Articles tagged with Immunity
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.
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 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.
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.
A survey among European gay-dating app users found a 82% crude vaccination acceptance rate. Willingness to vaccinate increased with factors like perceived severity of monkeypox, transmission risk, and existing health links. Higher acceptance rates were seen in northern and western Europe compared to southern and eastern regions.
Researchers found that male mice were three times more likely to survive E. coli infection due to sex-biased lipid metabolism, which may hold risks for males in today's high-calorie environment. The study identified a signaling pathway regulating lipids and growth hormone as potential therapeutic targets for fatty liver disease.
Researchers identified urolithin A as a compound that improves function of immune cells against cancer. The study found that urolithin A induces mitophagy in T cells, recycling and renewing mitochondria to enhance tumor-fighting capabilities.
Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.
A study reveals that BA.2.75.2, a new Omicron sublineage, largely evades neutralizing antibodies and is resistant to several monoclonal antibody treatments, posing an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections this winter.
Researchers created theoretical models to explain geographical clustering of vaccine hesitancy, attributing it to both social selection and social influence. The models found that these two processes independently generate clusters of high hesitancy, with social selection playing a key role when societies trust propaganda.
A VUB study has mapped the immune system's response to brain infections, revealing that resident macrophages play a key role in defending against pathogens. The researchers found that blood-derived immune cells can eliminate parasites, but may retain 'memory' of past infections, altering their ability to respond to future insults.
The Omicron variant escapes the immune response better than its ancestors, but has also facilitated the transition to a society that can live with COVID-19. The study found that vaccinated individuals develop broader immune responses and experience milder infections.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that COVID-19 booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity against infection, particularly among older adults. The results support the CDC vaccination guidelines recommending COVID-19 boosters and highlight the importance of continued research on factors affecting immunity.
Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.
A recent study supports fourth vaccination for cancer patients to protect them against COVID-19. Patients with solid tumours and hematological cancers showed a significant increase in antibody levels after a fourth dose of one of the currently approved vaccines.
A new study from OHSU reveals that breakthrough infections following vaccination can provide a potent immune response against COVID-19, with increased protection for those 65 and older. The research found an equally strong immune response among people who received a third vaccine booster dose three months prior.
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a quick test kit that can determine a person's immunity against COVID-19 and its variants based on antibodies detected in a blood sample. The test kit, which requires just 10 minutes to show results, can be easily adapted for new variants of concern and other diseases.
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that children with primary immunodeficiency diseases have a higher mortality rate due to COVID-19. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in genes important for immune defense, and some children lacked antibodies to the coronavirus.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that mucosal antibodies in the airways significantly reduce the risk of omicron infection. High levels of these antibodies more than halved the risk of becoming infected, while also being associated with lower viral replication.
Researchers found virus-specific T cells in the noses of people who received vaccines and later became infected with SARS-CoV-2, providing an additional layer of protection. These cells persisted for at least 20 weeks and could recognize various viral proteins, including those from the Omicron variant.
Researchers developed a light-based therapy, photodynamic therapy (aPDT), to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment showed promise in weakening bacteria, allowing lower doses of current antibiotics to effectively eliminate them.
Researchers propose various immune therapy designs to treat Chronic Hepatitis B, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes and reducing adverse effects. Immune therapies offer an alternate approach to antiviral drugs, which have limitations such as cost and low efficacy.
A new model predicts that high transmissibility and immune erosion will lead to further outbreaks. The study highlights the need for a universal vaccine to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevent severe disease.
A new test developed by MIT researchers measures neutralizing antibodies in a blood sample to predict COVID-19 immunity. The easy-to-use test could help people decide on necessary protections and may be particularly useful for those with weakened immune systems.
A new study has shown that the TB vaccine can produce a long-lasting 'trained immunity response' in infants, lasting more than 14 months after vaccination. The research found that the BCG vaccine's off-target effects on the immune system can lead to reprogramming of genes in a specific blood cell type, known as monocytes.
A new vaccine formulation has protected newborn mice against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and evoked strong responses in human immune cells. The vaccine uses an adjuvant combination that stimulates type 1 T-helper responses, which are hard to stimulate in newborns but are needed for a strong defense against viral pathogens.
The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.
Researchers create a modified live attenuated mumps virus for delivery, showing it induces stronger immune responses and provides superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. The new vaccine candidate uses a prefusion version of the spike protein and offers potential to enhance MMR childhood vaccine.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
A new study found that COVID-19 serologically-positive donors had strong antigen-specific memory B cell-associated responses after recovery from natural infection. Post-vaccination, donors showed robust antibody responses against spike protein, which waned over time. The study suggests how long immunity to COVID-19 may last.
Researchers from Indiana University are developing a new biosensor that can analyze samples from 96 individuals in under three hours, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 90%. The sensor detects not only the virus's spike protein but also the proteins created by the body to protect against the virus.
Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.
A new study found that adults have stable immune memory to common cold coronaviruses, which could lead to similar protection against SARS-CoV-2. The findings suggest that COVID-19 booster shots may be critical for long-term immunity.
A new study by Yale School of Public Health researchers found that COVID-19 vaccine protection against infection and severe illness is short-lived. The study suggests that booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity and preventing breakthrough infections.
Researchers found that breastfeeding provides an immune boost to infants, reducing the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. However, milk also mounts responses to beneficial gut bacteria, which can be disruptive and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
A study found that Omicron's neutralization capacity outperforms its predecessors, even in vaccinated individuals. Antibody levels against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 are roughly 10 times higher in vaccinated people than those with natural immunity.
A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.
New research reveals that specific proteins in plant cells explain why plant defenses falter under high temperatures, leaving them susceptible to infections. Scientists have also discovered a way to reverse this effect by constantly activating the CBP60g master switch gene, which bolsters plant defenses without stunting growth.
Researchers analyzed antibodies to internal and surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2, finding that profiles of internal proteins predicted survival outcomes as well as those for surface proteins. The study suggests targeting other parts of the virus could enhance COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.