Articles tagged with Immunity
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Veillette's team identified a basic mechanism controlling antibody production in B lymphocytes, which are hyperactive in autoimmune diseases. This breakthrough provides new therapeutic targets for reducing attacks on organs like the pancreas and kidneys.
A study by Dr. Namanjeet Ahluwalia found that iron deficiency in older women can impair immune function, affecting T-cell and granulocyte responses to infection. The study included 72 healthy women over 60 living in rural Pennsylvania counties.
A new protein called VLA-1 enables the immune system to develop peripheral immunity by anchoring virus-killing cells to tissues in the lungs. This allows for an instant strike against flu viruses, potentially delivering a better defense against deadly strains like avian flu.
Researchers are testing a new flu vaccine that delivers the vaccine in the nose to observe differences in immune system reactions. The study aims to improve immunity in the respiratory tract for all pathogens, with implications for biodefense.
Researchers have identified a new 'off switch' that limits the duration and intensity of T-cell activation, potentially treating autoimmune diseases. The IL-27 cytokine regulates immune cell growth and functions, offering a universal checkpoint for the immune system.
Researchers discovered that repeated vaccinations provide short-term immunity boosts but do not sustain higher protection levels. Long-term antibody immunity can last throughout a person's lifetime, while T-cell immunity declines slowly over time.
Researchers found that smallpox vaccine-induced antibody immunity can last a person's entire life, while T-cell immunity declines slowly over time. The study also showed that repeated vaccinations have little impact on immunity levels.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that older patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery are more likely to suffer cognitive decline due to lowered immunity to gram-negative bacteria. Cognitive decline was particularly pronounced in patients over 60, suggesting that boosting immunity may improve outcomes.
Researchers found that the absence of the SAP gene impairs the immune system's ability to recognize and react to infection, leading to impaired long-term antibody responses. The study has implications for vaccine development and may offer therapeutic benefits in treating X-linked lymphoproliferative disease.
Researchers suggest that vaccinating 'first responders' and allowing people to be vaccinated if they choose could increase the effectiveness of vaccination efforts. Targeted vaccination was found to prevent more cases per dose of vaccine, especially when delayed until multiple cases had been detected.
A new model developed by Emory University researchers suggests that targeted smallpox vaccinations could be an effective intervention against deliberate attacks. The study found that rapid response and targeted vaccination strategies can significantly reduce the spread of smallpox, particularly when pre-existing immunity is considered.
Research ethics boards involved in industry-sponsored pharmaceutical trials are under investigation due to concerns of secrecy and lack of transparency. Industry sponsorship can create conflicts of interest, compromising the integrity of clinical trials and patient safety.
Researchers found that humans can acquire immunity to hepatitis C virus, reducing the risk of persistent infection and its complications like liver cirrhosis and cancer. The study's findings add to growing evidence that vaccines could be used to protect against hepatitis C.
A study by Dr. Jan Storek found that long-term bone-marrow and stem-cell transplant survivors can live normal lives without frequent infections, with immunity recovering to normal within 20 years. The researchers also discovered that transplanted hematopoietic cells remain functional for at least 20-30 years.
The article provides expert guidance on infant feeding, highlighting the importance of individualized recommendations based on nutritional needs and growth patterns. The authors suggest a tailored approach to feeding, considering factors such as breast milk supplementation and introduction of solid foods.