Collaborate Disseminate
Evidence is mounting that seemingly innocuous viral infections can in some cases cascade into a range of more serious diseases. In a new study in mice, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have uncovered a mechanism by which a common child… Continue reading Mouse study suggests viral infections can lead to autoimmune diseases
A new understanding of the way the body teaches immune cells to fight off threats has raised hopes of advanced treatments for autoimmune conditions, and possibly other diseases such as cancer. The discovery centers on an enzyme that plays a key role in… Continue reading Targeting “boot camp” enzyme could fight autoimmune diseases and cancer
New data from a large placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the effects of daily vitamin D and omega-3 use indicates the supplements may reduce the risk of developing autoimmune disease. At the five-year follow-up, the trial found those takin… Continue reading Trial finds vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of autoimmune disease
As the world grapples with the rapid spread of Omicron, and daily recorded COVID-19 cases reach frightening heights, a handful of new studies are delivering potent reminders that even a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to the chronic illness that has… Continue reading Long COVID still a threat after mild infections, researchers warn
As the world grapples with the rapid spread of Omicron, and daily recorded COVID-19 cases reach frightening heights, a handful of new studies are delivering potent reminders that even a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to the chronic illness that has… Continue reading Long COVID still a threat after mild infections, researchers warn
Spotted salamanders are unique among vertebrates, in that they’re the only ones whose embryos have an algae living inside of them. Scientists are now hoping that a better understanding of this symbiotic relationship could lead to new drugs for humans.C… Continue reading Symbiotic salamander/algae relationship may inspire new drugs
The immune system is a powerful weapon protecting us from dangerous infection, but sometimes it can get a little overzealous and attack things that are trying to help us. A new preclinical treatment could one day help, using a kind of “reverse vaccine”… Continue reading “Reverse vaccine” trains immune system not to attack beneficial drugs
A peptide called MOTS-c has shown promise in preventing type 1 diabetes, according to new tests in human cells in culture and live mice. The peptide seems to regulate the immune system, potentially leading to treatments for type 1 diabetes and other au… Continue reading Type 1 diabetes prevented in mice by immune-cell-regulating peptide
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are unpleasant, chronic conditions with few effective treatment options. Now, researchers at KU Leuven and Seoul National University may have found a way to potentiall… Continue reading Immune cell “switch” helps send inflammatory bowel disease into remission
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel condition, and one suspected cause is the immune system launching an overly-strong response to gut microbes. Now researchers have developed a new kind of immunotherapy for Crohn’s that delivers a “triple punch” … Continue reading “Triple punch” immunotherapy puts Crohn’s disease into remission in mice