Articles tagged with Immunity
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
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen US cases surge to 1.5 million and deaths exceed 100 thousand despite severe lockdowns. The journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness explores the reasons behind this surge, discussing transmission and individual population susceptibility.
Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.
The review examines how long immunity to coronaviruses lasts and the prospect of antibody testing. Professors Paul Kellam and Wendy Barclay discuss what is known about immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, including seasonal strains that circulate in humans every winter.
A study of de-identified hospital records and surveillance data found 4.4% of France's population was infected with SARS-CoV-2 by May 11. The authors suggest this level of immunity is insufficient for controlling a second wave, highlighting the need for continued control measures.
Researchers have identified a new type of antigen-presenting immune cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response to respiratory virus infections. This discovery could explain how convalescent plasma boosts immune responses and offers new therapeutic opportunities for treating viral infections.
Researchers propose using recovered individuals as a shield to reduce transmission rates and support expanded economic activity. Modeling suggests that such an approach could cut deaths from 71,000 to 20,000 in worst-case scenarios.
Experts warn that immunity passports pose significant practical, equitable, and legal issues. Vaccination certificates, on the other hand, may be a crucial tool to incentivize vaccination and end the pandemic. The success of public health practices depends on public trust and addressing inequities.
A new study by URMC aims to investigate how the body's immune system responds to COVID-19, including re-infection risks and vaccine effectiveness. The research will follow 100 COVID-19 patients over 90 days, tracking antibody production and immune cell activation.
Researchers discovered EGR4 acts as a critical brake on immune activation, promoting killer T cell activation and boosting anticancer immunity. EGR4 knockout mice showed reduced lung tumor burden and fewer metastases, raising new possibilities for immunotherapy.
A novel vaccine called Triplex reduced CMV complications by half and induced immunity in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. No vaccine-associated safety concerns were identified in the phase 2 randomized clinical trial.
A study sequenced mosquito transcripts to understand resistance to Dirofilaria immitis. Activation of immune genes blocks nematode development but prevents transmission-stage Brugia malayi., Mosquito immunity crucial for preventing parasitic worm development and transmission.
A new study from McMaster University and Université de Montréal found that the first type of influenza virus exposed to in early childhood determines lifelong immunity. This phenomenon, known as antigenic imprinting, has important implications for pandemic and epidemic planning.
A new study reveals that eating activates immune cells in the gut, protecting against pathogens and preserving health. Regular mealtimes also trigger an anticipatory response to increase immunity.
A team of researchers identified protective antibodies against severe malaria in children, paving the way for a potential vaccine. The discovery uses genomic sequencing and machine learning to pinpoint specific proteins and antibodies that provide immunity.
A study found that G-CSF stimulates the production of macrophages and reduces inflammation, suggesting its role in regulating adaptive immunity. The factor may also participate in recovery processes, opening up new possibilities for treating leukopenia and inflammatory diseases.
A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides species, have acquired large immunity gene clusters to neutralize toxins from other bacteria. These clusters are actively acquiring new genes to protect against emerging threats.
Researchers found that commensal papillomaviruses on human skin can induce immunity protecting against squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of these viruses in patients with suppressed immune systems was shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer, suggesting a novel method for prevention using a vaccine to boost the immune system.
New research from UChicago shows how genetic differences in the immune system shape the collections of bacteria that colonize the digestive system. Genetic variations in innate immunity play a key role in determining microbial composition.
A researcher at the University of Kansas is exploring the potential of 3D-biomimetic-tissue-engineered exosomes for understanding long-distance cellular communications that control our immune systems. The goal is to develop a molecular-engineering approach to speed development of immunotherapy treatments.
A new study has gained insights into the mechanism of vaccine-induced T cell immunity, shedding light on the regulation, gene expression, and metabolic pathways of T cells. The discovery of a marker, TfR1, suggests that T cell immunity depends on specific metabolites.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that pain-sensing nerves in the skin can detect pathogens and initiate an immune response to fight infection. The discovery reveals a new nerve-driven protective mechanism called anticipatory immunity, which prevents infections from spreading.
Scientists have discovered a newly found function of the US11 protein that impairs antibody immunity, allowing human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to evade white blood cells and potentially leading to birth defects and immune system dysfunction. This breakthrough has significant therapeutic prospects for treating autoimmune diseases like lupus.
A genome-wide search has revealed genetic variants linked to varying antibody levels after childhood vaccines, potentially informing personalized vaccine strategies. The study identifies two genetic loci associated with the persistence of vaccine-induced immunity.
Researchers will study how young children's immune systems respond to initial influenza infection and vaccination, aiming to understand immune memory and develop more effective vaccines. The studies may uncover insights into 'immunologic imprinting' and its impact on future infections.
Researchers develop nanovaccine using pyridine functionalized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) material, overcoming restricted immune response in mice with gut-initiated metabolic syndrome. The study explores the interrelationship between nanomaterials, immune responses and the microbiome.
Researchers found that prior dengue virus immunity reduces risk of Zika infection and severity of symptoms in a Brazilian favela study. Nearly 73% of community residents were infected with ZIKV during the outbreak.
A new study from Yale University confirms that people with antibodies to dengue virus were less likely to become infected with Zika during the 2015 outbreak. This finding highlights the importance of dengue immunity in preventing Zika transmission and potentially reducing outbreaks in tropical regions.
A study led by the Brazilian Ministry of Health found that dengue immunity can protect against Zika infection in human populations. In a cohort of 1,453 residents, those with dengue antibodies had a 9% reduction in risk of Zika infection for each doubling of antibody titers.
Researchers at CNIC discovered a daily cycle that regulates neutrophil activation, protecting against infection but potentially causing damage to the cardiovascular system. The study suggests that manipulating this clock could lead to new treatments for patients at risk of cardiovascular events or infections.
Researchers found that prior and recent dengue virus infection was associated with protection from symptomatic Zika virus infection in a pediatric cohort. However, previous exposure did not affect the rate of total Zika virus infection. The study suggests that prior dengue virus immunity might cross-protect against symptomatic Zika.
A new study found that prior dengue virus infection in children may be protective against symptomatic Zika virus infection. The research, published in PLOS Medicine, involved over 3,000 children aged 2-14 years and showed that those with a history of dengue infection had a lower risk of being symptomatic when infected with Zika.
Researchers at University of Otago have discovered that bacteria can use 'slipped spacers' to boost their immunity against viruses, which may hold promise for biotechnology applications and alternative treatments for infectious diseases. This finding could also impact the dairy industry by preventing bacterial resistance to phages.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a potential Zika vaccine that induces strong T-cell responses and substantial protection without producing antibodies. This breakthrough could be a 'huge leap' for immunology, potentially overcoming the obstacle of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease.
Scientists have assembled a searchable database of normal human immunity, using 83 studies to create a comparison group for immune system and immune dysfunction research. The data reveals new findings on the differences in immune cells between men and women, as well as between people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Researchers have discovered a central signal sorting hub in plants that fine tunes growth and immunity in line with key seasonal cues, revealing the existence of DET1 and COP1 proteins in plant defense.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that dengue immunity provides cross-protection against Zika virus in mouse models. The research shows that cytotoxic T cells mobilized by dengue infection can combat the devastating effects of Zika infection on fetal brain development.
A new commentary suggests that understanding coral immunity can help identify corals better able to withstand climate change. Researchers propose a model of coral susceptibility, where investing in immunity enables corals to tolerate more damage before initiating an immune response.
A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggests that many species have evolved to prioritize growth over immunity during maturation, leading to increased susceptibility to infections in juveniles. This phenomenon is predicted to be lowest when organisms have lifespans that are neither too short nor too long.
UGA and UConn Health researchers uncover how CRISPR-Cas systems recognize viruses, create molecular memory, and confer immunity. The study reveals the essential role of Cas4 proteins in governing this process.
A unique initiative will bring together over 250 researchers at McGill and the MUHC to develop innovative solutions to infectious diseases. The project will focus on four major themes: antimicrobial resistance, emerging and re-emerging diseases, infections in vulnerable populations, and diseases of altered immunity.
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a portable, reconfigurable lab-on-a-chip diagnostic platform that can gauge immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases among vulnerable populations. The platform was validated at a refugee camp in Kenya and showed promising results in detecting measles and rubella.
Two new studies presented at the Experimental Biology 2018 meeting found that consuming dark chocolate with a high concentration of cacao (minimally 70% cacao) has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity. The flavonoids in cacao are believed to support cognitive, endocrine and cardiovascular health.
A recent resurgence in mumps cases in the US is attributed to declining immune protection from the mumps vaccine. Researchers propose a booster dose at age 18 as a potential solution to maintain population immunity and control outbreaks.
A new analysis from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that waning immunity is a major factor in the recent mumps resurgence among young adults in the US. The study found that vaccine-derived immune protection against mumps persists for approximately 27 years after the last dose.
The new Shingrix vaccine has been shown to be more than 90% effective in protecting against the herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The vaccine stimulates production of immune memory cells, generating a strong and sustained protection against the virus.
A study found that incomplete immunity to a pathogen in birds makes it stronger and more dangerous for its next victim. The findings suggest that imperfection can be deadly, and the results have implications for human health.
Researchers identified a single gene mutation that makes some people more susceptible to viral brain infections like encephalitis. The DBR1 gene affects mRNA splicing, impairing immunity in the brain stem and leading to virus invasion.
A UCL-led research team found that an excessive inflammation reaction in older people can obstruct the immune system, leading to weaker immune responses. Blocking this inflammation with a short-term anti-inflammatory pill increased the immune system's effectiveness.
Dr. Jeffrey Actor has been awarded $1.7 million to investigate a novel recombinant lactoferrin for use as a preclinical research tool to alter granuloma pathology in tuberculosis. This could limit development of lung disease and slow transmission of organisms between individuals.
A meta-analysis of hundreds of studies found a close relationship between parents' diet and offspring immunity across various animal species. The study suggests that poor nutrition can negatively impact disease resistance and that the effects of a parental diet can be inherited and maintained in offspring even on a normal diet.
Researchers developed a 4-in-1 flu shot that provides broad protection against influenza by targeting ancestral genes of four major strains. The vaccine was shown to be effective in mice, with those receiving the highest dose not getting sick.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a protein called ISX that helps balance vitamin A metabolism in the gut. Without this protein, mice develop severe inflammation and become immunocompromised, highlighting the link between diet and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that flu pandemics are more likely to emerge in late spring and early summer due to the temporary immune protection provided by seasonal flu. This narrow window for pandemic emergence can help public health agencies detect and respond to new viral threats.