Articles tagged with Immunity
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.