Researchers report a cleaner living environment may not detrimentally impact a child's developing immune system, as current theories suggest.
Maternal exposure to infection prior to pregnancy can transfer into life long cellular immunity in infants who are breastfed.
A new study reports chaotic swings in the concentration of the NF-kB protein can increase activation of the number of genes not otherwise activates, optimally tuning the immune system.
Depression during pregnancy can directly influence the development of the immune system in children. Children whose mothers reported symptoms of prenatal depression had lower levels of immunoglobulin A in their guts. Lower immunity placed babies at risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as well as allergies and asthma. Additionally, children may face an increased risk of depression, obesity, and autoimmune diseases as they age.
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.
Two studies reveal the role bile acids play in immunity and inflammation.
Our moods, sleeping patterns, smoking status and how easily we tan may be traced back to our Neanderthal DNA, Max Planck Institute researchers report.
A large, genome-wide study in children reveals genetic variants associated with differing levels of antibodies produced as a result of three common childhood vaccinations. Researchers identified two genetic loci associated with the persistence of vaccine-induced immunity following early life vaccinations. The results may help clinicians tailor personalized vaccine schedules to maximize the effectiveness of immunizations.
The fetal gut has far better developed immune capabilities than previously thought. The findings could help develop new maternal vaccines and provide early insight into potential autoimmune disorders, which may occur later in life.
Historical data from Flu Watch about other coronaviruses reveals they appear to have a seasonal pattern, with peaks occurring during winter. Only small amounts of other coronavirus infections were transmitted during the summer. The findings support the hypothesis that COVID-19 may have lower levels of transmission during the summer, but this may reverse during the winter months if there is still a large, susceptible population.
Study reveals how a pregnant woman's vaccine-induced immunities are transferred to her offspring via the placenta. The findings have positive implications for the development of new, more effective maternal vaccines.
According to a new study, the immune system may play a critical role in damage associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The study reports altering Cdk5 results in the death of dopamine neurons and slowed autophagy.
