Articles tagged with Immunity
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that newer Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 escape neutralizing antibodies induced by both vaccination and previous infection. These variants are now responsible for over 21% of new cases in the US, highlighting a shift in the COVID-19 landscape.
A UC San Diego study suggests COVID-19 rebound symptoms after taking Paxlovid are likely caused by insufficient drug exposure, not resistance or impaired immunity. The study found the virus remained sensitive to the drug and no relevant mutations were detected.
Scientists have discovered a new, high-resolution view of the rabies virus glycoprotein, which could lead to more effective vaccines. The study's findings suggest that a better-shaped vaccine could provide lifelong protection against the deadly disease.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccine immunity against new infection appears to wane rapidly, whereas people with a prior-infection were moderately protected from Omicron. Natural immunity provided strong and durable protection against severe illness.
Researchers have identified two broadly neutralizing antibodies that can effectively neutralize all SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 subtypes. The antibodies, Cv2.1169 and Cv2.3194, were found to be fully active against Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants.
A new preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers shows that naturally-produced IgG antibodies in breast milk can protect infants from infection-induced diarrheal illness. These antibodies enhance infant immunity against bacterial pathogens causing gastrointestinal diseases.
Scientists have proven that inhaled aerosol vaccines provide stronger immune responses and better protection from respiratory infections compared to nasal sprays. This method delivers vaccine droplets directly into the airway, inducing a broader protective response.
Researchers discovered that pregnant women produce super antibodies to protect their newborns by altering the structure of sugars attached to the antibodies. This molecular change allows immunoglobulin G to stimulate immunity through receptors that respond specifically to deacetylated sugars, providing expanded protective role.
A study found that unvaccinated children develop a rapid immune response to SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to less severe symptoms, but limits the development of an immune memory response. Vaccination is believed to strengthen immunity by inducing key components such as memory T cell and B cell responses.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a chemical-only process to create customized mRNA vaccines, offering an inexpensive and large-scale production of mRNA. The new method allows for precise molecular design and stable mRNA with improved translational activity.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be essential for kidney transplant patients in Japan to prevent severe disease and infection. Researchers found that only a third of patients developed sufficient antibodies after two doses, highlighting the need for additional protection.
Researchers found that inhibiting caspase 11 reduced inflammation, tissue injury and blood clots in lung tissue of infected mice. This suggests potential therapeutic targets for treating severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that a specific population of CD4-positive helper T cells initiates antitumor immunity defenses, which can enhance the effectiveness of killer cell attacks on cancer cells. This finding holds promise for improving cancer immunotherapy response rates.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that three doses of the same vaccine or a combination of different vaccines work equally well in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research suggests that the number of vaccine doses is key to improving immunity, rather than the combination of vaccine types.
A new study found that the delta variant surge in the US was partially due to overestimating population immunity, with only 67% of southern New Englanders actually immune. This underestimation led to inaccurate projections and an incorrect assumption about herd immunity.
A population-scale study found COVID-19 vaccination is effective in most cancer patients but offers lower protection and wanes quickly. Vaccine effectiveness was lower (65.5%) in cancer patients compared to the general population (69.8%), with higher hospitalization and death risks despite vaccination.
A new study analyzing 8 cohorts of COVID-19 patients found that antibody responses in previously infected individuals were relatively stable, providing protection from reinfection unless the new infection was the Omicron variant. Vaccination also boosted protection, with rapid immune responses observed even after a single vaccine dose.
Studies found people infected and vaccinated had similarly robust antibody responses against variants alpha through omicron; Immune memory cells against common cold coronaviruses may be markers of longer immunity. Researchers hope to improve vaccines with these insights.
A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.
Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.
Researchers found that a single mRNA vaccine booster shot can provide the same level of protection as three doses, making it a promising investment for resource-poor countries. The study suggests that this strategy could benefit billions of people worldwide and help combat emerging COVID-19 variants.
A new NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on infant and childhood immunity, filling a knowledge gap in SVOC health impacts. The research aims to identify specific SVOCs or mixtures that impair immune function, which could lead to new preventive measures and interventions.
A study found that vaccines induce immune responses beyond neutralizing antibodies, involving T cells and the Fc receptor, to control viral replication and prevent severe disease. The researchers observed dose-dependent effects on these immune mechanisms, providing insights for future vaccine design and boosting.
Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that shielding vulnerable populations while allowing the virus to spread through the rest of the population would have failed. The research reveals that even with perfect shielding, healthcare capacity would have been overwhelmed, and tens of thousands more deaths would have occu...
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
A new study assesses the degree and duration of protection against COVID-19 associated with natural immunity in 120,000 unvaccinated individuals. Researchers found that those who previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had lower rates of subsequent COVID-19 infections.
A study found that prior symptomatic COVID-19 infection provided a similar degree of protection against reinfection as mRNA vaccination, with natural immunity offering a longer window of protection.
Researchers discovered that checkpoint inhibitors can activate regulatory T cells, which can counteract the immune response. Blocking PD-L1 enhanced effector Treg activity, reducing ability to control parasite infections. This finding highlights complexity of immune system's balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy ...
Researchers have made a breakthrough in enhancing the antiviral T cell response triggered by therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B. By removing natural killer cells and activating them with cytokines, they boosted the control of HBV infection.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.
The newly developed COVID vaccine, PreS-RBD, targets the receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 and induces a robust immune response. The vaccine has shown effectiveness in protecting against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron, even in individuals who have not previously built up immunity.
The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.
Achieving classical herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may be unlikely due to virus mutations and asymptomatic transmission. However, widespread use of current public health interventions can control COVID-19 with minimal disruption.
Researchers found that people who had COVID-19 and then got vaccinated generated an immune response more specific to fighting viral infections, producing a broader antibody response. This hybrid immunity also produced a cellular immune response called Th1 response, which is antiviral.
A Mayo Clinic study of 106,349 primary care patients found that hospitalization rates for breakthrough COVID-19 were extremely low, even among those previously infected or vaccinated. The study supports previous findings that vaccination is the best way to prevent severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
A booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, reversing a drop in immunity after two doses. In subjects given CoronaVac or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the booster raised immunity by a factor of 25 and 7, respectively.