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Older age, chronic kidney disease and cerebrovascular disease linked with increased risk for paralysis and death after West Nile virus infection

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults with chronic kidney disease or cerebrovascular disease are at double the risk for developing neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection, which can lead to paralysis and death. The study identified several risk factors, including male sex, immune suppressants, and multiple scle...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2025

Rutgers researchers discover how immune cells prevent cognitive decline

A Rutgers study suggests that mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs) protect against cognitive decline by creating antioxidant molecules. Injecting MAITs into genetically altered mice restored their cognitive function, and researchers hope to compare MAIT numbers in healthy humans and those with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

B cells of the immune system discovered in the meninges

Researchers found large numbers of B cells and their immature progenitors in the outer layer of the meninges, a surprising discovery that suggests these cells play a special immune system function there. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the genes active in each individual cell and confirmed the finding in human tissue.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

New findings on the field of perinatal brain injury

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg generated a comprehensive transcriptional atlas of neonatal mouse meningeal leukocytes, showing that these cells play a crucial role in brain development and pathology. The study also identified novel immune cell subtypes involved in brain injury and provided new insights into the interaction...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGenes & Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2021

Studies reveal skull as unexpected source of brain immunity

Researchers discovered that immune cells from the skull bone marrow guard the brain and spinal cord, while others arrive from the bloodstream, carrying genetic signatures that may promote autoimmunity. This finding could inform understanding and treatment of brain disorders such as neuro-COVID, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021