In chronic infections, the immune system can become exhausted. Researchers have looked into how this works.
New research identifies biological causes of muscle weakness in later life
A new largescale genetic analysis has found biological mechanisms that contribute to making people more susceptible to muscle weakness in later life, finding that diseases such as osteoarthritis and diabetes may play a large role in susceptibility.
Aggressive brain tumor mapped in genetic, molecular detail
A new study has revealed a detailed map of the genes, proteins, infiltrating cells and signaling pathways that play key roles in driving glioblastoma. The study, of 99 tumors from patients, is the largest and most detailed schematic of this deadly brai…
Cold sores: Discovery reveals how stress, illness and even sunburn trigger flareups
The finding could lead to new ways to prevent cold sores and herpes-related eye disease from reoccurring, the researchers report.
Earliest signs of an immune response found in developing embryos
Researchers reveal that newly formed embryos clear dying cells to maximize their chances of survival. It is the earliest display of an innate immune response found in vertebrate animals to date. The findings may aid future efforts to understand why som…
Response to cancer immunotherapy may be affected by genes we carry from birth
For all their importance as a breakthrough treatment, the cancer immunotherapies known as checkpoint inhibitors still only benefit a small minority of patients, perhaps 15 percent across different types of cancer. Moreover, doctors cannot accurately pr…
What’s driving ‘brain fog’ in people with COVID-19
Researchers report an underlying cause of COVID brain: the presence of inflammatory molecules in the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (called the cerebrospinal fluid). The findings suggest that anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids, may…
STINGing tumors with nanoparticles
A new nanoparticle-based drug can boost the body’s innate immune system and make it more effective at fighting off tumors, researchers have shown. Their study is among the first to successfully target the immune molecule STING with nanoparticles about …
Immune response to insulin could identify, help treat those at risk for Type 1 Diabetes
Researchers have found that immune responses to insulin could help identify individuals most at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes.
HIV: An innovative therapeutic breakthrough to optimize the immune system
Prompted by the need to improve conventional treatments for people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), a team has identified a therapeutic approach to restore the effectiveness of immune cells.