Some of the T cell epitopes targeting myelin in monkeys were the same as those found in humans. Researchers say linking these specific cells opens the doors to developing antiviral therapies that could be useful to treat newly diagnosed cases of MS in humans. Read More
The immune molecule interleukin-17 (Il-17a) appears to influence vigilance and alertness in mouse models. Findings suggest the immune cell affects both brain function and behavior. Read More
When T helper cells are absent in the brain, microglia remain suspended between the fetal and adult developmental state. Mice lacking brain T cells showed changes in behavior and defective synaptic pruning. The study reveals the critical role T cells play in the development of the brain. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
People with OCD have six times higher Immuno-moodulin (Imood) expression that those without the disorder. Blocking Imood with the aid of an antibody reduced OCD-like behaviors in mouse models within a couple of days following treatment. Read More
T cells that react to alpha-synuclein are most abundant in the early stages of Parkinson's disease but tend to disappear as the disease progresses. Signs of autoimmunity can appear in Parkinson's patients up to ten years before a diagnosis of the neurodegenerative disease. The detection of T cell response could be an early biomarker for Parkinson's, long before the physical symptoms begin to manifest. Read More
Study provides first potential targets for effective immune responses against COVID-19. The findings provide essential information for vaccine design against SARS-CoV-2. Read More
Reducing dietary levels of methionine can slow the onset and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, in those with high-risk factors. Read More
Introducing VEGF-C into the cerebrospinal fluid of mouse models of glioblastoma, researchers noted increased levels of T cell response to the cancerous tumors. When combined with immune system checkpoint inhibitors, the VEGF-C treatment significantly extended the life span of the mice with glioblastoma brain cancer. Read More
Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) modulate stroke recovery. The effect was mediated by circulating lymphocytes on microglia activation. The study reports SCFAs could be a potential therapeutic to improve post-stroke recovery. Read More