Researchers identified differences in isoforms that control Treg cells and how that affects the body's immune system response.
Researchers report a cleaner living environment may not detrimentally impact a child's developing immune system, as current theories suggest.
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.
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.
Intermittent social distancing may have to be employed to reduce the burden on the health care system as a result of COVID-19. If COVID-19 is a seasonal ailment, like the flu, a new model shows physical distancing occurring between 25 and 75% of the time would help build up herd immunity and prevent health system overload.
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.
Two studies reveal the role bile acids play in immunity and inflammation.
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.
Microbes found in the placenta may play a key role in shaping the developing fetal immune system.
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.
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.
Maternal exposure to infection prior to pregnancy can transfer into life long cellular immunity in infants who are breastfed.
