AIEC bacteria grow in a biofilm that coats cells lining the intestinal wall, protecting them from both the immune system and antibiotics. In this research, the team identified a critical protein structure on the surface of the bacteria that allow them …
Why SARS-CoV-2 replicates better in the upper respiratory tract
Researchers have assessed virus growth and activation of the cellular defense mechanisms in the respiratory tract. They have shown that natural temperature differences that exist in the upper and lower respiratory tract have a profound influence on SAR…
Globally accessible therapy is found to protect against lethal inflammation from COVID-19 in animal models
Researchers have found that a widely available and inexpensive drug targeting inflammatory genes has reduced morbidity and mortality in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Mysteries of malaria infections deepen after human trial study
Scientists have discovered that tracking malaria as it develops in humans is a powerful way to detect how the malaria parasite causes a range of infection outcomes in its host. The study, found some remarkable differences in the way individuals respond…
T cells recognize recent SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers analyzed blood cell samples from 30 people who had contracted and recovered from COVID-19 prior to the emergence of virus variants. They found that one key player in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 — the CD8+ T cell — remained active ag…
Fasting can be an effective way to start a diet
Those who need to change their eating habits to normalize their blood pressure should start with a fast. Scientists explain why patients can use it as a tool to improve their health in the long term.
Experimental antibodies for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s may cause harmful inflammation
Scientists find evidence that antibody-based treatments in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases may trigger an inflammatory response in human brain immune cells, eroding their positive effects.
Chronic viral infections can have lasting effects on human immunity, similar to aging
Research suggests that chronic viral infections have a profound and lasting impact on the immune system in ways that are similar to those seen during aging. Using systems immunology and artificial intelligence, researchers profiled and compared immune …
New technique provides detailed map of lung pathology in COVID-19
Researchers have used advanced technology and analytics to map, at single-cell resolution, the cellular landscape of diseased lung tissue in severe COVID-19 and other infectious lung diseases.
Apes show dramatically different early immune responses compared to monkeys
A new study in humans, chimpanzees, rhesus macaques and baboons has found key differences in early gene expression in response to pathogen exposure, highlighting the importance of choosing the right animal model for the right questions.