All Immunology articles – Page 19
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NewsNew findings on infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
Researchers have identified genetic and non-genetic factors that help the body fight the Epstein-Barr virus. Using a new technique, they were able to estimate the amount of EBV in the blood and find correlations in large health data sets – for example, an increased viral load in people with HIV infections, but also in smokers.
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NewsMissed opportunity: Study shows low vaccination rates among expectant mothers in Norway against COVID-19 and influenza
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway during the 2023/24 influenza season found that only 29.9% were vaccinated against influenza and 12.1% against COVID-19 during pregnancy, remaining far below recommended targets.
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NewsResearchers discover how tuberculosis bacteria use a “stealth” mechanism to evade the immune system
New research reveals that mycobacteria release tiny packages called extracellular vesicles that fuse with the membranes of immune cells. These vesicles contain specialized lipids—fatty molecules—that make the cell membrane more rigid.
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NewsPrenatal infection increases risk of heavy drinking later in life
Exposure to infection and other immune stress in the womb increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood, a risk that may be reduced through prenatal antioxidant treatment, a new study shows.
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NewsNovel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence
A novel vaccination approach cleared the harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile in an animal model of infection. An experimental vaccine administered to the mucosal lining of the colon protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence.
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NewsGlobal scientific paper establishes first consensus definition of gut health
A global group of 13 scientists and clinicians is helping establish clarity by publishing a consensus definition of gut health. They define gut health as “a state of normal gastrointestinal function without active gastrointestinal disease and gut-related symptoms that affect quality of life.”
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NewsMacrophage immune cells need constant reminders to retain memories of prior infections
Researchers have discovered that immune cells known as macrophages remain poised to fight repeat infections due to the persistent presence of signaling molecules left behind during previous infections.
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NewsCOVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may help prevent preeclampsia
A new multinational study has found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, particularly when combined with a booster dose, significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a serious and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication.
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NewsHow bacteria may promote breast cancer
Researchers have discovered how certain pathogenic bacteria in gut and breast tissue can promote breast cancer development and progression by hijacking a key metabolic enzyme known as spermine oxidase (SMOX).
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NewsScientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein Barr virus
Using mice with human antibody genes, scientists have developed new genetically human monoclonal antibodies that prevent two key antigens on the surface of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) from binding to and entering human immune cells.
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NewsChildren with sleep apnea face higher risk of flu and COVID-19, new study finds
A five-year study has revealed that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19, regardless of their age or weight. Even after undergoing surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids, this increased vulnerability persists due to long-term changes in the immune system.
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NewsNew antibody–drug conjugate strategy to block HIV infection
New antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) combine a CD4 mimic with neutralizing antibodies for enhanced suppression of HIV infection. By targeting the gp120 on the viral envelope via a two-step mechanism, the ADCs effectively block viral entry.
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NewsNew biosensor offers early warning system for disease
Researchers have developed a tissue-adhesive sensor for real-time oral health monitoring to combat long-term issues such as gum disease and tooth loss.
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NewsGut microbiome may be the link to gluten sensitivity without celiac disease
Researchers found that after antibiotic treatment, mice exposed to gluten had changes in the bacteria living in the gut. These shifts in bacteria types altered how they processed carbohydrates, fats and sugars which may influence how these nutrients are recognized by the immune system.
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NewsImmunity against common virus leveraged against pancreatic cancer
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment approach for pancreatic cancer. The approach leverages the body’s natural immune response to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common but typically harmless virus that most people are infected with at some point in their lives.
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NewsOne strategy to block both drug-resistant bacteria and influenza: new broad-spectrum infection prevention approach validated
A new paper moves beyond traditional infection control strategies reliant on antibiotics and vaccines by introducing a new approach that primes the immune system before infection occurs.
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NewsHIV antibody opens up new approaches for vaccine development and combination therapies
An international research team has identified a novel HIV antibody that targets the virus at a particularly vulnerable site and overcomes previous limitations of known antibodies. The study opens up new perspectives for the development of vaccines and therapeutics against HIV-1.
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NewsEleven genetic variants affect the gut microbiome
In two new studies on 28,000 individuals, researchers are able to show that genetic variants in 11 regions of the human genome have a clear influence on which bacteria are in the gut and what they do there. Only two genetic regions were previously known.
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NewsBasic research on Listeria bacteria leads to unique cancer therapy
After nearly 40 years of research on how Listeria bacteria manipulate our cells and battle our immune system to cause listeriosis, researchers have discovered a way to turn the bacteria into a potent booster of the immune system — and a potential weapon against cancer.
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NewsHPV cancer vaccine slows tumor growth, extends survival in preclinical model
Scientists discovered that systematically changing the orientation and placement of a single cancer-targeting peptide can lead to formulations that supercharge the immune system’s ability to attack HPV-driven tumors.