Antibiotics cure many bacterial infections. However, some patients suffer a relapse. A research group has now discovered why some bacteria can survive antibiotic therapy. The team uncovered where the bacteria hide in the body and how the body’s own imm…
Fecal transplant discovery could improve care for dangerous infections
New research sheds light on why a fecal transplant can benefit patients with dangerous recurrent C. difficile infections — and suggests a way to improve patient outcomes.
Infant immune systems are stronger than you think, research shows
Immunologists have found that the infant immune system is stronger than most people think and beats the adult immune system at fighting off new pathogens.
A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? New study points the way
Researchers have identified rare, naturally occurring T cells that are capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and a range of other coronaviruses. The findings suggest that a component of this protein, called viral polymerase, could potentia…
First structure of human protein complex with ‘license to kill’
A team of researchers has for the first time visualized a human cell death complex linked to autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, and injuries associated with excessive cell death.
Experimental mRNA HIV vaccine safe, shows promise in animals
An experimental HIV vaccine based on mRNA — the same platform technology used in two highly effective COVID-19 vaccines — shows promise in mice and non-human primates, according to scientists. Their results show that the novel vaccine was safe and pr…
Talk between immune cells could lead to new cancer vaccine
In the past decade, immunotherapy has helped save the lives of many cancer patients, many with lung cancer, who might have otherwise faced almost certain death sentences. However, only about 20% of patients who received immune therapies — designed to …
Drug made from pig intestine helps escape the ‘trap’ of clot-causing immune response
Two complementary studies show that defibrotide can successfully suppress the formation and progression of neutrophil extracellular traps, or NETs, which are web-like networks of toxic proteins that play a role in forming blood clots and promoting infl…
What can 35-year-old stool samples tell scientists about HIV/AIDS?
A serendipitous conversation and ‘treasure trove’ of frozen stool samples from early in the HIV/AIDS pandemic shed light on the role of the microbiome in disease prevention. The study is the first to link the composition of the gut microbiome before in…
Experimental treatment with enzyme protects mice from lethal anthrax infection
Scientists have demonstrated that modifying an enzyme produced by the bacterium that causes anthrax can protect mice from infection with the deadly disease. Their findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for treating multidrug-resistant strain…