Scientists have discovered that T cells — white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens — can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralizing antibodies. Their findings reshape our understa…
An international team of UK and US scientists discovered that the activity of macrophages — a type of white blood cell that engulf pathogens and cancer cells — can be used to predict whether or not a melanoma patient will respond to immunotherapy. Th…
Much of our knowledge of the protein PD-1, a leading cancer treatment target, comes from studies in mice. In a comprehensive assessment of PD-1, researchers have found that PD-1 in mice is significantly weaker than the human version, providing new info…
A recent study reveals the pivotal role of tristetraprolin (TTP), an RNA-binding protein, in regulating inflammatory responses in basophils, immune cells central to allergic reactions. The research shows that TTP controls the stability of mRNAs for inf…
Viral infections may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study uncovers how a novel immunotherapy prevents squamous cell carcinoma, with benefits lasting five years after treatment. This therapy is the first to activate specific components of the adaptive immune system, particularly CD4+ T helper cells…
Researchers have shown that people 60 years or older with weakened immunity do not respond as strongly to vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as people in the same age group with normal immune function.
A team has discovered a new communication pathway between the gut and lung. Their findings highlight how a little-known member of the gut microbiome reshapes the lung immune environment to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on respiratory hea…
A new role has been uncovered for a cell’s own RNA in fending off attacks by RNA viruses. Some of the cell’s RNA molecules, researchers found, help regulate antiviral signaling. These signals are part of the intricate coordination of immune responses a…
New research shows that the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on people’s immune response to microorganisms. During the lockdown, inflammation level in the body was low, but afterwards, the immune system reacted more inten…
