Nearly 90 percent of people taking immunosuppressants to treat autoimmune conditions produce an antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination, but the response is weaker than those generated by healthy people, according to a new study.
High virus count in the lungs drives COVID-19 deaths, study finds
A buildup of coronavirus in the lungs is likely behind the steep mortality rates seen in the pandemic, a new study finds. The results contrast with previous suspicions that simultaneous infections, such as bacterial pneumonia or overreaction of the bod…
Granulocytes may weaken immune response in connection with COVID-19
Information on granulocytes sheds light on the mechanisms associated with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Hobit turns immune cells into killers
Against infections, tumors and inflammations, immune cells are locally positioned as rapid reaction forces in the organs of the body. On site, they specialize and take on various tasks.
‘Humanized’ mouse model selects better match for organ transplant
A ‘humanized’ mouse model equipped with the immune system of a patient who needs an organ transplant beats current measures for identifying the best potential living donor, scientists report.
Cytokine APRIL protects from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Heart attacks and strokes are the main causes of death and loss of productive years globally. These clinical complications are caused by atherosclerosis, which is a chronic disease that leads to the accumulation of LDL cholesterol and immune cells in t…
Biomarker may help predict benefits of immunotherapy
A group of researchers reported that a specific pattern, or ‘signature,’ of markers on immune cells in the blood is a likely biomarker of response to checkpoint immunotherapy. Within this immune signature, a molecule LAG-3 provided key information iden…
Studying mosquito immune cells could improve understanding of disease transmission
A recent study led by an entomologist explores the different kinds of cells that make up mosquito immune systems. The research could shed light on how mosquitoes transmit malaria.
Farmed carnivores may become ‘disease reservoirs’ posing human health risk
Carnivorous animals lack key genes needed to detect and respond to infection by pathogens, a study has found. Farming large numbers of carnivores, like mink, could allow the formation of undetected ‘disease reservoirs’, in which a pathogen could spread…
Preclinical study defines the spleen-heart connection in cardiac repair
A preclinical study has analyzed the interactions of the lipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in the spleen and heart during the transition from acute to chronic heart failure. Using a mouse model of heart failure, the researchers discovered ne…