Immunotherapies, which harness the body’s natural defenses to combat disease, have revolutionized the treatment of aggressive and deadly cancers. But often, these therapies — especially those based on immune cells — must be tailored to the individual…
Immune cells against COVID-19 stay high in number six months after vaccination, study shows
A recent study provides evidence that CD4+ T lymphocytes — immune system cells also known as helper T cells — produced by people who received either of the two available messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for COVID-19 persist six months after vaccination …
New gene identified that contributes to progression to type 1 diabetes
When the pro-inflammatory pair, a receptor called CCR2 and its ligand CCL-2, get together, it increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, scientists report.
Scientists identify second HIV patient whose body appears to have rid itself of the virus
In 2020, an untreated HIV patient was identified with no intact copies of HIV genomes in more than 1.5 billion blood cells analyzed, suggesting the virus had been cleared from the patient’s body. Researchers now report a second untreated person living …
Researchers target a mouse’s own cells, rather than using antibiotics, to treat pneumonia
Researchers have discovered a therapy that targets host cells rather than bacterial cells in treating bacterial pneumonia in rodents. The method involves white blood cells of the immune system called macrophages that eat bacteria, and a group of compou…
Using T cells to target malignant brain tumors
Doctors and scientists have successfully tested a neoantigen-specific transgenic immune cell therapy for malignant brain tumors for the first time using an experimental model in mice.
Malaria: New knowledge about naturally acquired immunity may improve vaccines
When you have become immune to malaria after having contracted the disease, it seems that the body uses a more efficient protection than if you have been vaccinated against the deadly disease. The researchers believe the new findings may be used to imp…
Obesity raises the risk of gum disease by inflating growth of bone-destroying cells
Chronic inflammation caused by obesity may trigger the development of cells that break down bone tissue, including the bone that holds teeth in place, according to new research that sought to improve understanding of the connection between obesity and …
New technique may lead to safer stem cell transplants
Studying mice, researchers have developed a method of stem cell transplantation that does not require radiation or chemotherapy. Instead, the strategy takes an immunotherapeutic approach, combining the targeted elimination of blood-forming stem cells i…
Scientists discover sugar molecule on HIV-infected cell plays role in evading immune system
A new study shows how key features on the surface of HIV-infected cells help the disease evade detection by the immune system. It also shows how these features can be disabled.