Eczema injectable drug provides quick itch relief, clinical trial results show
A recently approved injectable eczema drug provides quick itch relief to patients with the maddening skin disease, a new study says.
Immunology
What determines the fate of a T cell? Research highlights cellular ‘housekeeping’ mechanism
When killer T cells of our immune system divide, they normally undergo asymmetric cell division (ACD): Each daughter cell inherits different cellular components, which drive the cells toward divergent fates—one cell becomes a short-lived fighter called…
Most parents are aware of early peanut introduction guidelines—but confused about the details
Feeding babies peanut-containing foods as early as possible can help prevent peanut allergy, but a new study published in JAMA Network Open found that parents need more support to get it right. Interviews with parents revealed widespread confusion abou…
Key lung immune cells can intensify allergic reactions
Alveolar macrophages are immune cells that live in the tiny air sacs of the lungs. Under normal conditions, these cells act as guardians, keeping the lungs healthy, supporting breathing, and preventing unnecessary immune responses.
Liver cell reprogramming boosts T cell function in aging immune systems
As people age, their immune system function declines. T cell populations become smaller and can’t react to pathogens as quickly, making people more susceptible to a variety of infections.
Distinct components of mRNA vaccines cooperate to instruct efficient germinal center responses
mRNA vaccines, such as those used against COVID-19, are effective at generating antibody responses. These antibodies are produced through specialized immune structures called germinal centers, but until now it was not fully understood how mRNA vaccines…
Evaluating the impact of heat-inactivated bacteria on age-related inflammation
The process of aging is associated with a decline in immune functions and persistent low-level inflammation. Now, researchers from Japan have discovered a strain of Lentilactobacillus capable of preventing and even reversing aging-related immune altera…
High stakes of early immune development revealed—and a potential probiotic fix
Antibiotics are powerful treatments that have saved countless lives over the course of decades. New findings from Scripps Research have identified a way to preserve healthy immune development even when infants need antibiotic treatment.
AI that predicts sequences within antibodies could lead to new therapeutic treatments
A new artificial intelligence model could help design antibodies that better protect the body against viruses and disease. The AI model, known as ImmunoMatch, can predict and identify correct protein pairings within antibodies, potentially helping to s…
Soil bacteria and fungi emerge as top predictors of childhood allergic disease
The unique blend of fungi and bacteria in a region’s soil may be the strongest factor explaining its rates of childhood allergic disease, with certain assemblages of soil critters appearing linked with better health outcomes, according to new research …