Innate Immunity
Articles tagged with Innate Immunity
A new “molecular switch” for inborn immunity identified
Researchers discover enzyme ANKIB1 crucial for innate immune signalling, driving type I and type III interferon induction. This finding solves a long-standing puzzle in innate immunity and provides opportunities for new therapies for devastating diseases.
Itaconate modifications: mechanisms and applications
Researchers summarize itaconate biology highlighting its chemical reactivity and therapeutic potential in treating infectious diseases, sepsis, autoimmunity, neurodegenerative disorders. Itaconate exerts biological effects through post-translational modifications, altering protein activity and signaling pathways
A surprising suspect behind concussion trouble: Your own immune system
A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that the complement system, a part of the body's innate immune system, plays a major role in brain damage after repeated concussions. The research found that reducing complement activation can help protect the brain and reduce cognitive impairments.
CU Anschutz researchers discover how lymphatic endothelials cells help the body remember infections
Researchers at CU Anschutz discovered a genetic program within lymphatic endothelial cells that enables storage and archival of antigens, helping the immune system remember infections. This understanding could lead to improved vaccines and therapies by fine-tuning immune memory.
Elucidating the mechanism and significance behind the rise of immature neutrophils during infection and inflammation
Researchers found that immature neutrophils migrate into inflamed tissues upon stimulation by interferon-γ, suppressing inflammation and reducing tissue damage. In humans, these cells also produce interleukin-10, which increases in the blood of COVID-19 patients.
New research examines how pH impacts the immune system
Researchers discovered a key molecular sensor detecting changes in intracellular pH that regulates immune defense against bacterial infections and influences inflammatory diseases and cancer. The findings may lead to innovative strategies for disease prevention and treatment by altering how the internal environment shapes immune function.
New insights into natural killer cell brakes point to more effective combination cancer therapies
Researchers have discovered that blocking NK cell checkpoints could significantly enhance cancer immunotherapy, providing new avenues for treating solid tumors and blood cancers. Emerging precision approaches using gene editing and engineered cell therapies promise specific recognition of cancer cells with potentially fewer side effects.
BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets COVID-19 virus, but may also help reduce and control innate inflammation
The BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets the COVID-19 virus but also helps reduce and control innate inflammation to other bacterial and fungal pathogens. By reprogramming innate immune cells, the vaccine reduces pro-inflammatory mediators, providing potential benefits beyond its primary target.
mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines train the ‘long-term memory’ of the immune system
Researchers found that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines cause persistent epigenetic changes in monocyte-derived macrophages, enabling a sustained immune response. These changes were preserved for six months after vaccination and required multiple doses to maintain long-term immunity.
Innate immune training aggravates inflammatory bone loss
Researchers found that training the innate immune system can exacerbate inflammatory bone loss in models of chronic diseases like periodontitis and arthritis. The study suggests that a previously thought beneficial effect of trained immunity may actually contribute to harm in certain contexts.
Synthetic RIG-I-agonist RNA induces death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
A synthetic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA has been shown to induce innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The addition of recombinant interferon-b potentiated this cell death, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating patients with liver cancer.
Researchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19
A study on six serodiscordant couples found that women who were immune to SARS-CoV-2 had elevated expression of the gene IFIT3 compared to their male partners. This suggests that overexpression of IFIT3 may offer protection against COVID-19 by inhibiting viral replication and preventing cell invasion.
Spanish scientists discover how the gut modulates the development of inflammatory conditions
Gut bacteria that cross a weakened intestinal barrier induce epigenetic changes in bone marrow, generating trained immune cells primed to respond more efficiently to infections. However, this amplified immune response also contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions.
Human papillomavirus infection kinetics revealed in new longitudinal study
A new longitudinal study has provided unprecedented insights into human papillomavirus (HPV) infection dynamics. The study found that non-persistent infections exhibit a plateau in viral load before rapidly declining, while chronic infections show a strong correlation between immune cells and virus production. This research could infor...
A new experimental infection model in flies offers a fast and cost-effective way to test drugs
Researchers developed a new experimental infection model using Drosophila flies to test drugs for infectious diseases, reducing the use of vertebrate animals. The model assesses innate immunity against infections by Candida albicans and allows for the design of new therapeutic approaches targeting uncontrolled immune responses.
USC study explores new insights into innate resistance for immunotherapies in colorectal cancer
Researchers found higher levels of CD47 expression linked to more aggressive tumors, immune cells, and oncogenic signaling. Targeting CD47 could lead to improved outcomes with immunotherapy drugs, especially in cases where existing treatments are ineffective.
Stem cells shed insight into cardiovascular disease processes
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports has found that brief exposure to certain 'danger signals' can prime the body's innate immune system, leading to a long-term hyperreactive and inflammatory state. This mechanism can help fight infections but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Natural killer cell cellular-based therapeutic options to manage acute myeloid leukemia: prospects and challenges
Natural Killer (NK) cell-based therapies have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), offering a potential cure with minimal prior antigen sensitization. However, the dysfunction of NK cells in AML patients poses a significant challenge that must be overcome to unlock their full ther...
T cells manipulate the memory of innate immune cells
Research reveals T cells regulate trained immunity, a process previously thought to be independent of the innate immune system. This discovery offers potential for new treatments in autoimmune disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
AAV vectors trigger innate immune pathways
Researchers describe redundant innate immune pathways triggered by AAV vectors, including sensing of viral genome and cytoplasmic DNA sensors. The study highlights the need to understand complex biologic mechanisms underlying adverse reactions to AAV vectors in human gene therapy trials.
Not so simple: mosses and ferns offer new hope for crop protection
Non-flowering bryophytes, including mosses, have sophisticated immune receptor repertoires that can be transferred between flowering and non-flowering plants. This discovery offers a new source of resistance genes against pathogens for major crops facing climate change threats.
Common respiratory infections may have protected children from COVID-19, study suggests
Researchers found that frequent respiratory infections in children may have elevated their innate immune activity, protecting them from severe COVID-19 symptoms. The study suggests that childhood exposure to common cold viruses and bacteria boosted the kids' immune systems, allowing them to better fight off SARS-CoV-2.
Research spotlight: researchers find a ‘switch’ in the gut for programming tolerance of inflammation
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a metabolic switch in the gut that helps regulate immune tolerance and protect against harmful intestinal inflammation. This discovery could lead to new strategies for promoting remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
ATR inhibition using gartisertib in patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines
Researchers identified gartisertib as a potent ATR inhibitor that enhances cell death in patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines. The study also showed synergy between gartisertib and TMZ+RT treatment, with higher sensitivity to gartisertib observed in MGMT promoter unmethylated cells.
New study uncovers molecular interactions driving multiple inflammasome activation and inflammatory cell death
A team of researchers discovered a multiprotein complex involving NLRP3, AIM2, NLRC4, and Pyrin that drives PANoptosis, a type of programmed inflammatory cell death. The findings have implications for understanding inflammasome biology and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
COVID-19: The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs and the role of innate immunity
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 viruses persisting in lung cells for up to 18 months post-infection, despite undetectable upper respiratory tract presence. The study suggests a link between innate immunity failure and virus persistence.
Discovery of a molecule regulating immune memory of natural killer cells to viral infection
A recent study reveals that NK cells can memorize viral antigens and differentiate into immune memory NK cells with considerable killing ability. Themis2, a cytoplasmic protein, plays a crucial role in regulating this process.
Immune cell map reveals origin of subcellular response to microbes, researchers report
Researchers have created an 'immune cell map' that reveals the origin of neutrophils' subcellular response to microbes. The study found that a specific type of glycoprotein is responsible for the restricted subcellular origin, and this discovery may lead to refined personalized immune responses.
Dectin-1 stimulation promotes distinct inflammatory signature in HIV and aging
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
Training immune cells to remove ‘trash’ helps resolve lung inflammation
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered that trained immune cells can remove cellular debris and reduce inflammation in the lungs. This 'memory' or training allows these cells to respond better to subsequent infections, potentially leading to a cell therapy to prevent acute lung injury.
How immunity contributes to ageing and neurodegeneration
A recent study found that the cGAS/STING molecular signaling pathway plays a critical role in driving chronic inflammation and functional decline during aging. By blocking STING, researchers were able to suppress inflammatory responses and improve tissue function, leading to enhancements in spatial and associative memory.
Scientists discover how plants fight major root disease
Researchers have identified a novel gene WTS that confers broad-spectrum resistance to clubroot disease in Brassica crops. The WTS protein complex functions as an endoplasmic reticulum-localized calcium release channel, increasing cytosolic calcium ions and activating plant defenses.
SMART researchers discover novel combination therapy to counter antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infections
SMART researchers have discovered a novel combination therapy using rifaximin and clarithromycin to treat antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infections. The study found that rifaximin potentiates clarithromycin against M. abscessus, increasing its sensitivity and effectiveness in killing the bacteria.
St. Jude finds NLRP12 as a new drug target for infection, inflammation and hemolytic diseases
Researchers from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered NLRP12 to be the key molecule responsible for inducing inflammatory cell death and pathology in response to heme combined with other cellular damage or infection. This finding provides a new potential drug target to prevent morbidity in certain illnesses.
New immunotherapy targeting tumour macrophages to tackle lung cancer
Researchers have developed a new immunotherapy targeting tumour macrophages, which are immunosuppressive cells that weaken the immune system. The treatment, RImAb, reduces tumour growth and modifies the tumour microenvironment, offering potential for a new line of treatment for lung cancer patients.
Escorting a key immune protein to its demise to control inflammation
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism to control the inflammatory response to infection. The study found that the termination of STING responses is mediated via ESCRT-dependent degradation.
Antimicrobial use in agriculture can breed bacteria resistant to first-line human defences
Researchers found that agricultural antimicrobial peptide use can generate broad cross-resistance to the human innate immune response. This has major implications for the design and use of therapeutic antimicrobial peptides.
HKU biologists reveal a molecular scissor that cuts chromatin bridge and prevents DNA damages and autoimmunity
A research team led by Dr Gary Ying Wai Chan reveals the function of enzyme ANKLE1 in cutting chromatin bridges, preventing DNA damages and autoimmunity. This discovery has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing new strategies to prevent diseases such as cancer and autoinflammatory disorders.
Status epilepticus: New inflammatory markers to improve patient care
A new study identifies several cytokine markers associated with poor prognosis in New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) patients. The researchers found that the concentration of these inflammatory proteins was higher in NORSE patients than controls, and their increase was correlated with short-term and long-term neurological ...
Fats help tag medical implants as friend or foe
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered
Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.
Can gene discovery methods halt the global march of wheat blast?
Researchers used AgRenSeq genomic discovery method to identify two genes protecting experimental wheat plants against wheat blast. The study highlights the power of heritage wheat varieties and wild grass relatives in providing disease-fighting diversity.
PFAS can suppress white blood cell’s ability to destroy invaders
A study by North Carolina State University found that PFAS chemical GenX and another chemical, PFHxA, can suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst, a method used by white blood cells to kill invading pathogens. The research highlights the potential toxic effects of PFAS on the human immune system.
A call for action mounts an emergent attack against invaders
A new subset of B lymphocytes has been found to play a crucial role in promoting the clearance of microbes by enhancing the production of innate immune cells. The discovery highlights the importance of adaptive immune cells in responding to infections and could lead to new strategies for combating serious diseases.
Aging | The innate immune signaling component FBXC-58 mediates dietary restriction effects on healthy aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Researchers found that the F-box gene FBXC-58 is a novel mediator of dietary restriction effects on extending the health span of Caenorhabditis elegans. FBXC-58 prevents muscle aging and extends longevity through an S6 kinase-dependent pathway.
X-ray light reveals how virus responsible for COVID-19 covers its tracks, eluding the immune system
A new study uses serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of NendoU protein at room temperature. The resulting high-resolution image shows that the protein's flexibility plays a crucial role in its functional mechanism, which is essential for designing antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Holes in T cells
Researchers discovered a previously unknown property of certain immune cells called Th17 cells, which produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α. This finding sheds light on autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in children and provides new insights into the defense against fungal infections.
Mitochondria transmit signals in the immune and nervous systems
Research reveals mitochondria play crucial role in NF-κB signaling pathway regulation. Mitochondria assemble signaling platform at outer membrane, amplifying signal through large surface area.
Key to the erroneous activation of the immune system
Researchers investigated Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and found that viral RNA recognition drives uncontrolled interferon production. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells due to the failure of safety mechanisms to distinguish between viral and host genetic material.
Portland State study finds diet high in saturated fat can reprogram immune cells in mice
Researchers discovered that a ketogenic diet high in saturated fats can reprogram the mouse immune system, making it better at fighting off infections but more susceptible to systemic inflammatory conditions. The study also found that another type of fat, oleic acid, may be able to counteract the harmful effects of palmitic acid.
Trinity team unearths potential secret to viral resistance
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have identified an enhanced type I interferon response in women who resisted infection after exposure to hepatitis C. This finding has significant implications for understanding viral resistance and designing therapies to treat infected individuals.
Control hub for skin inflammation discovered
Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a new signaling pathway that triggers inflammatory responses in the skin after UV damage. This pathway involves the activation of p38 molecularly modifying NLRP1, a critical switch for inflammation, and initiates the assembly of inflammasomes.
How human cells become Zika virus factories
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered how Zika virus forces dendritic cells to churn out lipid molecules, allowing the virus to build copies of itself. This study provides a major step forward in developing antiviral therapies against multiple flavivirus infections.
How bacteria defuse hypothiocyanite, an antimicrobial weapon of the innate immune system
Researchers discovered a novel role for an E. coli enzyme in reducing the toxic effects of hypothiocyanite, a key antimicrobial released by the human immune system. This finding has implications for diseases like cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease, as it suggests that various bacteria can evade this powerful oxidant.
SARS-CoV-2 variants have developed resistance to human interferons
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus investigated SARS-CoV-2 variant interactions with diverse interferons, finding the virus has adapted to evade this key front-line defense. The study suggests COVID-19 clinical trials on interferons may need to be reinterpreted based on circulating variants.
Role of OTUD3 in innate immunity differs between RNA and DNA viral infections
A study found that OTUD3 limits RNA virus-triggered innate immunity but promotes DNA virus-triggered innate immunity, highlighting the complexity of host antiviral responses. OTUD3 also interacts with cGAS to remove K48-linked polyubiquitination chains and protect its DNA-binding ability.
Flu causes cardiac complications by directly infecting the heart
Researchers have found that flu viruses can directly infect heart cells, leading to electrical malfunctions and scarring. The study suggests that clearing the viral infection may be key to reducing flu's effects on the heart.
Why is the 100-year-old BCG vaccine so broadly protective in newborns?
The 100-year-old BCG vaccine has been found to protect newborns and young infants against multiple bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19. The study identified changes in metabolite and lipid profiles that correlate with innate immune system responses.
Moderate exercise improves immune response in breast cancer survivors
A new study found that moderate fitness can offer protection against the dampening effects of chemotherapy on natural immunity. Breast cancer survivors who were moderately fit produced a significantly larger immune response to a typhoid vaccine, while those with lower fitness levels had a reduced response.