New study results demonstrate that unstable housing and homelessness is associated with a two-fold greater chance of being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared to those who are securely housed. The research indicates that unstable housing was the only …
CRISPR screen identifies new anti-inflammatory drug target
A metabolic enzyme that has been studied in cancer biology and is important for T cell function may offer a new target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics, researchers have discovered. They report that inhibiting or genetically deleting the enzyme, call…
Reversing new-onset type 1 diabetes with pyramid-like DNA: Mouse study
Usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-secreting beta-cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes can’t regulate their …
New target for COVID-19 vaccines identified
Next generation vaccines for COVID-19 should aim to induce an immune response against ‘replication proteins’, essential for the very earliest stages of the viral cycle, researchers say.
Immune system early responder can combat COVID-19
A simple RNA molecule jumpstarts the immune system’s ‘first responders’ to viral infection and can even eradicate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in mice with chronic cases of COVID-19, a new study finds.
Landmark study points to source of rapid aging, chronic inflammation in people living with HIV
In a groundbreaking study of people living with HIV, researchers found that elusive white blood cells called neutrophils play a role in impaired T cell functions and counts, as well as the associated chronic inflammation that is common with the virus.
A potential role for ibuprofen in older adults’ immunity to RSV
New research suggests there may someday be a role for ibuprofen in providing older adults with lasting immunity against RSV, a virus commonly associated with infants and young kids that also rivals the flu as a dangerous wintertime infection for the el…
Bone marrow backup needed to tackle respiratory infections
Scientists have found how the immune system triggers an ’emergency’ dendritic cell response during infection, with dendritic cells at the site of infection being reinforced by new cells which travel from the bone marrow.
Researchers investigate role of gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease in brain’s immune cells
When immune cells move throughout the brain, they act as the first line of defense against viruses, toxic materials and damaged neurons, rushing over to clear out them. Researchers have been investigating how these immune cells in the brain — microgli…
When macrophages let off steam
New data shows how inflammatory reactions can be resolved by changes to the metabolism of macrophages. Danger signals released by damaged cells during inflammation play a role during this process. ‘Rewiring’ the mitochondria in the macrophages protects…