Stefan

Introduction The article titled "The Neuroimmunology of Social-Stress-Induced Sensitization" (Figure 1) delves into the intricate relationship between chronic social stress, inflammation, and mood disorders, particularly focusing on mechanisms of stress…

Autoimmune diseases, characterized by the immune system's erroneous attack on its own tissues, have long puzzled researchers. A recent study published sheds light on this complex phenomenon, suggesting that the…

The eye's unique immune privilege, characterized by its low vascularity and restricted entry of inflammatory cells, is essential for maintaining visual function. However, this raises questions about how the eye…

Introduction to Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare but clinically significant group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that primarily manifest in the skin. These lymphomas arise from…

Fever, a common physiological response to infection or inflammation, is often viewed as a beneficial mechanism to combat pathogens. However, researchers have revealed a more complex interplay between fever and…

Allergic reactions, characterized by symptoms like itching and sneezing, can significantly impact quality of life. While some individuals are particularly sensitive to allergens like dust or pollen, others seem largely…

Introduction to Airway Goblet Cell Hyperplasia Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) is a pathological condition characterised by an increased number of goblet cells in the airway epithelium, leading to excessive mucus…

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a significant clinical challenge with a poor prognosis. Despite extensive research, effective therapeutic interventions remain elusive. A key to understanding AKI's progression lies in the…

A recent study suggests that early-life immunisation against HIV could provide robust protection against the virus, particularly in adolescents who face a heightened risk of infection (Figure 1). The research…

Introduction Inflammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in the body’s immune response, acting as signalling molecules that regulate inflammation, immunity, and haematopoiesis. Among the myriads of cytokines identified, tumour necrosis…

Our skin, the body's largest organ, acts as a formidable shield against infections and other health threats. Decades of research have revealed that skin barrier dysfunction can lead to a…

In a recent study, researchers have revealed a groundbreaking discovery: T cells, key players in the adaptive immune system, can influence the memory of innate immune cells (Figure 1). This…

Introduction to Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Surface Liquid Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to chronic lung infections and progressive lung damage.…

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the link between gut health and allergies. Their study reveals a specific chain of events that can lead to allergies and asthma,…

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small, naturally occurring molecules that form a crucial part of the innate immune system. They are widely distributed across different tissues and serve as the body's…

Age, which is a major determinant for common chronic disease, involves a progressive loss of protein integrity and function over time, which ultimately results in the progression of diseases and…

In a new study, researchers have identified a potential breakthrough in preventing heart transplant rejection. Their study focuses on a specific immune response that, while essential for combating infections, also…

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health concern affecting millions worldwide. This persistent liver infection is characterized by the liver's inability to clear the hepatitis B virus (HBV), despite…

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population, is characterized by an adverse immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction…

A new study has uncovered a potential root cause of respiratory symptoms in long COVID and a promising avenue for treatment (Figure 1). Researchers have discovered that COVID-19 infection can…

A growing body of evidence suggests a correlation between severe maternal influenza and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. However, the…

Researchers have unveiled a new mechanism of immune evasion used by Haemophilus influenzae; a bacterium notorious for exacerbating respiratory infections (Figure 1). This microorganism has developed a sophisticated mechanism to…

In a recent study, researchers investigated the circadian regulation of CD8+ T cells and its implications for cancer immunotherapy efficacy (Figure 1). It highlights that both the quantity and quality…

Scientists have engineered a revolutionary approach to harnessing the body's immune system against formidable diseases (Figure 1). By repurposing B cells, the immune cells responsible for antibody production, researchers have…

Recent advancements in tissue engineering have yielded a powerful tool for investigating complex diseases: organoids. These three-dimensional, in vitro cultures recapitulate the cellular architecture and functionality of their in vivo…

Stroke is a complex condition with acute neurological consequences and potentially long-term systemic implications. While its impact on the brain is well-established, the organ-wide repercussions remain an understudied area. In…

COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare, revealing the complexity of its systemic and pulmonary immunopathology. Understanding the diverse immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial in identifying biomarkers that…

In the evolving landscape of HIV research and treatment, traditional markers like CD4 cell counts and viral loads have been essential. However, new research highlights the potential of platelet index…

Homeostasis in multicellular organisms can be maintained through various modes of cell death in the form of apoptosis (programmed cell death), necrosis (release of intracellular contents, such as damage-associated molecular…

A recent study investigated the impact of exercise on immune cell function in breast cancer patients. The findings suggest that even a single 30-minute exercise session can significantly alter the…

A recent study offers a beacon of hope for patients battling Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer (Figure 1). The study has identified a…

For decades, developing a safe and effective HIV vaccine has been a critical scientific goal. One major hurdle is the virus's rapid mutation rate, creating a vast array of strains…

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking healthy tissues. The etiology of SLE remains unclear, hindering the development of personalized treatment strategies.…

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon. Current medications help many patients, but some remain unresponsive.…

Imagine your immune system, your body's defence force, going rogue and attacking healthy tissues. That's the reality for people with autoimmune diseases like Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). NMOSD targets…

Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). While most people recover fully, it can be chronic in immunocompromised individuals, like those with organ transplants…

New research sheds light on the complex relationship between obesity and cancer (Figure 1). We've known obesity is a major risk factor for cancer, but it can also strangely improve…

Exciting new research suggests that strategic fasting periods could improve our body's natural defenses against cancer (Figure 1). Scientists have known for some time that dietary approaches, like fasting, might…

When tissues are deprived of oxygen due to poor blood flow (ischemia), it can lead to injury and loss of function. A new study  sheds light on a surprising discovery:…

A new study offers a glimmer of hope for identifying newborns at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (Figure 1). The research suggests that analyzing a readily accessible cell type in the…

In animal models, particularly those carried out in mice, pre-TCRα chains have been identified as essential to the development of αβ T-cells in mice. In a recent study, researchers aimed…

In a new study, researchers sought to identify an effective dose of pre-alpha SARS-CoV-2 virus that induced infection in previously infected individuals (Figure 1). Pre-alpha SARS-CoV-2 virus refers to the…

Heart failure (HF) remains a major health concern despite medical advancements. This condition often leads to repeated hospitalizations, suggesting it increases the risk of future complications and contributes to the…

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), carried by 90% of adults, is notorious for causing infectious mononucleosis ("kissing disease") and certain cancers. A new study sheds light on a potential strategy to…

Eosinophils, rare white blood cells named for their characteristic red staining, play a complex role in our immune system. While their exact functions remain under investigation, recent studies suggest they…

Lung infections are a major challenge, and often contribute to mortality. Innate cells, such as neutrophils are among the first cells recruited to tissues following infection, allowing them to respond…

A recent study reveals a crucial factor for ensuring measles immunity in children: the delivery method (Figure 1). The research suggests that a single dose of the measles vaccine may…

Melanoma patients with spreading cancer face a treatment dilemma - existing therapies offer limited guidance on who will benefit and for how long. A new study sheds light on this…

Pregnancy and infancy are critical periods when exposure to air pollution can have lasting consequences. This new study explores how air pollution during pregnancy can impact the developing baby through…

Scientists have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a groundbreaking predictive model for identifying the most potent cancer-killing immune cells for personalized cancer immunotherapy. This innovation holds…

The trillions of microbes residing in our gut, known as the gut microbiota, play a far more significant role than just aiding digestion. They produce vital enzymes, metabolites, and other…

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), critical within our immune system, stands guard against viruses. Located in dendritic cells, TLR7 detects single-stranded viral RNA, triggering the release of immune messengers that activate…

Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour with a bleak prognosis, is currently incurable. Traditional therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy show limited effectiveness against this devastating cancer. However, researchers are developing a…

A recent stroke or heart attack significantly weakens a person's immune defenses, making them highly susceptible to serious infections. This vulnerability has puzzled researchers until now. A new study has…

The misuse of antibiotics has fuelled the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a global health threat. In a significant breakthrough, researchers have developed a promising vaccine candidate to combat these…

  Lyme disease, transmitted through tick bites, can cause a variety of symptoms, including neurological problems. While antibiotics usually clear the infection, some patients experience lingering neurological issues like memory…

Exercise has always been important for providing the body with various advantages, including cardiovascular health and boosting the immune system against infection. Additionally, regular exercise has been shown to play…

People living with HIV (PLWH) often face a higher risk of age-related diseases despite controlling the virus with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Researchers have uncovered a surprising culprit: sugar abnormalities in…

Chronic hepatitis B infection poses a significant challenge, causing progressive liver damage with limited treatment options for eradication. Researchers are exploring a promising new strategy: harnessing the power of stem…

A major study sheds light on the mysteries of long COVID, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Researchers identified distinct patterns of inflammation in the blood of long COVID patients, offering…

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the build-up of a protein called amyloid beta, which forms plaques in the brain. These plaques trigger a cascade of events leading to brain degeneration…

The intestines perform a complex ballet of functions, from absorbing nutrients to maintaining a healthy internal environment. Chronic disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) disrupt this delicate balance, triggering gut…

Researchers have stumbled upon a surprising discovery that could hold the key to unlocking some of the mysteries surrounding COVID-19 and the lingering effects known as long COVID (Figure 1).…

Scientists have uncovered a critical missing piece in the puzzle of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. A new study identifies a specific gene mutation responsible for the development of…

CAR T-cell therapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in treating certain cancers. However, a new study throws a curveball, highlighting a specific mutation in aggressive blood cancer cells that…

A new study sheds light on the surprising role of gut bacteria in protecting newborns from allergies. Researchers discovered that unique bacteria colonize the infant gut shortly after birth, producing…

Researchers are zeroing in on a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes using liposome-based nanoparticles as immunotherapy. A recent study sheds light on how these nanoparticles interact with immune cells…

A new study sheds light on how our bodies fight bad cholesterol. It turns out, immune cells in the liver play a crucial role as the body's first line of…

Scientists have identified a promising target for developing vaccines and treatments against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This study offers a potential path towards preventing EBV-related diseases (Figure 1). There's currently…

Catching those Zzz's isn't just good for your mood and energy; a new study reveals it also supercharges your immune system! Researchers have discovered how sleep enhances the ability of…

Cervical cancer, a major threat to women globally, is often linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV vaccines effectively prevent the disease, treating established cancers remains a challenge. However,…

A recent study has revealed a surprising new role of our eyes: acting as immunological defenses for our brain. A new study sheds light on this novel function and its…

Cancer immunotherapy relies on the activation of immune cells. One strategy has focused on the activation of CTLs (Cytotoxic T cell lymphocytes), which are required for the optimized elimination of…

For years, scientists believed newborns had "weaker" immune systems compared to adults. However, a new study reveals a surprising truth: newborn T cells, crucial white blood cells for fighting infections,…

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) keeps HIV in check, a hidden reservoir of dormant virus still exists within the body. This "sleeping virus" can awaken and cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)…

A recent study brings positive findings for patients with severe autoimmune diseases. Researchers tested a new therapy called CD19 CAR T-cell therapy and found promising results in patients with conditions…

A recent study has described a fascinating connection between Alzheimer's disease and the immune system (Figure 1). Researchers discovered that the blood of Alzheimer's patients carries epigenetic changes, meaning their…

You already know smoking harms your lungs, but did you know it might also leave a lasting mark on your immune system, even after you quit? A recent study reveals…

Feeling stressed? It turns out, the effects go beyond just a racing heart and sweaty palms. New research reveals a fascinating connection between chronic stress, the immune system, and the…

What was once considered "junk cells" called Atypical B cells (ABCs), might not be junk at all. A new study reveals ABCs are key players in fighting infections like malaria,…

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat, claiming over 1.3 million lives annually. While existing vaccines like BCG offer some protection, they're not fool proof. But there may be…

Scientists are still grappling with understanding how different diets impact the balance between immunity and our gut bacteria (microbiome). Therapeutic nutritional interventions – essentially using food as medicine – haven't…

Central nervous system tumors are the most common cause of solid tumors in children and are a clinical need. Immunotherapy is a therapeutic strategy that aims at modulating the immune…

In a recent breakthrough, researchers have shown the key role of an immune component found in breast milk, known as the complement system, in shaping the gut environment of infant…

In a new study, scientists have pioneered a cutting-edge approach harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover promising targets for immunotherapy. They've developed sophisticated AI algorithms aimed at…

While most individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus recover from the acute illness, a notable subset experience prolonged symptoms referred to as Long Covid, which present a diverse range of…

Lung resident alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the first immune cells that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) encounter in the lungs, and play a protective role in the host’s ability to defend itself…

Individuals afflicted with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have a rare and varied peripheral nervous system disorder, often triggered by previous infections, resulting in severe muscle weakness. In severe cases, respiratory muscle…

A key player in the cytokine storm is Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which contributes to inflammation and tissue damage. IL-6 exerts its effects by binding to IL-6 receptors on cells, instructing them…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons extending from the spinal cord to muscles. A recent study…

In a recent study, researchers uncovered a significant role played by beneficial commensal microbes in the gut: they stimulate the host to produce T cells that contribute to gut health…

In a recent study, researchers investigate immune cell behavior during human lung development in embryos and fetuses (Figure 1). While previous research has extensively covered immune cell functions in various…

Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene not only drive the growth of cancer cells but also impact the microenvironment surrounding tumours. Recent research reveals that breast cancer cells with…

In a recent study, researchers described the multifaceted roles of JAK inhibitors in inflammation, shedding light on the need for a more pragmatic approach in their application across varying types…

In the pursuit of safeguarding populations against infections, vaccine development stands as a critical endeavour. Recent strides in this field have spotlighted epitopes—short protein fragments of pathogens—as a novel approach…

A recent phase 1 dose escalation trial has unveiled compelling data on a new wave of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, marking a significant leap in the evolution…

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), a widespread infection impacting a vast portion of the global population, lies dormant in the body and periodically resurfaces, causing painful skin blisters. However, in severe…

A recent study has shown the versatility of Zika virus' NS2B-NS3 enzyme, potentially identifying a vulnerability that could serve as a therapeutic target (Figure 1). This enzyme, known as NS2B-NS3,…

Recent research delves into understanding the processes that drive chronic inflammation during aging, known as "inflammaging," and identifies potential strategies to mitigate age-related organ decline (Figure 1). These insights revolve…

Recent research has described a potential link between the response of immune system cells surrounding the brain and cognitive decline associated with chronic high blood pressure (Figure 1). This discovery…