Immunology News and Research

Latest Immunology News and Research

Researchers find mechanism that controls the growth of B1-cells

Directly after birth, the immune system completes production of a subtype of antibody-producing immune cells, B-1, that are to last for a lifetime. No more B1-cells are formed after that point. However, these cells are self-reactive - they produce not only antibodies against foreign substances, but also against the body's own substances, and it is unclear why the immune system allows for the development of these particular cells.

13 Nov 2019

Fertilization discovery reveals egg's role, potentially paves way for new contraceptive

An unexpected discovery about fertilization from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals new insights on how sperm and egg fuse and could have major implications for couples battling infertility – and may lead to a future male contraceptive.

13 Nov 2019

Johns Hopkins launches new center for 'immunoengineering' research

If the saying that two heads are better than one is true, then joining two fields of science may be better than one to spur more advances in medicine.

13 Nov 2019

UAB study suggests potential treatment target for IPF

Long-held dogma says lung fibrosis in diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, results from recurrent injury to alveolar epithelium that is followed by dysregulated repair.

12 Nov 2019

Study could open new avenues for antibacterial treatments

Scientists have revealed how common respiratory bugs that cause serious infections in people with cystic fibrosis interact together, according to a new study in eLife.

12 Nov 2019

Autoimmune attack on uninfected red blood cells may cause anemia in malaria patients

An autoimmune attack on uninfected red blood cells likely contributes to anaemia - a shortage of red blood cells - in people with malaria, according to a new study published in eLife.

12 Nov 2019

Virginia Tech professor wins $1.85 million NIH grant for sepsis research

One drop of blood contains 5,000 neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cell that is deployed by the human immune system. Throughout the entire body, a human has 25 billion of these foot soldiers that are relentlessly patrolling to fight invading pathogens.

12 Nov 2019

Bio–nano interactions help kill deadly microbes

Nanotechnology has been part of the changing world today. Nanoparticles, for instance, can help make materials lighter and stronger. They have been widely used across several industries, such as computers and medical technology.

11 Nov 2019

New textbook on mysterious and deadly cytokine storm syndrome

There's no telling where the call will come from, or when. But Randy Cron, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and medicine at UAB, knows to expect them.

11 Nov 2019

Study pinpoints new weapon to fight against deadly microbes

Researchers at Monash University have gained insights into how nanoparticles could be used to identify the presence of invasive and sometimes deadly microbes, and deliver targeted treatments more effectively.

10 Nov 2019

Study reveals safety, efficacy of live zoster vaccine for people taking TNF inhibitors

According to new research findings presented this week at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting, the live zoster virus vaccine is safe for people who are currently receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biologic therapies for various indications.

10 Nov 2019

New information on benefits of oral food challenges when diagnosing food allergies

Oral food challenges (OFCs) are the gold standard for allergists when diagnosing a food allergy. The person being tested is given a very small dose of the food by mouth under the supervision of a board-certified allergist to test for a severe reaction.

8 Nov 2019

Three studies present new information on penicillin allergy

At some point you may have had a reaction to penicillin and were told you were allergic. And there's a good chance it has stayed in your chart throughout your childhood and into adulthood.

8 Nov 2019

Study: Parents of pediatric patients equally satisfied with in-person appointments and telemedicine

Telemedicine visits may still seem like a futuristic idea for many. But a new study being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Houston showed most parents of pediatric patients were more or equally satisfied with the treatment their children received during telemedicine visits for allergies and asthma.

8 Nov 2019

Allergy shots effective in reducing PFAS symptoms in pediatric patients

We know that children with pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) also suffer from seasonal allergies.

8 Nov 2019

Online information on food allergies has negative impact on medical decisions

The social media stream on food allergies is never-ending. Your Facebook and Twitter friends seem to know what they're talking about. And why shouldn't you believe all those news articles – even if you've never heard of some of the sources?

8 Nov 2019

Study shows link between family history of cancer and childhood asthma diagnosis

It's well known there's a genetic component to cancer, and that cancer often runs in families. A new study being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting in Houston shows an association between a family history of cancer and a childhood asthma diagnosis.

8 Nov 2019