Common fungi, often present in the gut, teach the immune system how to respond to their more dangerous relatives, according to new research. Breakdowns in this process can leave people susceptible to deadly fungal infections.
Novel immunotherapy approach to treat cat allergy
Researchers brought forward the potential of high doses of a specific adjuvant molecule, namely CpG oligonucleotide, in successfully modulating the immune system’s allergic response to the main cat allergen Fel d 1, thereby inducing a tolerance-promoti…
Fecal microbiota transplants help patients with advanced melanoma respond to immunotherapy
For patients with cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy drugs, adjusting the composition of microorganisms in the intestines — known as the gut microbiome — through the use of stool, or fecal, transplants may help some of these individuals res…
Human immune cells have natural alarm system against HIV
Researchers have identified a potential way to eradicate the latent HIV infection that lies dormant inside infected immune cells. Studying human immune cells, the researchers showed that such cells have a natural alarm system that detects the activity …
New technique rapidly quantifies immune response following vaccination
A global team of researchers has developed a new strategy for fast and reliable antibody tests, which can quantify the immune response induced by vaccination and reveal the timeline and stage of pathogen infection. The team’s one-step quantitative anti…
Moms with MS at no more risk of pregnancy complications than moms without MS
Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) may not be at a higher risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, emergency cesarean section or stillbirth than women who do not have the disease, according to a new study.
Cancer research expands body’s own immune system to kill tumors
Scientists are hoping advances in cancer research could lead to a day when a patient’s own immune system could be used to fight and destroy a wide range of tumors. Cancer immunotherapy has some remarkable successes, but its effectiveness has been limit…
Mechanism that regulates anti-tumor activity of immune cells
Researchers demonstrate why some ovarian cancer patients evolve better than others and suggest possible approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Intranasal influenza vaccine spurs strong immune response in Phase 1 study
An experimental single-dose, intranasal influenza vaccine was safe and produced a durable immune response when tested in a Phase 1 study. The investigational vaccine, called Ad4-H5-VTN, is a recombinant, replicating adenovirus vaccine designed to spur …
When hyperactive proteins trigger illnesses
Autoimmune diseases, in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue, can be life-threatening and can impact all organs. A research team has now found a possible cause for these self-destructive immune system attacks: a hyperactive RANK pr…