Articles tagged with Immune System
Researchers discovered a protein in a single-celled fungus that helps it survive in low-oxygen settings, which may aid humans with compromised immune systems. The discovery identified key genes responsible for the protein's cutting mechanism, offering potential targets for new fungal infection treatments.
A new fusion molecule with three parts activates the immune system to attack cancer cells directly, while keeping it dormant until needed. The approach has shown promising results in lab experiments and mice with cancer, inhibiting tumor growth and activating immune cells.
Scientists have found that tungsten accumulates in the spleen and bones of laboratory mice, raising concerns about its potential impact on the immune system. Further research is needed to determine the effects of tungsten on human health.
The GERONTOSHIELD project aims to understand the aging immune system and develop personalized therapies for the elderly. Researchers investigate how immune responses in young and old mice differ from each other and identify risk markers predicting increased susceptibility for infectious diseases.
A study of 60 burn patients found that those who died from their injuries had lower inflammatory responses in their lungs compared to survivors. This unexpected finding may lead to better therapies for improving outcomes in burn care.
Researchers identify IL-23 as a major contributor to inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, offering hope for new treatments. The study provides insight into the pathogenic role of IL-23 and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a cell component that plays a key role in triggering allergic responses to cat dander. The finding could lead to the development of new treatments for allergies and asthma.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
Researchers found that C. elegans worms gain resistance to one microbe at the cost of becoming more vulnerable to another, highlighting a see-saw balance between immunity to different diseases across the animal kingdom.
Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.
Scientists have developed a mouse with individual genes knocked out only in Natural Killer (NK) cells, allowing them to study the functions of these immune cells in intact organisms. The study reveals that NK cells are essential for the correct development and survival of these cells.
A collaboration between researchers at the University of Helsinki has cracked the long-standing question of how the human immune system recognizes foreign structures. The key to unlocking this problem lies in the protein-based marking and destruction system called complement, which distinguishes between microbes and own structures.
Researchers found that early infusion of donor T cells prevented GVHD in 26 patients who achieved full-donor engraftment, with no chronic GVHD development. The study also showed improved immune system recovery and reduced CMV reactivation.
Australian scientists successfully cleared a HIV-like infection from mice by boosting interleukin-7's function, allowing the host to completely clear virus. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting host immune cells to fight disease.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed new methods to identify diagnostic markers for allergic disorders by analyzing medical databases. These methods could reduce the need for animal trials and personalize medication, leading to more efficient clinical studies.
A UCSF team found that the human fetal immune system arises from a different source than the adult immune system and is more tolerant of foreign substances. This discovery may help explain why many infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the disease.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that a loss of healthy bacteria due to modern sanitation may contribute to the increasing rates of depression. Experiments are being conducted to test treatments using properties of these beneficial microorganisms, aiming to improve emotional tolerance.
A University of Michigan School of Public Health study found that people exposed to higher levels of triclosan were more likely to report allergies and hay fever. Additionally, BPA exposure was associated with impaired immune function in adults, but only for those over 18 years old.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered a previously unknown level of genetic cross talk between plant proteins that fight off bacterial infections. The study found that certain proteins physically associate, enabling them to communicate danger signals to the cell's nucleus.
Research reveals alcohol's far-reaching consequences, including weakened immune systems, impaired bone growth, and increased risks of HIV transmission and poor surgical outcomes.
A team of scientists from Kiel University, along with international colleagues, has identified interleukin-27 as a key player in counteracting inflammation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Research reveals that tiny variants in a protein called HLA-B are associated with immune system's ability to control HIV infection. The study identifies five amino acid sites critical to the protein's function, providing insights into the genetic basis of natural immunity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new epitope-mapping laboratory test that can pinpoint the unique binding site for disease-causing pathogens within three weeks. The test uses five essential proteins involved in antigen processing by immune system cells, speeding up the development of cancer vaccines and diagnostic...
A team of scientists will investigate how spaceflight affects the immune system, particularly in response to viruses like RSV, which can cause severe respiratory illness. The study aims to protect astronauts and vulnerable populations on Earth from increased infection susceptibility.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that certain cancer therapies require the presence of a specific immune cell type, T helper cells, for optimal efficacy. The study showed that disabled oncogenes were more successful in eradicating tumors in mice with intact immune systems.
Researchers generated mice with a human immune system using human stem cells, allowing them to produce human monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough could simplify the study and treatment of diseases.
Scientists have identified a new type of cell in mice that dampens the immune system and protects its own cells from immune system attack. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for new therapies to control hyperactive immune systems in autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a method for desensitizing the immune system to certain food proteins, potentially alleviating symptoms for millions suffering from severe allergies. The discovery involves targeting a specific receptor on immune cells using sugar-modified protein.
Researchers discovered that lipopolysaccharide and polyI:C stimulate factor B production in macrophages through distinct but overlapping mechanisms. This finding highlights the complexity of the immune system and its redundancy, enabling it to counter bacterial and viral strategies.
Researchers have developed a method to extract and present viral surface fragments, known as epitopes, into computer-designed protein scaffolds that lock them in recognizable shapes. This approach has implications for vaccine design and the development of antibodies against HIV/AIDS.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a protein called PU.1 as essential for the development of dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. By regulating PU.1 expression, Flt3 can control DC development, revealing a crucial role for this protein in immune system function.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified cells in mice that prevent the immune system from attacking own cells, potentially leading to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of balancing the immune response, with CD8+ Treg cells playing a key role.
A team of scientists developed a new microfluidic tool to quickly and accurately isolate neutrophils from small blood samples, enabling researchers to study the immune system's response to traumatic injury. The device revealed complex gene expression patterns that shifted during the recovery process.
A genome-wide association study has revealed a strong link between a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region and Parkinson's disease, implicating the immune system. The study suggests that inflammation is involved in the origin of the disease, not just a symptom.
A team of researchers has discovered a genetic link between the immune system and Parkinson's disease, finding a new association with the HLA region. The study, which analyzed over 2,000 patients and healthy volunteers, suggests that immune function may play a role in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease.
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI damage bladder walls and allow infection to persist longer. Suppressing immune system during initial infection decreases vulnerabilities to later infection.
Researchers found that individuals with greater neural sensitivity to social rejection exhibit increased inflammatory activity, which can increase the risk of disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Chronic inflammation can also lead to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that white button mushrooms enhance dendritic cell maturity, improving immune response to disease-causing pathogens. The study suggests that consuming adequate nutrients can support immune system health.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing a new clinical approach to prevent cancer recurrence after surgery by blocking stress responses. The treatment involves combining two widely available medications to boost the immune system and prevent tumor metastasis, with promising results in animal studies.
A study by Caltech researchers found that specific intestinal bacteria can induce MS-like symptoms in animals, suggesting a link between gut microbes and the disease. The bacteria, from the segmented filamentous bacteria group, were able to replicate and cause inflammation in both the gut and central nervous system.
Researchers found that competition between rival bacteria can cause deadlier forms of bacteria to evolve, making them more deadly when they enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.
Researchers discovered how bacteria aid digestion and enhance immune function by binding to B lymphocytes. This finding suggests the possibility of using bacterial spores to treat people with weakened or undeveloped immune systems.
Dr Pellegrini's research focuses on HIV, tuberculosis, and how the human immune system responds to these infections. His work aims to develop therapies that target the host immune system to eradicate chronic infections.
Georgia Tech's Todd Sulchek receives Gates Foundation grant for innovative global health research project on multifunctional microparticles. The project aims to combat hard-to-treat diseases like malaria and tuberculosis by targeting microorganisms and activating the immune system.
Researchers at USAMRIID have found a novel approach to defeating the anthrax pathogen by inducing high levels of CapD enzyme, releasing capsule fragments and leaving bacteria vulnerable to immune destruction. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment options for anthrax infection.
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.