Articles tagged with Immunity
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.
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.
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.
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.