Researchers have rebuilt a human thymus, an essential organ in the immune system, using human stem cells and a bioengineered scaffold. Their work is an important step towards being able to build artificial thymi which could be used as transplants.
Inhaled vaccine induces fast, strong immune response in mice and non-human primates
Researchers demonstrate in a new study that a phage-based inhalation delivery system for vaccines generates potent antibody responses in mice and non-human primates, without causing lung damage. The findings suggest that a safe and effective lung deliv…
Obesity impairs immune cell function, accelerates tumor growth
New study in mice finds that a high-fat diet allows cancer cells to outcompete immune cells for fuel, impairing immune function and accelerating tumor growth. Cancer cells do so by rewiring their metabolisms to increase fat consumption. Blocking this r…
Elevated biomarker for blood vessel damage found in all children with SARS-CoV-2
Researchers have found elevated levels of a biomarker related to blood vessel damage in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, even if the children had minimal or no symptoms of COVID-19. They also found that a high proportion of children with SARS-CoV-2 …
First instance of COVID-19 triggering recurrent Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Researchers have reported the first instance of COVID-19 triggering a recurrence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome — a rare disorder where the body’s immune system attacks nerves and can lead to respiratory failure and death.
White blood cells may cause tumor cell death — but that’s not good news
White blood cells are part of many immune system responses in the human body. New research shows that a specific type of those cells may cause brain cancer tissues to die — but that’s not good news, according to researchers. They said that higher amou…
Fish oil omega-3s EPA and DHA work differently on chronic inflammation
A small randomized study suggests the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have different effects on chronic inflammation in older adults. Both omega-3s are found in fish oil.
Potential cancer therapy may boost immune response
A new approach to cancer therapy shows potential to transform the commonly used chemotherapy drug gemcitabine into a drug that kills cancer cells in a specialized way, activating immune cells to fight the cancer.
Off-the-shelf immune drug shows promise in aggressive multiple myeloma
A subcutaneous injection of the immune-boosting drug teclistamab was found to be safe and elicit responses in a majority of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Researchers define immune system’s requirements for protection against COVID-19
Researchers shed light on the role of antibodies and immune cells in protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in rhesus macaques.