Articles tagged with Immunity
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Studies on mice and septic patients show that a specific B lymphocyte subpopulation produces large amounts of CD39, leading to increased adenosine levels and reduced macrophage activity. This results in heightened susceptibility to opportunistic infections, with survivors experiencing a sevenfold higher risk of severe infections.
A novel COVID-19 vaccine candidate demonstrates high efficacy in preclinical models by stimulating the immune system and inducing a robust neutralizing antibody response. The vaccine protects against reinfection and provides better protection than natural immunity, making it a potential supplement to existing vaccines.
A recent Northwestern University study reveals that receiving a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine significantly boosts immunity against COVID-19. The research found that even prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 does not guarantee high antibody levels or robust response to the first vaccine dose, contradicting common assumptions.
Research from the University of Florida found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk, providing passive immunity to newborns. The study suggests that vaccinated mothers can help protect their babies from COVID-19 illness.
A validated definition for iMCD-TAFRO has been established to differentiate it from other iMCD cases, enabling timely diagnosis and proper treatment. The new definition includes four clinical criteria: thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, and organomegaly.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Maryland discovered a gene in tuberculosis that inhibits the inflammasome, a signaling system that helps defend against pathogens. The finding may lead to effective gene-based treatments or preventative therapies for tuberculosis.
A study used Bayesian framework to estimate viral prevalence based on available data sources, finding approximately 60% of infections may have gone unreported. The model suggests the estimated true number of infections is far below potential herd immunity thresholds and that immunization can achieve herd immunity without fatalities.
Researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to identify novel gene candidates associated with immune traits in mice, including 101 new genes with over 95% chance of being required for immunity. The study's software, Candidate Explorer, helps predict causation of mutations and has already verified hundreds of genes with novel functions.
A study with healthcare workers found that most individuals retain anti-Spike antibodies for at least one year after infection, suggesting a long-lasting immune response. Vaccine-generated immunity is also expected to be long-lasting, according to the research.
Researchers have developed an anti-cancer prodrug that targets cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. This innovation improves the effectiveness of immunotherapy by boosting patient immunity. The drug exhibits anticancer effects when activated in cancer cells, inducing an active anticancer immune response.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes' ability to harmonically converge affects their offspring's immune response, with males investing more energy in mating effort than immunity. Female mosquitoes are better able to resist parasites and pathogens, but may lose immunity as they age.
Researchers have discovered a type of stem cell that can restore the immune system's antiviral response and repair damaged gut lymphoid follicles. The treatment offers a multi-pronged approach to eradicating HIV, complementing current treatments.
Researchers found that COVID-19 'immunity passports' decrease people's willingness to follow social distancing and face covering guidelines. However, cautious information about immunity reverses this effect.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.