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Bat 'super immunity' could help protect people

Bats have a unique ability to carry but remain unaffected by lethal diseases due to their constant immune response. The Australian black flying fox has only three interferons, which is a fraction of the number found in people, yet it can control viral infections that are lethal in humans.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

Epigenomic changes are key to innate immunological memory

Researchers have discovered that epigenomic changes induced by pathogen infections, mediated by a transcription factor called ATF7, are the underlying mechanism of innate immunological memory. This finding could increase our understanding of the hygiene hypothesis and lead to the development of more efficient vaccines.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 31, 2015

Long distance travelers likely contributing to antibiotic resistance's spread

Researchers discovered a significant increase in antibiotic resistance genes among Swedish exchange students returning from India and central Africa. The study highlights the role of human gut microbiomes in dispersing resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for societal-level interventions to reduce further spread.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 20, 2015

Vitamin D supplements may protect against viral infections during the winter

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that vitamin D supplementation can strengthen innate immunity against viral infections. The study found that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with impaired immune function and lower levels of toll-like receptor 7, which regulates immune responses to viruses.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 30, 2012

Reading the signs: Plants and animals found common ground in response to microbial threats

Researchers have discovered that plants and animals share remarkably similar mechanisms to detect molecular signatures of infectious organisms, which could lead to new treatments for human diseases. The study's findings highlight the potential for inter-specific transfer of engineered receptors to confer resistance to various pathogens.

New discovery suggests our lungs are 'innately prone' to silicosis and related diseases

A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that our innate immune systems are a major contributor to chronic lung diseases like silicosis. Researchers found that mice with an inactive adaptive immune system developed more severe silicosis, highlighting the importance of reducing chronic inflammation.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateAug 31, 2010

Tomato stands firm in face of fungus

Researchers found a small protein secreted by some fungal strains can suppress tomato disease resistance genes, but a third gene targets this protein, rendering the plant fully immune. The study provides a new strategy for durable disease control based on resistance gene combinations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 8, 2008

What recognizes what in plant disease resistance?

Researchers discover novel mechanism of gene-for-gene resistance in plant immune system, providing insights into enhancing crop yield and combating agricultural losses. The study reveals that the N resistance protein recognizes pathogen Avr proteins through a different region on its Toll-interleukin-1 receptor homology domain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2007

Elusive rust resistance genes located

Researchers have identified a DNA marker that is 99% effective in flagging the presence of Lr34 and Yr18 rust resistance genes. This breakthrough enables breeders to quickly test seedlings for these genes, allowing them to incorporate durable rust resistance into new wheat varieties.

Zebrafish may offer researchers powerful new tool for studying innate immunity

Researchers have sequenced all 36 genes of novel receptors in zebrafish, which may be related to human natural killer cell function and provide insights into the transition from innate to adaptive immunity. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of infectious diseases and certain cancers.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2004

Imported fitness

Researchers discovered a specific Mlo gene fragment in the genome of mutant barley, which enables plants to resist powdery mildew. The mutation is believed to have occurred less than 10,000 years ago in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of preserving crop diversity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2004