Articles tagged with Immunity
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.
A resident ocular microbiome, including bacteria like Staphylococci and Corynebacterium mastitidis, trains the developing immune system to fend off pathogens. This microbe induces the production of interleukin-17, a signaling protein critical for host defense.
Researchers at IMIM have found that immunoglobulin M plays a crucial role in regulating the diversity of intestinal flora, including beneficial microorganisms. The study highlights IgM's participation in an immunological memory system, enabling organisms to adapt to their microbial environment.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that mobilizing parent advocates through the Immunity Community program significantly improved vaccine-related attitudes, including increased confidence and knowledge about vaccination rates. The program empowered parents to communicate positively about vaccines without being confrontational.
A University of Alberta study found that babies from pet households had higher levels of microbes linked to lower allergy and obesity risks. Exposure to pets in the womb or after birth increased abundance of bacteria Ruminococcus and Oscillospira, which have been linked to reduced childhood allergies and obesity.
A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals how killer cells coordinate with dendritic cells to create an army of immune cells. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn, found that killer cells form a team and trigger chemical signals to recruit other cell types, leading to a coordinated and strong immune response.
A new genomics study of shark DNA reveals unique modifications in immunity genes that may underlie rapid wound healing and possibly higher resistance to cancers. The research found modified legumain and Bag1 genes, which have counterparts in humans where overexpression is associated with cancers.
Researchers found that persistent infections stimulate the immune system, keeping it primed and ready for future encounters. This leads to long-term immunity, but also carries risks of reactivation and disease. The study aims to design vaccines that elicit life-long immunity without sterilizing the pathogen.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can gauge population density through quorum sensing and boost their CRISPR-Cas immune systems in response, providing new insight into bacterial collective immunity. This ability enables bacteria to preemptively elevate their immunity when most at risk of a virus spreading.
A new study linked Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' self-defense law to a 24% increase in homicide rates and 31% rise in firearm-related injuries from 2005-2014. The research suggests the law's extension of lethal force rights in public led to increased violence, particularly among young adults and white populations.
Houston Methodist researchers identified a set of immune proteins that facilitate long-lasting immunity against malaria. The study found that elevated production of specific proteins regulating the immune system within 24 hours of infection was required for sustained anti-malaria immunity.
Researchers found that specific IFNL3 and HLA-DPB1 genes are linked to a boost in immunity to hepatitis C after childbirth. Women carrying these genes experienced sharp declines in blood viral levels, improved T-cell activity, and better control of the virus after delivery.
Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
A UC Riverside-led study reveals that mother's milk contributes to the development of a baby's own immune system by transferring maternal immune cells. This process, known as 'maternal educational immunity,' enables the baby to gain immunity against infectious agents through exposure to its mother's environment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed two successful Zika vaccines that protect against neurological damage in newborn mice. The microneedle array vaccine showed significant protection, while the adenovirus-based vaccine was used as a proof-of-principle vaccine to test the envelope protein antigen.
A new study identifies countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus transmission due to climate, mosquito presence, and large populations. The analysis highlights India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as top countries, emphasizing the need for public health decision-making support.
A Penn-led team developed an oral vaccine booster that confers immunity against all three serotypes of polio, using a plant-based system to express a protein found in the polio virus. The vaccine induces mucosal and systemic immunity, neutralizing all three serotypes and offering a potential solution to global eradication efforts.
A recent model-based study suggests that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will likely peak within three years, with subsequent herd immunity preventing future outbreaks. The authors also emphasize the importance of targeted mosquito control measures, which may actually hinder herd immunity.
A dengue vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce disease burden if it induces long-lasting immunity. Researchers found that a durable vaccine, with booster doses, can reduce annual dengue incidence by up to 80% within five years.
A novel virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), has been identified as the cause of massive tilapia die-offs in Israel and Ecuador, with significant implications for the global aquaculture industry. The discovery provides critical genomic and protein sequences necessary for disease detection, containment, and vaccine development.
Pathogens and Immunity, an online, open-access journal, simplifies the submission and review process, reducing it from one day to five minutes. Senior editors at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine revise biomedical publications standards in immunology and infectious diseases.
A 15-year study in Kilifi, Kenya found that vaccination reduces the chance of Hib disease by 93% and provides long-lasting protection. The current vaccine schedule is effective without a booster dose, suggesting no need for extra doses.
Scientists reveal that inflammatory molecules driving the immune response in clinical and severe malaria also prevent protective antibodies from developing against the parasite. This discovery could lead to new approaches for boosting key immune cells needed for long-lasting immunity.
A genome-wide association study has identified subtle genetic changes that affect the immune response to common viruses. The study found correlations between genetic variations and immune responses to four viruses: influenza A, Epstein-Barr, JC polyomavirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded an Emory-led research consortium $15 million to improve human immune responses to vaccination. Researchers will focus on two primary projects: varicella zoster virus and pneumococcal vaccines in transplant patients.
A mathematical model shows that using one dose of the oral cholera vaccine can prevent more cases and save more lives than the recommended two doses, especially in crisis situations. The study found that a single dose could protect more people in the long run and improve herd immunity.
Researchers used fruit flies to discover that groups of genes working together, rather than single genes, influence gut immunocompetence. They found that variations in these gene clusters can make some flies highly susceptible or resistant to infections, with implications for chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Researchers identified a protein called Myb that creates long-term immunity by preserving antibody-producing plasma cells in the bone marrow. The discovery could lead to developing lasting immunity against diseases like malaria.
Researchers identified bi-allelic mutations in RORC, essential for IL-17-producing T cells against Candida and IFN-γ-producing T cells against Mycobacterium. This study reveals a new understanding of genetic susceptibility to these infections.
Research suggests that excessive vitamin A supplementation can shut down the body's trained immunity, rendering it less effective at fighting off past infections. This impaired immune response is due to vitamin A's inhibitory effects on histone methylation modifications in human monocytes.
A candidate vaccine has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Mice vaccinated with a combination of two parasite proteins showed reduced parasite numbers and improved immune response compared to uninfected mice.
Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain develop a new therapeutic agent that stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells by blocking immunosuppressive T-lymphocytes. This approach could lead to improved treatment efficiency for cancer patients and potentially treat other diseases with insufficient immunity.
A new study reveals a cytomegalovirus-based vaccine provides protection against Ebola virus for over 14 months after a single dose, offering hope for preventing ebolavirus infection in African apes and reducing future human outbreaks. The innovative approach could help stabilize endangered ape populations and protect humans from the de...
A team of scientists discovered that HuR protein is critical for controlling metabolism in B cells, which produce antibodies essential for fighting infections. Removing HuR prevents proper growth and function of B cells, highlighting the importance of this protein in immunity.
A new study suggests that adults over 30 only get the flu about twice a decade, according to researchers who analyzed blood samples from volunteers in Southern China. The study found that flu-like illnesses can be caused by many pathogens, making it difficult to assess infection frequency.
Researchers at Montana State University have discovered a critical molecule, IL-1a, that plays a crucial role in recruiting white blood cells to fight lung infections. The molecule helps prevent mold from invading lung tissue and growing, potentially reducing the death rate associated with Aspergillus fumigatus.
A mathematical model identified booster schedules that result in the greatest reduction in whooping cough disease with the lowest economic cost. The most effective strategies varied depending on the underlying causes of the resurgence, including insufficient vaccine coverage, low vaccine efficacy, waning immunity, and leaky vaccines.
A University of Michigan-led research team found that combining bed nets and certain malaria vaccines can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in older age classes. The study suggests that the joint use of bed nets and some malaria vaccines may make the problem worse, contradicting previous assumptions.
A new study published in Immunity reveals that placental growth factor (PlGF) in the spleen activates harmful immune responses leading to high blood pressure. Mice genetically engineered to lack PlGF were protected from hypertension-related damage, suggesting PlGF as a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers found that autophagy plays a central role in mediating the non-specific immune effects of BCG, leading to trained immunity. Monocytes from individuals with specific variants of the ATG2B gene respond with trained immunity, supporting the hypothesis that autophagy is clinically relevant.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a connection between innate immune system genes and ovarian longevity, which could lead to new treatments for fertility issues. Neutralizing the effects of a key protein may slow down egg destruction and improve IVF success rates.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC rats harbor bacterial and viral pathogens, including Seoul hantavirus and rat hepaciviruses similar to human hepatitis C. The researchers identified 15 pathogens in 133 trapped rats, highlighting the importance of monitoring the city's rodent population.
Researchers found a potent antibiotic and a gene that confers immunity to it in Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain 115. The discovery could lead to large-scale production of the antibiotic, potentially solving the growing antibiotic crisis.
A new study reveals that gut microbes play a vital role in stimulating protective immune responses to the seasonal flu vaccine. Researchers found that mice with altered gut microbiota showed reduced antibody responses to vaccination, highlighting the importance of gut microbes in vaccine efficacy.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment before vaccination impaired antibody responses in mice, while gut bacteria played a crucial role. The study's findings suggest that the microbiome could be harnessed to modulate vaccine efficacy and may explain variations in vaccine responses globally.
A new study reveals that p38 MAPK is activated by low nutrient levels and age-related signals, leading to the decline of immune function in older T lymphocytes. Blocking this pathway may help restore their function, potentially improving immunity in older adults.
A new study suggests that combining Salk inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) with Sabin live-attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) improves mucosal immunity and reduces viral shedding. The results could help resolve the long-standing debate over vaccine choice in areas where polio is difficult to eradicate.
A genome-wide analysis reveals that friends are genetically similar to each other, with an average of 1% DNA in common. The study suggests that social relationships can drive evolutionary advantages, such as increased immunity against diseases.
A new study found that injecting a type of polio vaccine, which is rarely used today, can provide better and longer-lasting protection against infection when combined with the oral vaccine. The research suggests that this type of vaccine could be used to boost immunity in people traveling from or to polio-infected countries.
Giving children under 5 an extra dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) boosts their immunity to the poliovirus, supporting global eradication efforts. The additional dose substantially improves protective antibodies and intestinal immunity against poliovirus.
Scientists have discovered that gut immunity actively maintains healthy bacterial communities through precise regulation of immunoglobulin A production by regulatory T cells. This complex interplay between the immune system and bacteria is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders associated with dysbiosis in the gut.