http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/immune_system/ Immunity and the Immune System. Read the latest medical research on immune response, immune deficiency, immune system diseases and immune system boosters. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/immune_system/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm Scientists found that loss of the ADA gene directly contributes to B cell tolerance problems and that these defects are mostly corrected after gene therapy. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523135523.htm Researchers have shown in mice how immune cells in the brain target and remove unused connections between brain cells during normal development. This research sheds light on how brain activity influences brain development, and highlights the newly found importance of the immune system in how the brain is wired, as well as how the brain forms new connections throughout life in response to change. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523135523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm Antibodies that help to stop the HIV virus have been found in breast milk. Researchers have isolated the antibodies from immune cells called B cells in the breast milk of infected mothers in Malawi, and showed that the B cells in breast milk can generate neutralizing antibodies that may inhibit the virus that causes AIDS. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm Biomedical engineers have developed a microfluidic chip to test for latent tuberculosis. They hope the test will be cheaper, faster and more reliable than current testing for the disease. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114536.htm The Bcl10 protein helps the free fatty acids found in high fat foods impair insulin action and raise blood sugar, new research shows. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103808.htm The plague, bacterial dysentery, and cholera have one thing in common: These dangerous diseases are caused by bacteria which infect their host using a sophisticated injection apparatus. Through needle-like structures, they release molecular agents into their host cell, thereby evading the immune response. Researchers have now elucidated the structure of such a needle at atomic resolution. Their findings might contribute to drug tailoring and the development of strategies which specifically prevent the infection process. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133512.htm Scientists have identified the mechanism by which a cell signaling pathway contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sun, 20 May 2012 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm Innate differences in immunity can be detected at birth, according to new research. And babies with a better innate response to viruses have fewer respiratory illnesses in the first year of life. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm A DNA-covered submicroscopic bead used to deliver genes or drugs directly into cells to treat disease appears to have therapeutic value just by showing up, researchers report. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175011.htm Researchers have uncovered a new way to stimulate activity of immune cell opiate receptors, leading to efficient tumor cell clearance. The researchers have been able to take a new pharmacological approach to activate the immune cells to prevent cancer growth through stimulation of the opiate receptors found on immune cells. Fri, 11 May 2012 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm Scientists have for the first time, identified the molecular 'switch' that directly triggers the body's first line of defense against pathogens, more accurately known as the body's "innate immunity." Fri, 11 May 2012 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101242.htm Babies born to women with sensitivity to gluten appear to be at increased risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders later in life, according to new findings from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Johns Hopkins University, United States. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135943.htm Vaccines remain the best line of defense against deadly pathogens and now medical researchers are using clever functional screening methods to attempt to speed new vaccines into production that are both safer and more potent. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123744.htm Rather than stimulating immune cells to more effectively battle cancerous tumors, treatment with the protein interleukin-12 (IL-12) has the opposite effect, driving these intracellular fighters to exhaustion, a new study has found. The study helps explain the negative results of clinical trials testing the treatment’s ability to ramp up the body’s natural immune response to destroy cancer cells. The study also demonstrates that the same “T cell exhaustion” that plagues specialized immune cells during chronic viral infections also affects cells fighting long bouts of cancer. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508142626.htm To stop rheumatoid arthritis, it takes the collective efforts of a diverse array of regulatory T cells and not just a T cell primed to handle the disease-causing self-antigen, according to researchers. Tue, 08 May 2012 14:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508142626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507210139.htm Scientists have made an important discovery about the internal programming of B cells, the immune cells that make antibodies against infections. Mon, 07 May 2012 21:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507210139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507151136.htm Researchers studying molecular signals that drive B cell lymphoma have found a key biological pathway leading to this type of cancer. The finding may help to break so-called "oncogene addiction" in treating this cancer. Mon, 07 May 2012 15:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507151136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141146.htm Infants whose gut is colonised by E. coli bacteria early in life have a higher number of memory B cells in their blood, reveals a new study of infants. Mon, 07 May 2012 14:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm Eye color may be an indicator of whether a person is high-risk for certain serious skin conditions. A new study shows people with blue eyes are less likely to have vitiligo. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125810.htm A new study helps to resolve an ongoing controversy about whether Langerhans cells (LCs) in human skin function to suppress the immune response and promote tolerance to normal human skin and its "friendly" microbial flora or mobilize a lethal attack against harmful foreign invaders. The research reveals that, depending on the situation, these versatile immune cells can perform either function. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125808.htm Researchers have rejuvenated aged hematopoietic stem cells to be functionally younger, offering intriguing clues into how medicine might one day fend off some of the ailments of old age. The study brings new perspective to what has been a life science controversy -- countering what used to be broad consensus that the aging of hematopoietic stem cells was locked in by nature and not reversible by therapeutic intervention. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184833.htm A new study suggests that exposure to estrogenic chemicals in the womb or during childhood could have a long-term effect on female fertility. Limiting such exposures, including minimizing use of soy-based baby formula, would be a step toward maintaining female reproductive health. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502123428.htm A pioneering approach to imaging breast cancer in mice has revealed new clues about why the human immune system often fails to attack tumors and keep cancer in check. This observation may help to reveal new approaches to cancer immunotherapy. Wed, 02 May 2012 12:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502123428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502123426.htm Macrophages play a key role in the immune response. They differ depending on where they are located and which tasks they perform. A scientist at TUM has been investigating whether these different types of cells have the same origin. The study has revealed that there are two distinct macrophage cell lines that continue into adult life and that they have different origins. Wed, 02 May 2012 12:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502123426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm Researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502091824.htm During inflammation, controlled gene expression is necessary in order to allow the organism to mount an effective defense response. For this process, the protein ARTD1 is removed from the DNA. Veterinary biochemists and molecular biologists have now elucidated this previously unclear mechanism: ARTD1 is cut into two pieces by molecular scissors, which enhances gene expression. The results are groundbreaking for our understanding of inflammatory responses and the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502091824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501100137.htm Bioengineering researchers have taken advantage of cell physical properties for the development of a new instrument that slams cells against a wall of fluid and quickly analyzes the physical response, allowing identification of cancer and other cell states without chemical tags. The deformability cytometer consists of a miniaturized microfluidic chip that sequentially aligns cells so that they hit a wall of fluid at rates of thousands per second. Tue, 01 May 2012 10:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501100137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430151754.htm Like a police officer calling for backup while also keeping a strong hold on a suspected criminal, immune cells in the brain take a two-tier approach to fighting off a threat, new research finds. For the first time, the scientists managed to capture that reaction in action. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430151754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm An antibody that neutralizes Kallikrein 6 is capable of staving off MS in mice, new research suggests. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105404.htm New research suggests that an enzyme, called 5-lipoxygenase, plays a key role in cell death induced by microgravity environments, and that inhibiting this enzyme will likely help prevent or lessen the severity of immune problems in astronauts caused by spaceflight. Additionally, since space conditions initiate health problems that mimic aging on Earth, this discovery may lead to therapeutics that extend lives by bolstering the immune systems of the elderly. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105402.htm Vitamin D may be known as the sunshine vitamin, but a new research report shows that it is more than that. According to the report, insufficient levels of vitamin D are related to a deficiency in our innate immune defenses that protect us from infections, neoplasias or autoimmune diseases. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429234641.htm Early colonization of the gut by microbes in infants is critical for development of their intestinal tract and in immune development. A new study shows that differences in bacterial colonization of formula-fed and breast-fed babies leads to changes in the infant’s expression of genes involved in the immune system, and in defense against pathogens. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429234641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm Medical researchers have defined the structure of a key part of the human obesity receptor -- an essential factor in the regulation of body fat -- which could help provide new treatments for the complications of obesity and anorexia. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm A new study outlines the specifics of how autoimmune disorders can be controlled by infusions of mesenchymal stem cells. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135236.htm Listeria, one of the most deadly causes of bacterial food poisoning, subverts a normally protective immune response to spread its infection more effectively, according to new research. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426105654.htm Some lactic acid bacteria can alleviate inflammation and therefore prevent intestinal disorders. Scientists have now decoded the biochemical mechanism that lies behind the protective effect of the bacteria. In experiments with mice, the researchers succeeded in demonstrating that lactocepin – an enzyme produced by certain lactic acid bacteria – selectively degrades inflammatory mediators in diseased tissue. This new evidence might lead to new approaches for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426105654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425193052.htm Worrywarts, fidgety folk and the naturally nervy may have a real cause for concern: accelerated cancer. In a new study, anxiety-prone mice developed more severe cancer then their calm counterparts. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425193052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140401.htm Scientists have shown that during heart failure – a debilitating condition affecting 750,000 people in the UK – this 'rogue DNA' can kick start the body's natural response to infection, contributing to the process of heart failure. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140320.htm Researchers could change the playing field of human versus bacteria. Scientists have identified pathways of naturally occurring molecules in our bodies that can enhance antibiotic performance. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425093928.htm Scientists have found that melanoma cells use a cloaking protein to hide from immune cells poised to attack the cancer. Nearly 40 percent of their sampling of melanoma tissues contained the B7-H1 protein, also called PD-L1, and scientists say it could be used as a target for new therapies. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425093928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095502.htm A diet high in saturated fat might make arguments with your spouse more stressful. That's what researchers are theorizing in their recently launched study of married couples. The study will evaluate the change in couples' blood cholesterol and stress hormone levels following discussions of stressful topics such as finances, relatives, or annoying habits. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132053.htm Using a new fluorescent biosensor they developed, researchers have discovered how a key set of immune cells exchange information during their coordinated assault on invading pathogens. The immune cells, called dendritic cells, are harnessed by cancer vaccines and other therapeutics used to amplify the immune system. The finding marks the first time that scientists have visualized how antigens are transferred in the immune system between dendritic cells. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162413.htm The bacterium Burkholderia cenocepacia is harmless in healthy people but causes a severe and persistent lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients and is resistant to nearly all known antibiotics. The bacterium interferes with an important survival process in cells whose job is to fight infection. This phenomenon is even stronger in CF patients, new research shows. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420143853.htm Researchers have discovered a mutation in the gene Unc119, which causes an immune deficiency known as CD4 lymphopenia. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420143853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm A study reveals that gum deterioration, which often occurs with increasing age, is associated with a drop in the level of a protein called Del-1. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416125205.htm One of the largest studies of its kind to date found disturbed levels of cytokines in the plasma of children with autism disorder: in particular, five related to the T-helper cell immune system and three involved in hematopoiesis. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416125205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413162343.htm Researchers have determined a possible link between exposure to a component of urban air pollution and a change in the function of immune cells that protect against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413162343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm Expanding on previous research providing proof-of-principle that human stem cells can be genetically engineered into HIV-fighting cells, a team of researchers have now demonstrated that these cells can actually attack HIV-infected cells in a living organism. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412133121.htm The specific mechanisms by which humans and other animals are able to discriminate between disease-causing microbes and innocuous ones in order to rapidly respond to infections have long been a mystery to scientists. But a study conducted on roundworms has uncovered some important clues to finally answering that question. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412133121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412121357.htm Scientists have discovered that animals have a previously unknown system for detecting and responding to pathogens and toxins. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412121357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144318.htm This study for the first time shows what dengue virus region the immune system of humans target when they are fighting off the virus. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm When swine flu struck Sweden in 2009, it was clear that certain age groups were more vulnerable than others. An epidemiologist is now planning to study immunity against influenza in children. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm Up until now the causes of the development of chronic lymphatic leukemia, the most common form of cancer of the blood in Europe, have been unknown. At present a cure is not possible. Medical researchers have now however discovered a lead on the origin of this disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410111404.htm The immune system is a vital part of our defenses against pathogens, but it can also attack host tissues, resulting in autoimmune disease. The antigens that induce destructive immune reactions can now be identified directly – without any prior knowledge of their possible structure. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410111404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409164515.htm Scientists have identified the mechanism through which TRPM2 is activated by body temperature with hydrogen peroxide produced by immune reactions. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409164515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409133805.htm Black flies drink blood and spread disease such as river blindness -- creating misery with their presence. A new study, however, demonstrates that the pesky insects can be useful. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409133805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131425.htm The discovery of how a vital immune cell recognizes dead and damaged body cells could modernize vaccine technology by "tricking" cells into launching an immune response, leading to next-generation vaccines that are more specific, more effective and have fewer side-effects. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405075223.htm When the right microorganisms are at work, immune cells involved in the development of autoimmune illnesses like psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and arthritis, can develop anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists have now demonstrated that particular fungi activate the immune cells involved in the development of certain illnesses, whereas other microorganisms, in particular bacteria that are found naturally on our skin, lend an anti-inflammatory function to them. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405075223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102943.htm Patients with autoimmune diseases often show a predisposition to develop "hardening of the arteries" or atherosclerosis. Researchers have now uncovered a mechanism that establishes a causal link between the two disorders. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162658.htm Scientists have made a major discovery that could lead to more effective treatment of severe pain using morphine. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162658.htm