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immune system

·May 17, 2020·3 min read

Designing vaccines from artificial proteins

Using computational methods, researchers created artificial proteins that triggered immune responses and produced infection specific antibodies. The findings indicate it will be possible to design vaccines that contain artificial antibodies, expediting the process of vaccine development.

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·May 16, 2020·5 min read

Detailed analysis of immune response to SARS-CoV-2 bodes well for COVID-19 vaccine

Study reveals the body's immune system can recognize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in many ways. The findings should help dispel fears the virus may elude ongoing efforts to create a successful vaccine.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 15, 2020·4 min read

Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomes

Study reveals a new gut-brain connection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The gut microbiome could influence the severity of the neurodegenerative disease. Altering the bacteria in the gut may prevent or improve symptoms of ALS.

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·May 14, 2020·4 min read

Arthritis drug Anakinra may improve respiratory function in some patients with severe COVID-19

Anakinra, a clinically approved anti-inflammatory used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, improves respiratory function in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 14, 2020·4 min read

Local inflammatory cells are characteristic for advanced multiple sclerosis

In late-stage multiple sclerosis, inflammatory cells no longer enter the brain via the bloodstream, but instead the cells arise in memory from local memory cells inside the brain. The findings suggest during the late phases of multiple sclerosis, the disease is occurring entirely inside the brain.

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·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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 4, 2020·5 min read

New insight on maternal infections and neurodevelopmental disorders

Maternal inflammation has been linked to a range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in children, including autism and schizophrenia. A new mouse study reveals maternal responses and subsequent developmental disorders are based on the mother's immunoreactivity to infection.

This shows someone holding a box of actemra

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 3, 2020·2 min read

Arthritis Drug Presents Promise as Treatment for COVID-19 Pneumonia

UCSD has launched a Phase III clinical trial to assess whether tocilizumab (Actemra), a drug commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, has therapeutic value for those at risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. The drug is a monoclonal antibody-based therapy that blocks receptors for interleukin-6, a cytokine that triggers inflammation as an early immune response to coronavirus. Blocking IL-6 could prevent the risk of the COVID-19 associated cytokine storm many with severe infection experience.

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·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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2020·5 min read

How could Covid-19 and the body’s immune response affect the brain?

Mounting evidence suggests coronavirus affects the brain, in addition to the lungs. Researchers are examining the threat COVID-19 posses to long term brain health. They speculate maternal inflammation could lead to an increased risk of autism-like behaviors and neurodevelopment deficits in children born to mothers diagnosed with coronavirus. Other studies are exploring how the virus may spread in the nervous system via synaptic transmission.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 28, 2020·5 min read

Seniors with COVID-19 show unusual symptoms

Confusion, delirium, and disorientation may be additional symptoms older adults with coronavirus face. Researchers report changes in the central nervous system are driving these new symptoms of COVID-19.