A new study sheds light on how the blood-borne parasite that causes African sleeping sickness in humans and related diseases in cattle and other animals establishes long-term infections in hosts. Using a mouse model, the researchers showed that Trypano…
Medical scientists involved in a large international study have identified new signs of kidney transplant rejection that could lead to more precise diagnosis and treatment for transplant recipients. The research examined more than 16,000 kidney transpl…
Researchers have identified a novel type of immune cell, called the stem-like CD4 T cell, that plays a pivotal role in anti-tumor immunity. The pre-clinical findings highlight the potential to activate these cells to fight tumors more effectively, offe…
The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against pathogens like bacteria or viruses. TRIM25 is a protein that is important in the innate immune response against RNA viruses, such as influenza viruses, coronaviruses, or Zika virus. N…
What keeps some immune systems youthful and effective in warding off age-related diseases? In new research done on mice, scientists point the finger at a small subset of blood stem cells, which make an outsized contribution to maintaining either a yout…
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that ovarian tumors use to cripple immune cells and impede their attack — blocking the energy supply T cells depend on. The work points toward a promising new immunotherapy approach for ovarian cancer, which is …
Researchers have discovered that GPR31, found in certain immune cells in the human gut, plays a key role in responding to bacterial metabolites and activating immune responses. Specifically, in the presence of metabolite pyruvate, these cells extend de…
SARS-CoV-2 has an enzyme that can counteract a cell’s innate defense mechanism against viruses, explaining why it is more infectious than the previous SARS and MERS-causing viruses. The discovery may point the way to the development of more effective d…
A team has re-engineered immune cells with a light-activated switch that modulates protein function and cellular behavior. When exposed to blue light, the cells change shape, infiltrating solid tumors grown in the lab and killing them.
Scientists have discovered that tuberculosis disrupts glucose metabolism in the body.
