Articles tagged with Immunity
A Toronto study found that certain probiotic bacteria can alter the function of immune cells and spur cancer growth in pancreatic cancer. Deletion or inhibition of a key protein enabled better treatment sensitivity and more inflammatory T cells, while activation thwarted these effects.
A UC Davis Health study found that taking bile acids or treatments regulating their production levels can help control psoriasis inflammation. Bile acids inhibited skin inflammation by stopping immune T cells from producing proinflammatory protein IL-17A and blocking immune cell movement to the site.
Researchers found that macrophages feed on lactic acid produced by cancer cells, paralyzing killer immune cells and weakening tumour immunity. This discovery highlights the need to curb lactic acid production in tumours to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
A new study found that the Pfizer vaccine was 91% effective in reducing coronavirus transmission in Israeli households before the emergence of the delta variant. However, with waning immunity, the vaccine's effectiveness decreased to only 40% against infection and transmission.
A new study finds that breakthrough infections following vaccination and natural infection followed by vaccination provide roughly equal levels of enhanced immune protection. Researchers at OHSU found that both groups generated greater levels of immunity compared to those who were vaccinated with no infection.
Four COVID-19 vaccines prompt the body to make effective, long-lasting T cells against SARS-CoV-2. These T cells can recognize variants of concern, including Delta and Omicron. Fully vaccinated people have fewer memory B cells and neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant.
A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.
A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.
The study reveals that Omicron's spike protein mutations increase its binding affinity to human cells and evade antibodies, contributing to its increased transmissibility. The researchers aim to develop more effective treatments against Omicron and related variants using this knowledge.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that COVID-19 vaccines maintain protection from severe disease nine months after the first shot. Boosters are crucial for older adults, according to lead author Danyu Lin, PhD.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that vaccinated women transfer SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to their breastfed infants, potentially giving them passive immunity against the coronavirus. The research also showed a correlation between vaccine side effects and antibody levels in infant stool.
A booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is required to provide immunity against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to a study. The traditional dosing regimens of COVID-19 vaccines available in the US do not produce antibodies capable of recognizing and neutralizing the Omicron variant.
A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.
A new study found that infection-fighting B cells retain better memory of the coronavirus spike protein in patients who recover from less-severe cases of COVID-19 than those recovering from severe cases. This hints at subtle differences in the quality of immune response based on COVID-19 severity.
Despite receiving three vaccinations, kidney transplant patients have inadequate cellular and humoral protection against SARS-CoV-2, with around 90% showing little to no protection. Researchers are now investigating the efficacy and safety of a human antibody cocktail in these patients.
A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.
A novel vaccine, TOH-Vac1, replicates inside the body's cells and generates a powerful immune response in mice and monkeys. The vaccine is based on a strain of vaccinia virus used to vaccinate against smallpox and can be programmed to protect against multiple variants.
Researchers have discovered a fundamental role of the TBK1 enzyme in deciding B cell fate, crucial for developing effective vaccines for diseases like COVID-19 and malaria. The study reveals that TBK1 is necessary for germinal center formation and high-quality antibody production.
Research from Queen Mary University of London and Cardiff University found that certain MS treatments can reduce Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness in people with MS. The largest peer-reviewed study on the topic provides high-quality evidence to inform clinicians' guidance on treatment options.
A new epidemiological model, the stochastic social activity (SSA) model, combines real-world observations with mathematical equations to accurately describe COVID-19 wave and plateau dynamics. The model suggests that COVID-19 may become endemic in the global population, like the common cold or flu.
Despite low vaccine uptake, West Africa needs to boost vaccination efforts to achieve population-level immunity. To reach 50%, 60%, and 70% coverage after 9, 12, and 18 months, vaccination speeds must increase by 4, 7, and 10 times the current pace.
A new study found that Omicron's immune-evading capabilities are significant, but some vaccinated and previously infected individuals have 'stronger' protection. However, the protection from Omicron may be compromised over time.
A study by Imperial College London found that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encountered through vaccination or infection influences subsequent immune responses to current and future variants. This 'immune imprinting' affects the rate of decay of protection and impacts antibody levels over time.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the COVID-19 Delta variant may have a reduced ability to be neutralized by vaccines. The researchers analyzed serum samples from vaccinated individuals and found that the Delta variant was more effective at evading vaccine-induced immunity than other variants, such as Beta and Alpha.
Researchers found that adding a specific bacterium to the gut microbiome of mice with colon cancer increased immune cell activity and reduced tumor size. The study suggests leveraging gut microbiota to enhance anti-tumor immunity in advanced colon cancer, offering a promising new approach for treatment.
A Canadian study found that delaying the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine produces a stronger immune response, which could inform international vaccination strategies. This longer dose interval strategy enables early access to first doses and ensures better protection with the two-dose series.
Researchers found that COVID-19 infection in mothers leads to distinct immune changes in babies, including altered cytokine profiles and T cell responses. The study also identified potential correlations with clinical complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC shows that vaping is associated with dysregulation of mitochondrial genes and immune response genes, similar to smoking. The research found that over 80% of gene dysregulation in vapers correlated with the intensity and duration of current vaping.
Previous antibody responses to harmless coronaviruses contribute to SARS-CoV-2 immunity, reducing infection severity and hospitalization rates. Researchers found that people with strong immune responses to other human coronaviruses have some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
People taking immunosuppressants, especially TNF inhibitors, have a weaker antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines. A third dose can drive antibody levels back up, but the duration is unknown.
A fasting-mimicking diet was found to be safe and biologically active in cancer patients, with potential benefits for modulation of metabolism and enhancement of antitumor immunity. The study demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose and growth factor concentrations, as well as enhancements in intratumor T-cell infiltration.
A new study by Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center investigators found that a COVID-19 booster shot helps most cancer patients with no immune response after two-dose vaccination, significantly increasing antibody levels. The study also shows that all cancer patients benefit from vaccination, particularly those with blood cancer.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that vaccination results in a more robust immune response than natural infection. Even with waning antibodies, vaccinated individuals still have protective immunity against severe disease and hospitalization.
A new test can determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies within 10 minutes, allowing for larger-scale screening and mass monitoring. The rapid cellulose pull-down viral neutralisation test has been developed using protein engineering technology and offers quick results with high accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a new target for COVID-19 vaccines that could complement existing vaccines by inducing an immune response against 'replication proteins', essential for the viral cycle. The approach may lead to the creation of a pan-coronaviruses vaccine protecting against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 stay higher in people who were infected by the virus and then received protection from mRNA vaccine compared to those who only got vaccinated. A longer interval between virus exposure and first vaccine dose may enhance antibody response.
A massive Israeli study found that a third COVID-19 vaccine dose reduces hospitalization and severe disease risks by up to 93% compared to two doses. The research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of booster shots in real-world settings.
A 51-country survey reveals that people who feel invincible to COVID-19 are less likely to get vaccinated and believe in the importance of individual actions. The study suggests that messaging emphasizing collective action is crucial in individualistic cultures.
A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that the Sputnik-V COVID vaccine elicits both robust antibody and T-cell responses. The research suggests that long-term immunity is possible, supporting the effectiveness of the vaccine against local virus variants.
Chromobacterium violaceum uses zinc ion transporter ZnuABC to overcome host constraints on metal availability, increasing its virulence. The discovery offers a route for novel therapies against bacterial infections.
A study of young Swedish adults found that over one in four had SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, but fewer had measurable levels of memory B and T cells compared to other age groups. The researchers will continue to study long COVID and vaccination effects on immunity.
A modelling study suggests that COVID-19 could lead to the collapse of a population of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The risk is higher due to lower availability of treatments for gorillas, but measures like mask-wearing and vaccination can limit transmission.
A study by Northwestern University scientists has shown that coronavirus vaccines and prior infections can provide broad immunity against other, similar coronaviruses. The findings build a rationale for universal coronavirus vaccines.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
Researchers found that as more family members gained immunity, the risk of COVID-19 declined. This study used national registry data from Sweden to analyze the association between individual immunity and COVID-19 risk among nonimmune individuals.
A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.
Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.
A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.
A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.
Researchers found that cancer patients on chemotherapy had a lower immune response to the first two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. However, a third dose significantly boosted their immune response, reaching levels similar to those of healthy adults after two doses.
Mathematical modeling suggests that contact-tracing apps can help achieve herd immunity by identifying individuals with greater exposure to others and targeting them for vaccination. The approach, known as 'hot-spotting,' could reduce the number of vaccine doses needed by up to half.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.
A new intranasal subunit vaccine has been developed to provide durable local immunity against inhaled pathogens, addressing a significant limitation of existing vaccines. The vaccine elicits comprehensive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 within seven days and is stable for over 11 months, making it suitable for global distribution.
A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology shows that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine generates durable T cell memory and antibodies, even in people over 70. The researchers found strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to the vaccine, comparable to those seen in recovered COVID-19 patients.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that B cells choose between cell fates to balance acute and memory responses. This understanding could optimize vaccines against viruses or other pathogens.
A novel population of long-lived T cells, called 'lymph node resident memory T cells,' provides protection against melanoma by persisting in lymph nodes. These cells were found to counteract melanoma spreading in mice and predicted better outcomes for human melanoma patients with lymph node metastases.
A Michigan Medicine study found that most patients with mild COVID-19 infections produce antibodies that persist and protect them from reinfection for up to six months. Nearly 90% of participants produced spike and nucleocapsid antibody responses, and all but one had persistent antibody levels at follow-up.
Researchers have identified nine FDA-approved drugs that can effectively suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells. These compounds have been shown to be safe in humans and could potentially provide an alternative treatment for COVID-19 patients.
A study of highly vaccinated health workers found that COVID-19 vaccines lost effectiveness in protecting against symptomatic infection by July, with only 65% protection remaining. The emergence of the delta variant and lifting of masking mandates contributed to this decline in vaccine efficacy.
A new analysis suggests that the pace of vaccination should directly dictate the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions to boost freedoms and minimize new waves of infection. The study's findings suggest that further severe waves can be avoided if restrictions are lifted no faster than the pace dictated by vaccination progress.