key biomarkers, including IL-17, which were significantly higher in individuals who went on to develop RA compared to controls.
Researchers found that regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) can ameliorate hypertension-induced cardiac damage in mice by reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and abnormal heart rhythms. The study provides insight into the role of the immune system in organ damage during hypertension.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of eculizumab in preventing antibody-mediated rejection in positive crossmatch kidney transplant patients. The treatment, which blocks the immune system's activation of the complement system, showed promising results with none of the treated patients developing antibody-mediated rejection.
University of Missouri researchers have identified important genetic components that negatively regulate the plant's immune system, allowing for more durable safeguards against pathogens. This discovery could lead to the development of crops with improved resistance to diseases and increased seed production.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario discovered that superbugs like Staphylococcus aureus can manipulate the immune system to prevent toxic shock syndrome. The study identifies a mechanism by which the bacteria bind to immune cells and produce an anti-inflammatory protein, allowing them to evade the host's defense.
The study reveals that interleukin-21 is a crucial protein for the cross-talk between killer T-cells and helper T-cells. Its absence leads to failure of the immune system's anti-viral efforts, resulting in uncontrolled infections.