Category: Immunology

A chain reaction: HIV vaccines can lead to antibodies against antibodies

Many vaccines work by introducing a protein to the body that resembles part of a virus. Ideally, the immune system will produce long-lasting antibodies recognizing that specific virus, thereby providing protection. But scientists have now discovered that for some HIV vaccines, something else happens: after a few immunizations the immune system begins to produce antibodies… Continue reading A chain reaction: HIV vaccines can lead to antibodies against antibodies

New discovery in HIV vaccine response reveals surprising antibody behavior

Many vaccines work by introducing a protein to the body that resembles part of a virus. Ideally, the immune system will produce long-lasting antibodies recognizing that specific virus, thereby providing protection. But Scripps Research scientists have now discovered that for some HIV vaccines, something else happens: after a few immunizations the immune system begins to… Continue reading New discovery in HIV vaccine response reveals surprising antibody behavior

Cigarette smoke alters immune cell function in the lungs

Cigarette smoking is widespread and deadly, yet our understanding of how cigarette smoke actually causes serious respiratory illnesses is incomplete, which has severely hampered the development of effective treatments. Today, Australian researchers reveal how multiple chemicals found in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes alter the function of a key type of immune cell found in the… Continue reading Cigarette smoke alters immune cell function in the lungs

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‘Ding-dong:’ A study finds specific neurons with an immune doorbell

Neuroscientists have identified that the receptor IL-1R1 plays a critical role in enabling neurons to directly communicate with the immune system. The new study provides the most detailed mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain, clarifying prior inconsistencies. Researchers were able to tag neuronal populations that express nIL-1R1 using a clever cell… Continue reading ‘Ding-dong:’ A study finds specific neurons with an immune doorbell

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Inflammasome proteins found to prevent cancer by regulating stem cells

A group of immune proteins called the inflammasome can help prevent blood stem cells from becoming malignant by removing certain receptors from their surfaces and blocking cancer gene activity, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The study, published Jan. 2 in Nature Immunology, may lead to therapies that target the earliest stages… Continue reading Inflammasome proteins found to prevent cancer by regulating stem cells

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Categorized as Immunology