Scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to evade host immune systems.
New marker for better assessing the severity of COVID-19
Researchers have found a new marker in the blood of COVID-19 patients. The finding provides insights into the course and development of the disease and could lead to better diagnoses.
Researchers find surprising benefit to the immune system following infection
The human body’s immune system weakens over time, making older adults more susceptible to infections and leaving scientists with the puzzling dilemma of how to maintain health across the lifespan. A recent study into how infection affects the immune sy…
Immune system-stimulating nanoparticle could lead to more powerful vaccines
Researchers designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that may be more potent than others now in use. Studies in mice showed it significantly improved antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria and influenza.
Immune imprinting causes varied patterns of protection against COVID-19 variants, study finds
New research shows that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein a person encounters, be it by vaccination or infection, shapes their subsequent immune response against current and future variants. That is, it imparts different properties that have an impact…
COVID-19 Delta variant may have increased ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity
Vaccines are effective in decreasing hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19 infection but the emergence of viral variants of concern may diminish their efficacy. A new study suggests that COVID-19 Delta variant may be more successful at evading the p…
Adding single type of bacteria to gut microbiome boosted anti-tumor immunity in mice
Bacterium common in the mouse gut microbiome can charge up the immune system to fight cancer cells in the colon.
Novel immune cell population may trigger inflammation in multiple sclerosis and other brain disorders
A group of immune cells that normally protect against inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract may have the opposite effect in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other brain inflammation-related conditions, according to a new study. The results suggest that…
Unconventional T cells promote immunity to malaria
Researchers have made a vital breakthrough in the understanding of a new facet of the immune response to malaria, which will help in the development of a vaccine.
Targeting the brain’s immune cells may help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease
A gene mutation linked to Alzheimer’s disease alters a signaling pathway in certain immune cells of individuals with the disease, according to a new study. The team also found that blocking the pathway — with a drug that’s currently being tested in ca…