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B cells

·May 12, 2022·6 min read

Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Higher B Cell Counts Found to Have a Better Vaccine Response

Multiple sclerosis patients who take Rituximab have a better response to the COVID-19 vaccine if they have a higher B cell count.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 3, 2021·5 min read

The Skull Is an Unexpected Source of Brain Immunity

Immune cells in the meninges come from bone marrow in the skull and migrate to the brain through special channels without passing through the blood. These immune cells help to guard the brain and spinal cord against inflammation and infection.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 5, 2020·4 min read

Recently recovered COVID-19 patients produce varying virus-specific antibodies

Recovered coronavirus patients show a wide range of immune responses following the infection, with about half from a current study showing sustained antibodies two weeks later. Results indicate which parts of the virus are most effective at triggering the immune responses.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 2, 2020·5 min read

Temporarily suppressing immune system during early COVID-19 infection may prevent severe symptoms

A new mathematical model examined the immune response in patients with coronavirus. The findings suggest adaptive immune response may kick in before target immune cells are depleted, slowing the infection. The interaction of the innate and adaptive immune response may explain why some with coronavirus experience a second wave infection, appearing to get better before the symptoms return and get worse. Other studies have shown those who received immunosuppressants at the start of infection had a better clinical outcome than those who did not.

This diagram shows how lupus affects the body

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 2, 2019·3 min read

B cells off the rails early in lupus

A key finding in the origins of lupus has been discovered. In those with systemic lupus erythematosus, B cells are abnormally activated. This results in the production of antibodies which react against the patient's own tissue, causing a range of symptoms including rashes, joint pain, and fatigue.

This shows the outline of a head and brain

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 14, 2019·4 min read

Probiotic-derived molecule may suppress fatal brain inflammation

Capsular polysaccharide A (PSA), an envelope molecule, may help to boost the immune system and protect against potentially fatal neuroinflammation associated with Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE). Mice given PSA survived exposure to a lethal herpes simplex viral infection, while those not treated with the probiotic did not, despite both groups being treated with a common antiviral used to treat HSE.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 3, 2019·5 min read

Gut Immune Cells Cut Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis

A new study reveals the intestine as a source of immune cells that help reduce neuroinflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Increasing the number of these cells helps block inflammation entirely, researchers report.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·December 18, 2018·3 min read

A Single Faulty Gene Can Lead to Lupus

Researchers report defects in the Ets1 gene is linked to characteristics associated with systemic lupus erythematosus immune abnormalities.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·December 5, 2017·5 min read

Investigating Protein’s Role in Lupus Development

A new study reports the loss of the Bim protein in macrophages leads to lupus-like symptoms in mice. The findings may help in the development of new treatments for the autoimmune disease in humans.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 4, 2017·6 min read

Probing What Fuels “Runaway Train” of Autoimmune Diseases

According to researchers, rogue B cells can trigger an override that may be responsible for autoimmune attacks and diseases.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 3, 2017·3 min read

Tracking ZIKA Transmission in Mice

A new study investigates how the ZIKA virus can be sexually transmitted between male and female mice, and how the virus can pass vertically from mother to fetus.

Image shows a diagram of the organs that make up the immune system.

Featured Neurology

·July 13, 2017·3 min read

Brain Like Activity in Immune System Promises Better Disease Treatments

Researchers discover brain like activity in the immune system. The Nature study reveals T cells in the immune system transfer dopamine to B cells, providing motivation for these cells to produce antibodies and battle infection. The researchers hope their findings will help develop treatments to make immune response to vaccines and infections faster, and slow autoimmune conditions.

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