Articles tagged with Immunity
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A new universal vaccine may improve cross protection against different flu virus strains in adults and seniors with pre-existing immunity. The grant aims to test this theory in aged populations, addressing a significant public health concern.
Researchers identified specific influenza targets to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from severe disease through a universal T cell-based vaccine. The study aims to harness immune responses to protect high-risk populations, including those with high HLA-A*24:02 protein prevalence.
A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that invertebrate immunity can prevent disease transmission, offering insights into COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases. Researchers observed that some plankton can stop fungal spores from entering their bodies, while others clear infections within a limited window after exposure.
Australian researchers have identified an immune response associated with protection from COVID-19, enabling the measurement of neutralising antibody levels as a proxy for immune protection. The discovery may lead to annual vaccine boosters and more efficient vaccine development.
A new study suggests the P.1 variant is 1.7-2.4 times more transmissible than non-P1-lineages and evades 10-46% of immunity gained from previous infections. This has led to difficulties in controlling outbreaks in Brazil, particularly in Manaus.
Scientists developed a model showing that collective immunity emerged during the early COVID-19 epidemic but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors over time. The model suggests that subsequent waves of infection will appear due to variations in imposed mitigations and pandemic fatigue.
A new study published in Frontiers in Immunology suggests that the gut's immune response to COVID-19 infection may not provide long-lasting systemic immunity from the virus. The researchers found relatively few immune cells with a specific marker in the blood of patients with COVID-19, indicating limited protection for other organs.
The novel P.1 SARS-CoV-2 lineage emerged in November 2020, exhibiting 17 mutations, including those in the spike protein, making it more transmissible and lethal than its predecessor. Enhanced global genomic surveillance is critical to address increased transmission and immune evasion
A new mathematical model predicts that temporary collective immunity emerged during early COVID-19 stages but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors. This led to future waves of infection despite initial attempts to achieve herd immunity through vaccination.
A recent study has linked Interleukin-33 to immunity against Sars-CoV-2. The researchers found that memory T cells and high levels of antibodies persisted in recovered patients, suggesting a strong immune response. This discovery could pave the way for better understanding of Sars-CoV-2 immunity and potential therapies.
Experts recommend a more nuanced approach to COVID-19 vaccine prioritization, taking into account job site and neighborhood risks. At least 75% of Canadian adults have at least one risk factor for severe illness, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for a public goods approach to essential medical services, as widespread vaccine nationalism threatens global herd immunity and equitable access. The US government is urged to invest in multilateral partnerships and global allocation strategies to increase vaccine supply and manufacturing.
A study by McGill University researchers found that delaying second COVID-19 vaccine doses can have benefits, but effects depend on population immunity. Increasing vaccination rates or changing dosing regimes can mitigate longer-term epidemiological effects.
A study published in The Lancet Microbe found that SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody immunity can vary greatly in duration, ranging from mere days to decades. The research also showed that individuals with low levels of neutralizing antibodies may still be protected if they have a robust T-cell immunity.
A seroprevalence study of 9,542 residents in Wuhan found that 6.9% had COVID-19 antibodies, including 82% with asymptomatic infections. Neutralizing antibodies developed by 40%, remaining stable for at least 9 months.
A study led by McMaster University aims to understand how well vaccination works in residents of long-term care homes and identify factors linked to outbreaks. The research, involving over 2,000 participants, will inform health policy and help keep residents safe and healthy.
A Swansea University research project aims to assess the evidence on shielding vulnerable people from COVID-19. The study will examine how shielding affected deaths, hospital admissions, and quality-of-life in Wales.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found that a single shot of COVID-19 vaccine can provide immunity to individuals who have previously been infected by the virus. This could help stretch limited vaccine supplies and spare individuals from unnecessary side effects of a second dose.
A new modeling study examines the impact of one versus two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine on infections and immune escape. The study finds that while one-dose strategies may reduce short-term infections, weak immunity could lead to long-term virus replication and mutation.
A Princeton University and McGill University study found that delaying second COVID-19 vaccine doses reduces case numbers in the short term. However, longer-term case burden and potential viral escape from immunity may depend on the strength and duration of immune responses generated by natural infections or one to two vaccine doses.
The article summarizes current evidence on COVID-19 vaccines, immunity, and the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to become an endemic or seasonal virus. Experts weigh in on these critical issues, providing insights into the long-term impact of the pandemic.
A $3.5 million study led by uOttawa and Bruyère Research Institute aims to understand how various immunity factors react to COVID-19 and vaccines in long-term care residents. The team will analyze blood samples from over 3,500 residents and 2,500 workers across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Researchers found that robust IgM and IgG antibodies persist in recovered COVID-19 patients for at least 140 days after symptom onset, while VN antibodies decline rapidly after 60 days. This suggests a short window for donating convalescent plasma to ensure maximum immunity.
A study found that pre-existing immunity against previous flu infections can protect individuals from airborne transmission of seasonal flu viruses. The researchers used the ferret model and discovered that even short exposure times can lead to efficient transmission, but prior immunity provides a significant barrier to infection.
Researchers found that a child's first influenza infection can impact their immune response to future flu viruses, with varying degrees of protection against different strains. The study suggests that understanding the concept of "The Original Antigenic Sin" could inform age-based interventions and vaccination programs during pandemics.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that relaxed control measures during the summer months are the biggest factor driving wintertime COVID-19 outbreaks. Climate and population immunity play smaller roles in the current pandemic phase.
A survey of over 1,900 adults in France found that nearly 30% would outright reject any COVID-19 vaccine. Willingness to receive the vaccine depended on its effectiveness and country of origin. Communicating collective benefits of herd immunity reduced hesitancy about vaccination.
The N439K mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein confers resistance to serum antibodies and monoclonal antibodies, including those used in treatments. Researchers found that viruses with this mutation bind more strongly to the human ACE2 receptor, evading immunity while retaining infectivity.
A study found that the majority of people in the UK are willing to use privacy-encroaching tracking technology and support immunity passports. However, there is a significant gap between public willingness and actual adoption rates, particularly with the NHS Test and Trace app.
A new Commentary in Preventive Medicine suggests financial incentives could promote high levels of COVID-19 vaccine adherence, crucial for achieving herd immunity. Strong evidence from controlled trials supports the efficacy of incentivizing vaccine adherence, including a 7-fold increase in adherence with modest financial incentives.
A new model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may become a common cold-causing virus, leading to reduced fatality rates and increased herd immunity. The model predicts that the infection fatality ratio will fall below that of seasonal influenza once an endemic steady-state is reached.
Researchers found measurable immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 in recovered patients for up to 8 months. Long-lasting protective immunity against COVID-19 is a possibility, with resting immune memory compartments potentially contributing to protection.
Researchers estimate 76% attack rate in Manaus, Brazil, and 29% in São Paulo, suggesting NPIs and growing immunity played a role in containing the epidemic. The study aims to understand the longevity of population immunity and potential need for booster vaccinations.
The use of immunity passports is a topic of debate, as science is unsure about the duration of immunity and potential risks of reinfection. Experts argue that immunity passports could limit fundamental rights, such as freedom of movement, but also propose respecting the right to move freely for those who cannot spread COVID-19.
Researchers determined the function of IL-15L using rainbow trout, finding it stimulates type 2 immunity by inducing cytokine IL-4 and IL-13. In contrast, trout IL-15 selectively induces type 1 immunity through interferon-g expression.
Research highlights the importance of understanding T cell responses in COVID-19, including their role in generating durable immunity and influencing disease severity. Filling knowledge gaps is crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
A new study suggests that localized vaccination surveillance can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks by analyzing geographic clustering of non-vaccinators. The researchers found that even at high overall vaccination coverage, clustering of non-vaccinators increases the probability and size of an outbreak.
The study found that natural immunity is only weakly protective against reinfection, leading to larger outbreaks. Vaccines capable of eliciting strong immune responses can substantially reduce future caseloads.
A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that localized data on childhood vaccination coverage can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks. The research found that when people who are not vaccinated cluster geographically, the probability and size of an outbreak increase.
The COVID-19 virus may become endemic if immunity wanes within a year, allowing for yearly outbreaks. Reinfections are common, even within a year of prior infection, and the risk of severe clinical outcomes changes with subsequent infection.
If SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic, its pattern of transmission will depend on factors like vaccine availability and social factors. Greater monitoring of interactions with other respiratory viruses is needed to mitigate potential outbreaks.
A group of 80 researchers argue that allowing low-risk populations to develop immunity while protecting vulnerable groups will not effectively control COVID-19. They emphasize the need for multi-pronged population-level strategies to protect societies and economies.
A new study has created a comprehensive map of how immune cells learn to fight infections and preserve memories of these encounters. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, could help scientists develop new vaccines and therapies for various diseases by targeting specific immune cells.
The COVID PROFILE study aims to investigate the immune response to COVID-19, understanding how long protection lasts and predicting reinfection. Researchers will follow participants for 12 months with regular blood samples and nose and throat swabs.
A team of scientists has developed a unique COVID-19 vaccine that utilizes a bovine adenovirus as a safe and effective delivery vehicle. The vaccine aims to provide protection to all segments of the population, especially older adults with declining immune systems.
Patients with rare inherited immune disorders had similar disease outcomes to the general population after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with some immune defects even appearing protective against severe disease. However, younger male patients with PIDs were more likely to require ICU admission and suffer severe COVID-19.
A study by University of Notre Dame researchers found over 100 million Zika virus infections went undetected between 2015 and 2018. The team's findings highlight the need for improved surveillance systems to track transmission, especially in regions with high asymptomatic infection rates.
A new model developed by University of Georgia scientists found that achieving herd immunity through mitigation is unlikely without constant adjustments in lockdown measures. The suppression strategy offers a more feasible approach, predicting fewer fatalities with self-isolation engagement and social distancing measures.
A team of researchers adapted standard epidemiological models to explore how COVID-19 pandemic trajectories might unfold in the next five years. Their work emphasizes the importance of understanding adaptive immune responses and vaccine efficacy in determining future case severity and duration.
A study by Princeton researchers projects that a vaccine capable of eliciting strong immune responses can substantially reduce future COVID-19 cases. The study found that the nature of immune responses affects clinical outcomes and the burden of severe cases, with stronger immunity reducing future burdens.
Researchers predict COVID-19 will follow seasonal patterns in temperate regions when herd immunity is attained. The virus will continue to circulate year-round until then.
Researchers argue that cell-autonomous immunity, a ancient defense mechanism in human cells, plays a crucial role in shaping human evolution. Understanding this concept is essential for developing effective treatments for diseases like sepsis, as traditional approaches often fail due to the immune system's conserved mechanisms.
The paper discusses how cell-autonomous immunity, inherited from prokaryotic and single-celled ancestors, affects the human evolutionary story. It highlights the importance of understanding how pathogens manipulate these defenses, which are found in every cell in every body system.
New York and California may have achieved herd immunity due to declining reported mortality rates and low basic reproduction numbers. According to Prof. Last's model, these states have a high percentage of infected individuals, indicating a potential end to the COVID-19 peak.
A recent study found that prior Zika virus infection can enhance the risk of severe dengue disease. The research used a cohort from Nicaragua to confirm previous reports on cross-reactive antibodies between Zika and dengue viruses. The findings have important implications for developing effective vaccines against both diseases.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients often lack germinal centers, essential for a durable immune response, due to impaired helper T cell development. This can lead to short-lived immunity and increased risk of re-infection, complicating the development of herd immunity.
Researchers found that recovered COVID-19 patients and even those infected with SARS 17 years ago possess virus-specific memory T cells, indicating long-lasting immunity. This discovery could lead to better understanding of cross-reactive immunity and potential therapeutic use of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells.
Scientists have developed a promising vaccine using HydroVax technology, conferring 83% immunity against Campylobacter-associated diarrhea. The vaccine targets a disease associated with infant growth stunting and malnutrition in developing countries, potentially improving the health of millions.
A new study suggests that accounting for age and social activity can lower the predicted herd immunity threshold for COVID-19 from 60% to 43%. Lifting non-pharmaceutical interventions without achieving herd immunity could lead to a resurgence of infections.
A new study estimates Covid-19 herd immunity level can be reduced to 43% by incorporating age and social activity into a mathematical model, potentially informing pandemic policy decisions