Articles tagged with Immunity
A genome-wide association study has identified subtle genetic changes that affect the immune response to common viruses. The study found correlations between genetic variations and immune responses to four viruses: influenza A, Epstein-Barr, JC polyomavirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded an Emory-led research consortium $15 million to improve human immune responses to vaccination. Researchers will focus on two primary projects: varicella zoster virus and pneumococcal vaccines in transplant patients.
A mathematical model shows that using one dose of the oral cholera vaccine can prevent more cases and save more lives than the recommended two doses, especially in crisis situations. The study found that a single dose could protect more people in the long run and improve herd immunity.
Researchers used fruit flies to discover that groups of genes working together, rather than single genes, influence gut immunocompetence. They found that variations in these gene clusters can make some flies highly susceptible or resistant to infections, with implications for chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Researchers identified a protein called Myb that creates long-term immunity by preserving antibody-producing plasma cells in the bone marrow. The discovery could lead to developing lasting immunity against diseases like malaria.
Researchers identified bi-allelic mutations in RORC, essential for IL-17-producing T cells against Candida and IFN-γ-producing T cells against Mycobacterium. This study reveals a new understanding of genetic susceptibility to these infections.
Research suggests that excessive vitamin A supplementation can shut down the body's trained immunity, rendering it less effective at fighting off past infections. This impaired immune response is due to vitamin A's inhibitory effects on histone methylation modifications in human monocytes.
A candidate vaccine has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Mice vaccinated with a combination of two parasite proteins showed reduced parasite numbers and improved immune response compared to uninfected mice.
Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain develop a new therapeutic agent that stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells by blocking immunosuppressive T-lymphocytes. This approach could lead to improved treatment efficiency for cancer patients and potentially treat other diseases with insufficient immunity.
A new study reveals a cytomegalovirus-based vaccine provides protection against Ebola virus for over 14 months after a single dose, offering hope for preventing ebolavirus infection in African apes and reducing future human outbreaks. The innovative approach could help stabilize endangered ape populations and protect humans from the de...
A team of scientists discovered that HuR protein is critical for controlling metabolism in B cells, which produce antibodies essential for fighting infections. Removing HuR prevents proper growth and function of B cells, highlighting the importance of this protein in immunity.
A new study suggests that adults over 30 only get the flu about twice a decade, according to researchers who analyzed blood samples from volunteers in Southern China. The study found that flu-like illnesses can be caused by many pathogens, making it difficult to assess infection frequency.
Researchers at Montana State University have discovered a critical molecule, IL-1a, that plays a crucial role in recruiting white blood cells to fight lung infections. The molecule helps prevent mold from invading lung tissue and growing, potentially reducing the death rate associated with Aspergillus fumigatus.
A mathematical model identified booster schedules that result in the greatest reduction in whooping cough disease with the lowest economic cost. The most effective strategies varied depending on the underlying causes of the resurgence, including insufficient vaccine coverage, low vaccine efficacy, waning immunity, and leaky vaccines.
A University of Michigan-led research team found that combining bed nets and certain malaria vaccines can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in older age classes. The study suggests that the joint use of bed nets and some malaria vaccines may make the problem worse, contradicting previous assumptions.
A new study published in Immunity reveals that placental growth factor (PlGF) in the spleen activates harmful immune responses leading to high blood pressure. Mice genetically engineered to lack PlGF were protected from hypertension-related damage, suggesting PlGF as a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers found that autophagy plays a central role in mediating the non-specific immune effects of BCG, leading to trained immunity. Monocytes from individuals with specific variants of the ATG2B gene respond with trained immunity, supporting the hypothesis that autophagy is clinically relevant.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a connection between innate immune system genes and ovarian longevity, which could lead to new treatments for fertility issues. Neutralizing the effects of a key protein may slow down egg destruction and improve IVF success rates.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC rats harbor bacterial and viral pathogens, including Seoul hantavirus and rat hepaciviruses similar to human hepatitis C. The researchers identified 15 pathogens in 133 trapped rats, highlighting the importance of monitoring the city's rodent population.
Researchers found a potent antibiotic and a gene that confers immunity to it in Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain 115. The discovery could lead to large-scale production of the antibiotic, potentially solving the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment before vaccination impaired antibody responses in mice, while gut bacteria played a crucial role. The study's findings suggest that the microbiome could be harnessed to modulate vaccine efficacy and may explain variations in vaccine responses globally.
A new study reveals that gut microbes play a vital role in stimulating protective immune responses to the seasonal flu vaccine. Researchers found that mice with altered gut microbiota showed reduced antibody responses to vaccination, highlighting the importance of gut microbes in vaccine efficacy.
A new study reveals that p38 MAPK is activated by low nutrient levels and age-related signals, leading to the decline of immune function in older T lymphocytes. Blocking this pathway may help restore their function, potentially improving immunity in older adults.
A new study suggests that combining Salk inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) with Sabin live-attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) improves mucosal immunity and reduces viral shedding. The results could help resolve the long-standing debate over vaccine choice in areas where polio is difficult to eradicate.
A genome-wide analysis reveals that friends are genetically similar to each other, with an average of 1% DNA in common. The study suggests that social relationships can drive evolutionary advantages, such as increased immunity against diseases.
Giving children under 5 an extra dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) boosts their immunity to the poliovirus, supporting global eradication efforts. The additional dose substantially improves protective antibodies and intestinal immunity against poliovirus.
Scientists have discovered that gut immunity actively maintains healthy bacterial communities through precise regulation of immunoglobulin A production by regulatory T cells. This complex interplay between the immune system and bacteria is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders associated with dysbiosis in the gut.
A new study found that injecting a type of polio vaccine, which is rarely used today, can provide better and longer-lasting protection against infection when combined with the oral vaccine. The research suggests that this type of vaccine could be used to boost immunity in people traveling from or to polio-infected countries.
Researchers found that fruit flies' Toll pathway failed to respond to a fungal infection in space, while the Imd pathway remained robust. This knowledge may help NASA develop countermeasures for astronauts' weakened immune systems during long-duration space missions.
A new Cornell University study reveals that infants' immune systems respond quickly to infection but struggle to create long-lasting immunity, leaving them vulnerable to illnesses. Researchers hope to design more effective vaccines and therapeutic interventions using this knowledge.
Observations of 707 injuries to female baboons over 29 years reveal that reproductive cycles influence health. Lactating females experience lower wound healing rates compared to non-lactating females.
A study found that C-section deliveries and early antibiotic treatment may alter a child's microbiota, increasing the risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis. The condition is marked by irritation, inflammation, and constriction of the esophagus, and its symptoms mimic garden-variety gastritis.
Researchers have found a complete, live infectious sample of MERS coronavirus in camels, suggesting the animals are a likely source of the outbreak. The study provides new evidence for camel-to-human transmission and highlights the need for further investigation into potential routes of exposure.
A review by Kevin J. Tracey, MD, and Clifford S. Deutschman argues that treatment for sepsis is nonspecific and limited to organ support, with no approved drugs targeting the condition. Instead, a new approach focusing on immunometabolic and neurophysiological mechanisms may be needed.
Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for influenza by targeting the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) molecule. This molecule is found to play a crucial role in antiviral immunity and is inhibited by a compound that increases survival rates in mice infected with the H1N1 flu virus.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that strain-specific Lyme disease immunity can last six to nine years. This finding has significant implications for vaccine design, as a single vaccine could potentially cover multiple strains of the disease-causing bacteria, substantially reducing the risk of infection.
A multi-institutional team, led by Rachel Whitaker, studies host-viral interactions to understand how viruses can protect hosts from competitors and aid in survival. The research aims to develop a theoretical model of eco-evolutionary dynamics between viruses and microbes.
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.