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ISB researchers identify immune cells that drive harmful autoantibody responses after COVID-19

Researchers have identified a subset of B cells known as atypical memory cells as the primary precursors of autoantibody-producing cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cells adopt a markedly different biological program, leading to increased autoantibody production. The study provides new insight into how viral infections can trigg...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalImmunity·DateAug 28, 2026

Neuronal hyperacitivity triggers severe autoimmune brain disorder

A study published in Science Advances reveals that neuronal hyperactivity triggered by rogue antibodies is a key driver of the severe autoimmune brain disorder IgLON5 encephalitis. The research also highlights similarities between this condition and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

Inexpensive material compresses light, paving the way for photonic microcircuits in the terahertz range

Researchers developed a new photonic material using lead iodide, enabling high-speed data transmission in the terahertz frequency range. The material confines light within submicrometer regions, paving the way for integrated photonic circuits that could replace or complement electronic circuits.

In rare cases, autoantibodies can cause severe reactions to a live-attenuated virus Chikungunya vaccine that has been discontinued in the U.S.

A new study suggests that preexisting autoantibodies in a small subset of the population can cause severe reactions to the live-attenuated Chikungunya vaccine. Researchers recommend screening people with these autoantibodies before vaccination, especially for those over age 65.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2026

UOsaka team with the latest Nobel Prize laureate reveals regulatory immune cell precursors disrupted in severe COVID-19

Researchers at The University of Osaka have identified a previously uncharacterized subset of immune cells called preTfr that play a critical role in preventing autoantibody production. In patients with severe COVID-19, these cells are significantly reduced, correlating with increased levels of harmful autoantibodies.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025

Advanced imaging reveals mechanisms that cause autoimmune disease

A study using cryo-electron microscopy revealed that autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis disrupt acetylcholine receptor function by blocking or activating the immune system's complement pathway. This knowledge helps explain treatment variability and offers a foundation for personalized therapies targeting specific antibody interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Nasal swab tests predict COVID-19 disease severity, Emory study finds

Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool called FlowBEAT to measure antibodies in nasal cavities, finding that more than 70% of people with mild or moderate COVID-19 develop protective autoantibodies in the nose. These autoantibodies may play a role in regulating the immune system and preventing excessive inflammation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Faster detection of pancreatic cancer

A new method for detecting pancreatic cancer has been introduced using glycopeptide probes that selectively detect specific antibodies in blood samples. These probes mimic tumor-associated antigens and show promise for early detection screenings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Autoantibodies behind lifelong risk of viral infections

A new study reveals that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, making them more susceptible to severe viral infections. The autoantibodies remain detectable in the blood for life and are associated with a compromised type 1 interferon system.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Could auto-antibodies be linked to severe COVID-19?

Researchers found auto-antibodies against type I interferons in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, compromising their immune response. This discovery highlights the importance of detecting these auto-antibodies in regular health checkups to better prepare for viral infections.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Clinicians report success with first test of drug in a patient with life-threatening blood clotting disorder

A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital used a new drug to save the life of a patient with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), a rare disorder characterized by uncontrolled clotting. The drug, recombinant ADAMTS13, reversed the disease process in a patient with an extremely severe form of iTTP.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

SARS-CoV-2 and type 1 diabetes in children: new study aims to explore the relationship

A new study aims to investigate whether vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can protect children at increased genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The AVAnT1A Study, the largest intervention study to date, examines the relationship between viral infections and early childhood development.

Chinese Medical Journal review article highlights the potential and promise of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

CHLA researchers uncover underlying mechanism driving membranous nephropathy, offering insights into chronic kidney disease in children

A study published in JCI Insight reveals that an unexpected mechanism is responsible for the loss of kidney cells' ability to filter toxins from blood in primary membranous nephropathy. The researchers found that signaling in the C3a/C3aR pathway plays a critical role in disease progression.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Why men are at higher risk from COVID-19

Researchers at Osaka University found that male patients with COVID-19 have a faster loss of circulating Treg cells, leading to dysregulated antibody responses. Females, on the other hand, have higher levels of these cells, which may help protect them from infection.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Scientists define independent subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease

Idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL) has been confirmed as a distinct clinicopathologically uniform disease, which can be reclassified into an independent subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD). IPL showed greater plasmacytosis and hyperplastic germinal centers compared to non-IPL groups.

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Finding a way to defend a self-attack

Osaka University researchers identified medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) expressing neuromuscular molecules in myasthenia gravis-thymoma samples. These findings suggest a new connection between the two diseases and may lead to novel therapeutic methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

A potential new test for diagnosing Lyme disease

Scientists have identified a potential new test for diagnosing Lyme disease by detecting autoantibodies to phospholipids. This approach could help clinicians diagnose the disease sooner and determine efficacy of treatments. The researchers' discovery has the potential to identify patients with persistent symptoms after treatment, makin...

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

New way viruses trigger autoimmunity discovered

Researchers discovered a viral infection can trigger autoimmunity in mice by disrupting the thymus's screening process for self-destructive T cells. Infection with murine roseolovirus led to autoimmune gastritis months later, highlighting a previously unknown way viruses can trigger autoimmunity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Rogue antibodies make cells “sticky” to trigger blood clots in COVID-19 patients

Researchers found higher-than-expected levels of antiphospholipid autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients, causing endothelial cell activation and promoting clotting. Removing these antibodies from blood samples lost the activation effect, suggesting a potential cause of severe COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

COVID-19 can trigger self-attacking antibodies

Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 develop a wide variety of autoantibodies up to six months after recovery, and these autoantibodies persist over time. The study suggests that understanding these autoantibody responses could help identify ways to treat and prevent long-term symptoms.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateDec 29, 2021

TEDDY study compares characteristics of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before and after age 6

The study analyzed data from 8,502 genetically high-risk children and found that half developed type 1 diabetes before age 6, while the other half developed it between ages 6 and 12. The findings suggest a different form of type 1 diabetes emerges in children as they grow older.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalDiabetologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

Research reveals mechanisms behind “COVID toes”

A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 6, 2021

Measuring gene expression changes over time may help predict T1D diabetes progression

Researchers developed a predictive model to monitor infant gene expression changes, potentially identifying early markers for T1D progression. The study used data from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) consortium and identified specific gene expression patterns related to natural killer cells.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 7, 2021