Articles tagged with Immunity
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified how memory killer cells are formed and found a correlation between their presence in cancer tissue and improved survival rates in people with melanoma. The study suggests that harnessing the potential of these cells could lead to more effective immunotherapy.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report that individuals vaccinated against smallpox decades ago retain cross-reactive immunity to mpox. The study found that previous smallpox vaccination provides about 80% protection against mpox.
Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.
Researchers found that people with severe obesity have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and may need more frequent booster doses. Immunity declines faster in obese individuals, putting them at greater risk of infection over time.
The study found that COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity rapidly declines after primary vaccination and booster doses, leading to a decrease in protection against Omicron and Delta infections. The results highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Researchers found that necroptosis promotes metastasis in breast cancer models, and blocking it leads to inhibition of metastasis. Necroptosis may be a key factor in tumor progression, and targeting its regulators could be critical for mitigating metastasis.
Experts review changing context for masking in healthcare settings, highlighting advancements in population immunity and medical countermeasures. They advocate for managing SARS-CoV-2 like other respiratory viruses, ensuring healthcare personnel use masks when necessary.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
Infants have a unique homing property that directs certain immune cells to the skin at birth, protecting them from disease-causing bacteria. This skin-homing ability is crucial for lifelong immunity and local tissue development.
A new study found that the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine reduced hospitalization and death risks by 72% and 68%, respectively, in adults aged 65 years and older. The study highlights the importance of bivalent booster vaccination in high-risk populations.
A growing number of European countries have experienced diphtheria outbreaks primarily associated with recently arrived migrants. Key findings indicate that whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis reveal that the toxin-producing bacteria were acquired during migration rather than in their home country or Germany.
A study published in JCI Insight found that pregnant women display robust immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparable to those of non-pregnant women. Key differences were observed in the dynamics of innate immune cells at the first line of defense towards viral infections.
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri stimulates cancer-killing T cells by secreting indole-3-aldehyde, which activates a receptor in CD8 cells. A diet rich in tryptophan enhances the effect of immunotherapy on shrinking tumors and prolonging survival.
New research from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that updated booster shots targeting specific COVID-19 variants can elicit a broad antibody response capable of neutralizing new variants. Periodic boosters may be necessary to maintain population immunity as the virus continues to evolve.
A new live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered through the nose has shown better immunity than injected vaccines in hamster models, reducing transmissibility. The vaccine stimulates local immunity by activating antibody immunoglobulin A and memory T cells, providing early protection against COVID-19.
A UCalgary study found that a healthy gut microbiome can prevent deadly hospital infections in critically ill patients. The research showed that the gut microbiota and immune system work together to fight infection, with abnormal gut bacteria increasing the risk of severe infections.
Researchers found that neutrophils can be pro- or anti-tumour depending on their surface markers, and those fighting tumours share cytotoxic power with neutrophils in bacterial infections. Blocking these anti-tumour neutrophils eliminates treatment benefits.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates robust T cell responses in haematology patients, on par with healthy individuals. The study provides key insights for future immunisation strategies and shows that mRNA vaccines can elicit strong T cell immunity in patients with co-morbidities.
Researchers have discovered the critical role of linker histone protein H1 in plant immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections. The study found that mutant plants with knocked-out H1 isoforms exhibited higher defense gene expression and resistance to infection, but lacked priming ability.
Researchers found that a large genetic region responsible for immune responses showed rapid evolution and more Mesolithic hunter-gatherer ancestry, suggesting that genetic variants already present in Europe were passed down preferentially. This suggests that diversity in immune genes may be just as important as adaptation to lifestyle.
A new subset of memory B cells, marked by the FcRL5 receptor protein, has been identified as a predictor of long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination. These effector memory B cells can be detected seven days after immunization and correlate with vaccine antibody responses months later.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that receiving Paxlovid within 5 days of COVID-19 symptoms significantly reduced the risk of hospital admission or death. The medication was effective in people with prior immunity and all ages.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that children's memory T cells react to SARS-CoV-2, providing immunity against COVID-19. The study found strong cross-reactivity between coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-2.
A Canadian study found that those infected with COVID-19 in the first wave in 2020 were 40% less likely to get infected during the first six months of Omicron activity. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, were significantly less likely to be infected than younger adults.
A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.
A comprehensive review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet suggests that natural immunity from COVID-19 infection provides significant protection against hospitalization, symptomatic disease, and severe illness for at least 10 months. However, this protection declines over time, with an estimated 85% protection rate at one month ...
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that human T-cell receptor genes exhibit unexpectedly high variability among individuals, with each person having a unique set of gene variants. The researchers identified 175 new gene variants originating from Neanderthals, which are present in up to 20% of modern humans in Europe and Asia.
A high-fat diet allows the immune system to eliminate a parasitic worm that causes long-lasting infections in the large intestine. This discovery may lead to new treatments for millions suffering from intestinal parasitic infections worldwide.
An updated Cochrane review found no effect of vitamin D supplements on reducing the risk of asthma attacks or improving control of asthma symptoms in children and adults. The review analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials involving over 2,200 people with mild to moderate asthma.
The study found that CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines remained effective against severe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron outcomes, but older individuals' protection waned after six months. A booster dose is recommended for older patients to restore immunity.
A study by Sylvia Cremer and her team reveals that pathogens reduce their chemical detection signals in response to ant's social care intervention. This adaptation allows the fungi to counteract spore removal and escape the ant's immune system, demonstrating the impact of collective hygiene measures on pathogens.
Researchers develop eRapid sensor technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, enabling fast and multiplexed testing at the point-of-care. The device distinguishes between antibody types targeting different viral proteins with high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that COVID-19 vaccination does not interfere with cancer immunotherapy in previously vaccinated patients. The study supports recommending vaccination to patients with cancer, including those receiving systemic therapies.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
Researchers from UCalgary and the World Health Organization found that people with hybrid immunity have the highest level of protection against severe illness and reinfection, offering a key finding for public policy makers. The study suggests vaccination should be prioritized even among those who have had COVID-19.
A study at the University of Turku found that residential green environments increase oligosaccharide diversity and alter individual sugar molecule compositions in breastmilk. This suggests a potential mediating role for breastfeeding in mitigating disease risks in infancy.
Researchers found that high levels of mucosal IgA antibodies in the airways protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least eight months, with a 90% lower risk of re-infection. Participants with prior infections generated stronger mucosal immune responses to Omicron breakthrough infections.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 2,800 individuals in Europe to study the evolution of immune system genes. They found that mutations advantageous for defending against pathogens increased in frequency after the Bronze Age, while those increasing disease risk fell.
Researchers discovered a cross-species signaling pathway between ticks and mammals that triggers an immune response before bacteria can infect. This pathway integrates immunity with development, providing early warning for tick-borne diseases.
A new analysis by Cedars-Sinai investigators shows that similar levels of COVID-19 antibodies are reached over an extended period of time in different population groups. Individuals with autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplant patients experience lower long-term antibody levels.
Scientists have found a way to break down the resistance of mice with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. A new drug combination, PD1-IL2v and anti-PD-L1, enhances anti-tumor immunity by stimulating specific T cells and reprogramming macrophages, leading to increased survival rates in tumor-bearing mice.
A new study in Portugal's population shows that hybrid immunity from vaccination and previous SARS-CoV-2 infections confers up to 8 months of protection against omicron BA.5. The study found that protection remains high after 8 months, with a stable level of around 65%.
A study in California prisons found that recent vaccination and boosters significantly reduced infectiousness of COVID-19, with a 11% decrease per additional dose. Prior infection also provided protection, with a 23% risk of transmission compared to 33% for those who had never been infected.
Research from Michigan Medicine reveals that high levels of ammonia in colon tumors can lead to reduced T cell growth and immunotherapy resistance. A study published in Cell Metabolism found that using an FDA-approved drug to lower ammonia levels made tumors more sensitive to treatment.
A new study from the University of Virginia Health System found that mRNA booster shots increase the durability of antibodies to COVID-19. The boosters led to longer-lasting antibodies, even in those who had previously recovered from a COVID-19 infection.
A new gene therapy treatment has shown promising results in a clinical trial for Artemis-SCID patients, improving their immune function and reducing treatment complications. The treatment involves adding a healthy copy of the Artemis gene to the patient's own cells, resulting in improved T-cell and B-cell immunity.
Researchers developed a method to estimate seroprevalence using blood donation samples, offering insights into the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil. The study found significant differences among regions and subgroups, highlighting the need for real-time tracking and forecasting of future waves.
New research reveals that COVID-19 nasal antibodies provide first-line defence but decline nine months after infection, while blood antibodies last at least a year. Vaccination boosts blood antibodies to prevent severe disease, but has limited effect on nasal IgA levels.
Research finds that individuals who received monoclonal antibodies before COVID vaccination exhibit a diverse antibody response, increasing the coverage provided by vaccines. This phenomenon, known as antibody feedback inhibition, is beneficial for diversifying immune responses to viruses.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered a key protein that acts as a master switch for plant immunity, suggesting a simpler way to develop more resilient crops. The protein, OXI1, triggers the production of immune-promoting molecules, but its overactivity can harm plants.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that the circadian body clock influences immune responses to vaccines. The research discovered that the shape of mitochondria in dendritic cells changes throughout the day, impacting their ability to break down vaccines.
A study conducted in Brazil reveals that only 75.8% of under-fifteen children in São Paulo have antibodies against measles, falling short of the ideal 94% target to prevent outbreaks. The finding is a warning sign that Brazilian children are not achieving herd immunity, making them susceptible to infection.
A large study from Argentina found that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing death in children and adolescents, regardless of the predominant circulating variant. The study's results show that vaccinated children had a 67% reduced risk of death related to COVID-19 infection during the omicron period.
A team of Duke researchers identified a group of human DNA sequences regulating genes that seem to have evolved rapidly after our family line split from that of the chimpanzees. These changes were fine-tuned over time and appear in brain development, digestion and immunity.
Researchers studied the lung immune responses of cave nectar bats to Malacca virus, identifying unique white blood cell behaviors and gene signatures that help limit inflammation. The findings could lead to better ways of combatting human viral infections.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination provides significant protection against reinfection, with varying levels of effectiveness (60-94%) across different variants. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people in Denmark and showed that vaccination offered up to 71% protection during the Alpha period...
A three-year study in Mozambique shows that parasite density and detectability in primigravid women decline as disease transmission decreases, despite stable antibody levels. This suggests non-immunological factors control infections in pregnant women.
A study analyzing seroprevalence data found that global COVID-19 infection rates are likely higher than reported, with 59.2% of the population seropositive as of September 2021. The study suggests that two-thirds of the global population may have antibodies from vaccination or infection.
Researchers from OIST have sequenced the genome of pearl oysters, finding key differences between chromosome pairs that could impact immunity and pearl production. The study aims to identify resilient strains for aquaculture, addressing declining pearl production in Japan.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a specific type of T cell that produces cytokines necessary for acquiring immunity against fungal pathogens. This finding could lead to the development of effective fungal vaccines.