Articles tagged with Immunity
A nationwide survey in Saudi Arabia found that three-quarters of camels tested had evidence of MERS-CoV infection. The study established direct camel-to-human transmission is possible and likely, highlighting the need for control measures to contain the spread of the disease.
A recent review suggests that chlamydia can persist in the gut even after treatment, leading to potential reinfections. The source of these reinfections is likely the GI tract, which produces a strong immune response but cannot be cured.
Researchers developed a nasal vaccine formulation that provides protective immunity against West Nile virus in mice after only 2 doses. The vaccine was shown to protect 100% of mice from morbidity and weight loss.
Researchers have discovered that indoleamine 2,3-dioxigenase (IDO) can promote inflammation in response to infection, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets. By manipulating IDO's activity, scientists may be able to fine-tune the immune response and reduce cytokine storms associated with severe infections.
New studies suggest that immune response to bee venom and other allergens evolved as a defense mechanism, triggering reactions like sneezing and itching. Researchers found that mice developed resistance to deadly doses of venom after exposure to PLA2, an enzyme in bee venom.
A recent Penn study found that fish skin and gut immune responses are similar, with key components resembling those in mammals. The study suggests IgT plays a crucial role in regulating host-microbiota homeostasis and may be involved in developing improved fish vaccines.
Researchers found a genetic match for MERS in an Egyptian Tomb Bat near the first known case of the disease in Saudi Arabia, pointing to bats as the likely animal origin. The study suggests that an intermediary animal may also be involved in human transmission.
Researchers have identified a new virus associated with the death of a short-beaked dolphin in San Diego, belonging to the polyomavirus family. The discovery could help protect dolphins and other animals from disease outbreaks.
Frank Leo van de Veerdonk has received a 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on fungal immunology. He discovered that mutations in STAT1 are responsible for autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a major breakthrough in diagnosing immunodeficiencies with fungal infections.
A new study reveals that the level of immunity to the recently circulating H7N9 influenza virus in an urban and rural population in Vietnam is very low. The findings suggest that people living in this area have had little or no exposure to the virus, making it essential to consider alternative plans for pandemic preparedness.
Research found that women's immune systems decline slower with age compared to men's, particularly in lymphocytes. This slower aging of the immune system may contribute to women's overall longevity.
Researchers identified a unique subset of helper T cells that stimulates protective antibody responses following seasonal influenza vaccinations. The study found that these T cells boost production of existing antibodies by stimulating memory B cells, but do not help produce new antibodies by naïve B cells.
A new influenza vaccine approach uses two-pronged immune cell strategy to elicit robust protective immunity. The research suggests that combining CD8+ T cells and non-neutralizing antibodies could provide universal flu vaccine capable of long-lasting protection.
Scientists have discovered how influenza viruses evade T cell immunity, enabling researchers to design vaccines targeting distinct virus strains for universal protection. This breakthrough may lead to the development of a new universal influenza vaccine to combat both seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.
Sang-Moo Kang receives a $3.4 million NIH grant to develop virus-like particle vaccines for flu and RSV, aiming to create safer vaccines for young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes severe lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The vaccine is based on a new mechanism of immunity mediated by T helper 17 (Th17) cells and has been shown to protect mice from lethal pneumonia.
A team of IRCM researchers led by Dr. André Veillette has elucidated a poorly understood molecular mechanism associated with human immune disorder XLP disease.
The study found that local variation in neighborhood immunity significantly alters the risk of dengue infection, even in highly mobile and dense urban populations. Infection with dengue provides lifelong immunity to the infecting serotype, but susceptibility returns, increasing the risk for severe disease.
Researchers have developed long-lasting flu vaccines that target more constant proteins with less evolutionary flair, reducing the virus' ability to spread and mutate. These universal vaccines could make a bout with influenza less severe, making it easier to control the virus' spread.
Research identifies increased expression of Dyrk1a as a potential explanation for the increased risk of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) in children with Down syndrome. A candidate therapeutic target, small-molecule inhibitors of DYRK1A activity, have been proposed.
A new study found that inhibiting necroptosis protects mice from lethal sepsis by blocking a specific cell death pathway. The research may lead to new therapeutic interventions for fatal inflammatory conditions.
A study by the Broad Institute and University of California, Berkeley, has linked a person's immune status to the viral genetics of dengue, revealing how these two factors interact to cause severe disease. The research showed that immunity from previous infections and genetic variants of the virus combined to increase disease severity.
A new research technology is screening human blood serum samples for immunity to malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasite proteins. Researchers found that young children are more vulnerable to malaria due to limited immunity to various protein variants.
A four-year study aims to understand the role of serpin-2 in mosquito immunity and physiology. Researchers hope that targeting this molecule could make mosquitoes more susceptible to diseases like malaria.
A recent measles outbreak in Tucson, Arizona, resulted in 14 confirmed cases and highlighted the need for continued vigilance in healthcare settings. The investigation revealed that the lack of electronic records documenting health care personnel's immunity status led to unnecessary vaccinations and furloughs, resulting in significant ...
A new immunological technique has shown that artificially induced malaria immunity can last for at least 2.5 years, significantly longer than naturally acquired immunity. The study found that immune volunteers who were re-infected with the same strain of malaria had a quicker and more effective response to infection.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a potential biomarker to track Alzheimer's disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The study found that the immune gene MGAT3 is expressed differently in various patient groups, which may lead to personalized disease prognoses and therapy responses.
Scientists at Emory Vaccine Center developed nanoparticles that mimic viruses to induce lifelong immunity in mice. The particles, made of biodegradable polymers, activate two different parts of the innate immune system and can be used with material from various bacteria or viruses.
Researchers discovered a specific immune cell population that maintains immunity in the intestine of mice, producing anti-microbial proteins to fight infection. Elimination of these cells led to impaired immunity and ultimately mouse death.
A new bivalent oral vaccine against poliovirus types 1 and 3 has been found to be more immunogenic than current vaccines, inducing a stronger immune response in newborn babies. The vaccine's effectiveness is comparable to that of the existing monovalent and trivalent vaccines, offering enhanced immunity for both virus types.
Scientists estimate that at least 183 million Americans have immunity to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus due to exposure or vaccination. They predict the virus will persist in a form causing relatively few deaths, but caution against complacency and urge influenza vaccination for all ages.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that infant immunity to hepatitis B lasts for at least 5 years after primary vaccination, making booster shots unnecessary. The research, led by Alessandro Zanetti, found that children vaccinated with hexavac maintained protective antibody levels for over 5 years.
Researchers reviewed data to assess immune responses to vaccines in HIV-infected children on HAART. Most children responded well to revaccination, but those with poorer immune systems and slower immune reconstitution may require additional doses to maintain protective immunity.
Although immunity to mumps is high in the US, maintaining and improving vaccine coverage is crucial to prevent future outbreaks. The study found that only about 90% of the population has sufficient antibodies, which may not be enough to stop transmission.
A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified a key player in animal gut immunity and revealed surprising similarities between fish and humans. The discovery provides new insights into how humans maintain healthy intestines and could lead to improved approaches for keeping fish safe from pathogens.
Scientists have discovered that the aging gene DAF-16 plays a crucial role in determining lifespan, immunity, and stress resistance. The gene is highly active in species with longer lifespans, such as Caenorhabditis remanei, and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying healthy aging.
A study found the proportion of children in high-risk areas infected with H1N1 during the first pandemic wave was 10 times higher than estimated from clinical surveillance. This suggests that children play a key role in transmission and are a target group for vaccination.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute found that previous influenza infections can provide some level of immunity to the H1N1 'swine' flu. The study suggests that this pre-existing immunity may make the disease less severe in the general population, reducing its impact.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that whooping cough immunity typically lasts at least 30 years and perhaps as long as 70 years after natural infection. The research suggests that repeat infections contribute relatively little to transmission and may even boost immunity in individuals with waning protection.
A new study reveals a relationship between the evolution of the influenza virus and immunization rates needed to prevent outbreaks. The research team found that the degree of variability in population immunity plays a crucial role in determining the risk of an outbreak.
Researchers found that young mice are resistant to proteoglycan-induced arthritis, but become susceptible with age due to immunological senescence and impaired immune regulation. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying age-related changes in arthritis susceptibility.
A study found that vaccine records of internationally adopted children may not guarantee immunity against diseases such as polio, measles, and hepatitis B. The predictive value of immunization records is limited and associated with birth country, due to reasons like falsification, inaccurate entries, and lack of vaccine potency.
A new vaccine formula has been discovered that boosts T cell immunity to protect humans from bird flu, a highly virulent virus. The formula adds a potent immune modulator to existing flu vaccines, improving their effectiveness and providing potential protection against a pandemic.
Scientists engineer a covalent immunization approach that provides immediate protection against diseases, overcoming traditional vaccine drawbacks such as lag time. The method uses adapter molecules to trigger universal immune reactions, potentially revolutionizing disease prevention.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that mild infections play a key role in understanding and controlling cholera outbreaks. The study suggests that individuals with mild infections lose their immunity quickly, leading to a cyclical pattern of illness and recovery.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have successfully recovered antibodies to the 1918 flu virus from elderly survivors, showcasing surprisingly long-lasting immunity. These antibodies could serve as a treatment option if another similar strain emerges in the future.
A third of the world's population is infected with M. tuberculosis, and two million people die from tuberculosis every year. New, improved vaccines or vaccination strategies are urgently needed to reduce the immense burden of this disease.
A study of 504 patients with herpes zoster found that individuals with a family history of the condition were 4.35 times more likely to develop shingles. The authors suggest targeting at-risk individuals based on their family history to decrease the risk and health care expenditures associated with herpes zoster morbidity.
A recent article in Developmental and Comparative Immunology reveals that plants possess elements of specificity and responsiveness to disease-causing agents, similar to animal immunity. The study suggests that the plant immune surveillance genes diversify at a rate stimulated by pathogen presence, shedding new light on plant immunity.
A study found that common human viruses, such as HRSV and HMPV, are responsible for outbreaks of respiratory disease in wild chimpanzees. The researchers suggest that minimizing human contact and implementing guidelines to reduce the risk of disease transmission can help protect great apes.
Researchers found that a protein produced by an immunity gene called ZAP has increased antiviral activity in humans, linked to evolutionary changes. The study suggests that studying evolutionary biology and virology can accelerate the discovery of viral-defense mechanisms.
Researchers found that antibody responses to viruses like measles and mumps remain protective for several decades, even for life. This means people may not need booster shots as frequently as previously thought, potentially reducing unnecessary vaccinations.
Dutch researcher Mike van der Kolk discovered that people who are frequently infected with malaria parasites can develop immunity against the gametocyte, inhibiting the spread of the parasite. This natural immunity prevents the parasite from reproducing in mosquitoes, ultimately stopping its transmission.
A new UCLA study found that practicing Tai Chi chih alone boosts immunity to a level comparable to the standard vaccine against shingles. Combining Tai Chi with the vaccine results in a clinically relevant boost and added benefits for middle-aged adults.
Researchers at VIB have discovered the mechanism behind reduced inflammation in mice, which produces just enough interferons to activate the immune system against bacteria. This finding is relevant to the quest for new therapeutics for bacterial infections and may provide a breakthrough in combating these deadly diseases.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a new vaccination strategy that dramatically speeds up the immunization process by greatly reducing the required 'lag time' between initial vaccination and booster shots. This finding has important implications for immunotherapy, where developing immunity fast is critical.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting the local tumor environment to improve systemic anti-tumor immunity in melanoma patients. The study showed that the vaccine was safe and feasible, with partial responses and stable lesions observed in some patients.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 induces RNA interference in human cells but has a strategy to combat this defense. The protein Tat suppresses RNA silencing, helping the virus evade the cell's natural immune response.
Research from Imperial College London finds that bacterial communities mirror human social life, with close contacts more likely to share infections. Despite potential advantages like antibiotic resistance, the variation in pathogen strains' ability to spread is largely explained by chance.
Researchers found that periodic syphilis outbreaks are caused by a loss of immunity among those at risk of infection, not changes in sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from 68 US cities since the 1940s and found that rises and falls in disease cases followed a distinct 10-year cycle.