Articles tagged with Immune System
A new study by Stanford Peng and colleagues has found that a gene called Foxj1 helps keep immune attack cells inactive. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases, including lupus and multiple sclerosis.
Rockefeller University scientists have discovered that natural killer cells, a crucial part of the immune system, need to be 'nurtured' before they can effectively destroy tumor and infected cells. This new understanding paves the way for potential changes in bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures.
Researchers have discovered three genetic variants linked to psoriasis, a complex trait influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. The study may lead to improved treatments by understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
NIAMS researchers collaborated with Pfizer to develop and test a new immunosuppressant drug, CP-690,550, which targets the immune system without causing toxic side effects. The study showed promising results in mice and monkeys, suggesting potential for treating autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), regardless of age or education level. The study examined over 22,000 people and found that smokers were 1.81 times more likely to develop MS than non-smokers.
Wilfred Jefferies and his team have discovered a cellular pathway that triggers immune responses and identified a specialized organelle within dendritic cells controlling immune system activation. The findings hold enormous implications for patients, enabling targeted treatment adjustments to regulate immune responses.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a novel flu treatment that can eliminate symptoms by targeting the overactive immune response. The treatment, which works by selectively reducing the response of active T white blood cells, has shown promising results in mice and may offer new hope for pandemic prevention.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia discover a molecule, HLA-G, that helps keep immune cells immature and tolerant during pregnancy. This mechanism may be replicated to preserve transplanted organs and reduce rejection rates.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a key finding about how donor kidneys adapt to new bodies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, the study found that donor kidneys can develop protective processes that shield them from the recipient's immune system, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving transplant outcomes.
Researchers have identified a small subset of dendritic cells that can suppress T-cell responses, potentially treating tumors and autoimmune diseases. Experimental immunosuppressive agents are being explored for their ability to target this subset, offering new hope for patients with transplanted organs and autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine developed a targeted DNA vaccine that can predict and treat autoimmune diseases like M.S. by analyzing antibody profiles. The vaccine uses tolerization to knock out harmful immune responses while leaving the rest of the system functional, offering new hope for personalized therapies.
Researchers found that HPV16 is less associated with immune status than other HPV types, suggesting it can skirt the immune system. This discovery raises hypotheses about why cervical cancer rates are only moderately increased in HIV/AIDS-affected women.
A study found that long-term caregivers experienced a rapid increase in proinflammatory cytokine levels, which continued even after the care recipient died. The research suggests that chronic stress can prematurely age the immune response and contribute to various age-related diseases.
A new study led by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser and Ronald Glaser found that caregivers of chronically ill patients experience prolonged immune disregulation, increasing their risk for age-related diseases. The research suggests that chronic stress and caregiving duties can have lasting effects on the immune system.
Researchers found that combining amiodarone with antifungal agents miconazole and fluconazole kills more fungi than expected, making it a promising treatment for severe fungal infections. The unique mechanism of action disrupts calcium balance in fungal cells, leading to their death.
A gene defect in Ro protein causes a lupus-like disorder by exposing defective ribonucleoproteins to the immune system, triggering autoantibody production. The study suggests that Ro normally plays a protective role by hiding defective complexes from the immune system.
Researchers show that SOCS3 slows macrophage activation initiated by IL-6, and discover an unexpected pathway causing fatal inflammatory responses in humans., The study adds to understanding of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in immune system cells.
Researchers found that cocaine-exposed mice had significantly larger tumors and higher IL-10 concentrations than saline-treated mice. Administration of anti-IL-10 antibody reversed the tumor growth-promoting effects of sigma ligand agonists.
Women who placed more importance on life goals showed higher levels of natural killer cell activity, and writing about a stressful event was not associated with changes in immune activity. The study aims to uncover the ways in which finding meaning influences the immune system.
Researchers identify viral protease NS3/4A as a key player in evading the immune system, leading to new avenues for clinical and basic research on hepatitis C. Inhibiting this protease restores the host's immune response, reducing viral levels to nearly undetectable levels.
New research links bright beak colors to healthier immune systems in male birds, with carotenoids playing a key role in conveying individual health. The studies provide the first direct evidence that males' flashy features accurately indicate their fitness.
Researchers have discovered that caspase-8 is essential for the activation of T-cells at the start of the immune response. The study found that inhibiting caspase-8 significantly decreases the immune response.
HIV-1 uses a unique 'glycan shield' mechanism to evade antibody attack, continuously changing large sugar molecules on its surface. This allows the virus to outsmart the immune system and escape elimination.
Researchers studied sooty mangabey monkeys infected with SIV, finding they didn't get sick like humans with HIV. The lack of symptoms was attributed to low-level immune system responses and ability to maintain T cell renewal.
Researchers have successfully treated a patient with TTP, a rare blood disorder affecting 3,000 Americans annually, by suppressing the immune system. The treatment involves using immunosuppressive drugs, which target the underlying problem of the immune system attacking its own tissues.
A new antibody library developed by PNNL scientists can identify antibodies in days, reducing labor costs and improving the design of medical treatments. The library, which contains 1 billion human antibodies, uses a yeast surface display method to quickly screen for useful antibodies.
OHSU researchers identified a critical role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in training T-cells to combat infections. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective vaccines and immune system boosting strategies for susceptible populations, such as the elderly.
Researchers found that a patient's immune system did generate new responses against the unique parts of the virus B, but these responses were not sufficient to prevent re-infection. The study supports the need for a preventive vaccine that targets multiple HIV strains.
A clinical trial using lab-grown T cell clones has shown promise in shrinking melanoma tumors. In the study, five patients saw their tumors stop growing for up to a year, while three experienced tumor shrinkage.
Research found that chronic stress impairs immune function, particularly glucocorticoid sensitivity in parents of children with cancer. Social support mitigated some immunologic consequences, suggesting a novel mechanism for psychological stress's influence on inflammation.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine that amplifies the production of beneficial antibodies to combat IP-10, a protein responsible for autoimmune disease progression. The vaccine rapidly suppressed experimentally induced rheumatoid arthritis and MS, offering potential relief for millions.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the caspase-8 gene in two siblings with an immune disorder, which led to impaired lymphocyte activation and severe immunodeficiency. The study found that functional caspase-8 restored immune cell function, suggesting its potential as a target for new therapies.
UCSD researchers describe how Bacillus anthracis' lethal toxin disables macrophage signaling, allowing bacteria to spread unchecked. The study's findings open the door for developing an antidote to block the toxin's action.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that individuals experiencing cardiac reactors showed a greater immunologic response to stress, as measured by lymphocyte redistribution. This response may play a role in inflammatory diseases and heart attack.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute suggest administering an injection of fresh T cells after chemotherapy or irradiation to increase anti-tumor effect. This approach could potentially reduce collateral damage and improve treatment outcomes for various cancers.
Researchers discovered that an inactivated chickenpox vaccine may prevent healthy elderly people from developing shingles and protect transplant recipients against viruses and bacteria. The vaccine boosted memory T cells to mount an attack during the transplant and recovery, reducing shingle risk.
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.
Researchers at UIC are testing a new vaccine for advanced prostate cancer, targeting patients with a specific immune type. The vaccine uses a fragment of the protein PSA to stimulate the immune system and destroy tumor cells.
Researchers found that lipitor prevented both acute and relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice, reversing symptoms in those with chronic relapsing form. Lipitor also reduced CNS inflammation by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Research reveals that female starlings choose mates with the strongest immune systems, as these males tend to have better singing abilities. The finding supports a decade-old theory that suggests evolution has found a way to prevent male birds from cheating on their reproductive quality.
Researchers found that exposure to agricultural fungicide Triphenyltin (TPT) can irreversibly suppress natural killer cell function, a crucial part of the human immune system. Even after TPT is removed, these cells are unable to regain their strength.
A new breast cancer vaccine called AutoVac has been developed to stimulate the patient's own immune system and induce specific killer cells and antibodies against HER-2, a protein overexpressed in many tumors. The phase I/II trial is currently underway with 27 patients with advanced breast cancer.
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.
The new antigen microarrays can diagnose diseases on the first visit, enabling clinicians to pinpoint specific antigens under attack in autoimmune diseases. The arrays also aid in designing effective treatments tailored to individual patients, bypassing the entire immune system.
Researchers have created a new vaccine that can prevent life-threatening infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are resistant to common antibiotics. The vaccine targets the bacteria's capsular polysaccharides and has shown significant efficacy in reducing bacteremia in hemodialysis patients.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a unique 'flap' on protein Tall-1 crucial to its function, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmunity. The flap-free version of the molecule triggers no biological activity but still binds to receptors.
A recent study found that infants can generate protective immune responses to multiple vaccines simultaneously, using only a small percentage of their immune system. Current research also shows that vaccine formulations have been refined to contain fewer antigens, reducing the risk of overwhelming the infant's immune system.
Researchers found that proteins produced by melanocytes trigger attacks on immune cells, leading to hair loss. The discovery could pave the way for more effective treatments for alopecia areata.
Researchers found osteopontin is present in higher levels in the brains of individuals with MS and mice models. Osteopontin's presence may accelerate disease progression, prompting efforts to block its effects.
According to Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., physicians should treat HIV-infected individuals when their CD4 lymphocyte count is below 350 or their HIV RNA level exceeds 50,000, rather than immediately upon diagnosis.
Researchers at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School and Peptor Ltd. successfully arrested the progression of Type I diabetes in newly diagnosed patients using DiaPep277, an experimental drug that alters immune cell behavior.
Researchers found that a chemical signal from the nervous system can redirect immune actions, affecting conditions like arthritis and asthma. The discovery suggests potential for developing drugs to regulate the immune response and improve defenses.
Researchers found that levels of IL-12 and TNF alpha decreased during pregnancy, while cortisol, norepinephrine, and 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D3 increased. After birth, these stress hormones surged, possibly contributing to the resurgence of immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that exposure to short days triggers immune system enhancements in mice, which last for approximately 20 weeks. The immune system returns to its non-enhanced status after 32 weeks, even if short days remain. Melatonin levels are believed to play a key role in this process.
Estrogen controls lymphocyte formation and replenishment of the immune system by binding to hormone receptors found only in rare "precursors" within adult bone marrow. This discovery reveals that various kinds of stem cells may differ between fetal and adult life, protecting the fetus's immune system from estrogen-related compounds.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a new immunological pathway involving the enzyme I-kappa-B kinase alpha (IKKa), which plays a crucial role in developing B cells and forming certain lymphoid organs. Blocking IKKa's action may offer a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases without compromising the immune system.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades detection by the human immune system. The TB bacterium inhibits MHC-II molecules in macrophages to prevent recognition and eliminate it from detection.
Researchers found that vegetable recipes from around the world are less spicy than their meat-based counterparts, thanks to plants' inherent defenses against bacterial and fungal infections. The study suggests that spices were originally used to protect against foodborne pathogens in hot climates before refrigeration.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have identified a gene in mice that causes an autoimmune disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematous. The study found abnormal N-glycans in the mice, leading to SLE-like symptoms and organ damage, offering new insights into understanding autoimmune disease.
A novel therapy employing the immune system to attack prostate cancer cells has been found to slow disease progression in some men and decrease PSA levels. The study's results show that modified dendritic cells can train lymphocytes to recognize prostate cancer cells, leading to a stronger immune response.