Why stem cell transplants for MS work so well

New research digs into why blood stem cell transplants are so effective as a therapy for multiple sclerosis.

Kurt Bodenmueller-U. Zurich • futurity
Nov. 11, 2022 • ~6 min

What is inflammation? Two immunologists explain how the body responds to everything from stings to vaccination and why it sometimes goes wrong

Inflammation is a complicated and important part of how the immune system responds to threats to the body. But when the inflammatory response goes awry, it can lead to serious problems.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
Nov. 7, 2022 • ~6 min

Gut bacteria nurture the immune system – for cancer patients, a diverse microbiome can protect against dangerous treatment complications

Patients with blood cancer undergoing stem cell transplantation have a high risk of complications. The bacteria in their gut, however, can help their immune system recover and fight infections.

Kate Ann Markey, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology, University of Washington • conversation
July 13, 2022 • ~7 min

Social stress can speed up immune system aging – new research

While the immune system naturally gets weaker with age, social stressors like trauma and discrimination can hasten immunosenescence.

Eric Klopack, Postdoctoral Researcher in Gerontology, University of Southern California • conversation
June 15, 2022 • ~6 min

'Masked' cancer drug stealthily trains immune system to kill tumors while sparing healthy tissues, reducing treatment side effects

One promising cancer treatment has been in the works for decades, but severe side effects have kept it out of the clinic. A reengineered version may offer a way to safely harness its potent effects.

Aslan Mansurov, Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering • conversation
June 1, 2022 • ~5 min

Is the omicron variant Mother Nature’s way of vaccinating the masses and curbing the pandemic?

Some of the omicron variant’s unique properties – such as its ability to spread rapidly while causing milder COVID-19 infections – could usher in a new phase of the pandemic.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
Jan. 27, 2022 • ~9 min

How mRNA and DNA vaccines could soon treat cancers, HIV, autoimmune disorders and genetic diseases

DNA and mRNA vaccines produce a different kind of immune response than traditional vaccines, allowing researchers to tackle some previously unsolvable problems in medicine.

Deborah Fuller, Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
Jan. 24, 2022 • ~9 min

How asthma may cut brain tumor risk

People with asthma seem to be less likely to develop brain tumors than others. Now, researchers working with mice believe they have discovered why.

Tamara Bhandari-Washington University • futurity
Dec. 27, 2021 • ~7 min

Combining an HIV vaccine with immunotherapy may reduce the need for daily medication

People with HIV need to take daily medication to keep the virus at bay. A study has found that a new treatment combination could boost immunity and control virus levels even after stopping medication.

Rama Rao Amara, Professor of Microbology and Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Sept. 29, 2021 • ~6 min

Immunocompromised people make up nearly half of COVID-19 breakthrough hospitalizations – an extra vaccine dose may help

People with weakened immune systems are at a high risk of severe and prolonged COVID-19 infections. An extra vaccine dose can bolster protection.

Jonathan Golob, Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease, University of Michigan • conversation
Aug. 20, 2021 • ~5 min

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