Immune System News and Research

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Researchers to conduct gene analysis for ankylosing spondylitis

A new study designed to test suspected links between genes and two immune disorders could open the door to better ways to diagnose and treat the conditions that affect a combined total of approximately 2.5 million people in the United States, report scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

16 Sep 2010

Researchers identify mechanism to reduce pathogenic effect of bacillus bacteria

A European-Asian collaboration of scientists, notably including CNRS, the Institut Pasteur in Paris, the Institut Pasteur Korea in Seoul (IP Korea/Equipe Avenir Inserm and the Université de Toulouse have identified ten virulence genes of the tubercle bacillus. The inactivation of these genes lessens the pathogenic effects of the bacillus.

16 Sep 2010

Wistar Institute scientists publish detailed report on structure, function of Cdc13 domain in protein

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have published the first detailed report on the structure and function of a crucial domain in the protein known as Cdc13, which sustains telomeres by clamping to DNA and recruiting replicating enzymes to the area.

16 Sep 2010

Lowfat or fat free milk daily can help maintain healthy weight

Now there's a new reason to grab a glass of milk when you're on diet, suggests a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In a 2-year weight loss study, milk drinkers had an advantage over those who skipped the milk. Israeli researchers found that adults who drank the most milk (nearly 2 glasses per day) and had the highest vitamin D levels at 6 months, lost more weight after 2 years than those who had little or no milk or milk products nearly 12 pounds weight loss, on average.

16 Sep 2010

Researchers find NCT analogs show antimicrobial, anticoagulant activity

Catheter-related bacteremia can be a significant cause of sickness and death for hemodialysis patients. The anticoagulant heparin is commonly used as a catheter lock solution to prevent thrombosis; however has limited antimicrobial activity.

16 Sep 2010

Researchers identify interferons may inhibit IL-1b protein production

Among the first is the production of cell factors such as interferons and IL-1beta. Interferons have several functions, including activating a series of intracellular signals such as Tyk2 (Tyrosine kinase 2), while IL-1beta is important for the induction of inflammation, which helps directly to protect the body against attack.

16 Sep 2010

Renal research consortia receives two grants for translational research from DKF

The Dutch Kidney Foundation (DKF) awards two Consortium Grants of 1,5 million euro to renal research consortia to concentrate on translational research.

16 Sep 2010

Jaeb Center for Health Research awarded $26M grant to accelerate new therapies for type 1 diabetes

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, a leader in type 1 diabetes research funding, today announced that the Trust has awarded a three-year, $26 million grant to the Jaeb Center for Health Research. The grant is for the development of a type 1 diabetes exchange that includes a data repository, a biobank and an interactive website with mobile capability.

16 Sep 2010

Gene network behind hardening of arteries, coronary heart disease identified

A gene network behind hardening of the arteries and coronary heart disease has been identified by a team of scientists from Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Their findings expose potential targets for the treatment of heart disease.

16 Sep 2010

FDA updates dosing recommendation for Valcyte medication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is notifying health care professionals of updated dosing recommendations for Valcyte (valganciclovir) oral tablets and solution used by children and adolescents receiving a kidney or heart transplant.

16 Sep 2010

Scientists reveal techniques to extend organ transplant life

Experts from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Transplantation at King's College London, based at Guy's Hospital, have revealed exciting new scientific developments for people with an organ transplant, intended to help prevent rejection of the new organ and extend its life.

16 Sep 2010

Calm men preferred by women: Study

According to a new study, women prefer calm men to stressed ones. Researchers at the University of Abertay Dundee in Scotland found that women were more attracted to calm, collected men with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol coursing through their systems, than men who are chronically stressed. The study was published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B journal. The researchers also found that there was no clear association between attractiveness and high levels of testosterone as was thought before.

16 Sep 2010

Virus related organ recipient deaths to be examined

After the death of three organ transplant recipients, a Victorian coroner will examine if it is possible to screen for a particular virus before donation.

15 Sep 2010

ITS commences treatment in synthetic universal influenza vaccine Phase I trial

Immune Targeting Systems (ITS) Limited, one of the leading developers of synthetic vaccines for mutating viruses, today announced the first patient has been treated in its Phase-I trial with its synthetic universal influenza vaccine (FP-01). Commencement of trials follows receipt of UK Regulatory Authority (MHRA) approval. Over the same period the company brought in £500,000 new investment from Esperante Ventures (UK).

15 Sep 2010

Scientist to develop antibiotics for drug-resistant superbugs

Antibiotics can work miracles, knocking out common infections like bronchitis and tonsillitis. But according to the Center for Disease Control, each year 90,000 people in the U.S. die of drug resistant "superbugs" bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a deadly form of staph infection resistant to normal antibiotics. Although hospital patients are particularly susceptible as a result of open wounds and weakened immune systems, the bacteria can infect anyone. Dr. Micha Fridman of Tel Aviv University's Department of Chemistry is now developing the next generation of antibiotics designed to overcome this kind of bacteria. And the key, he says, is in the bacteria itself.

15 Sep 2010

MVI agrees to provide fund for evaluating Inovio's malaria DNA vaccine candidate in non-human primates

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in the development of therapeutic and preventive vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, announced today that the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) has agreed to provide follow-on funding to continue evaluation and development of Inovio's malaria DNA vaccine candidate in non-human primates.

15 Sep 2010

RAB-1 monoclonal antibody study shows positive result for rabies

With the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year, a new cost-effective rabies therapy developed by MassBiologics at the University of Massachusetts and the Serum Institute of India took an important step forward with positive results from a Phase 1 study. The recently completed study showed that a new monoclonal antibody (RAB-1) resulted in protective antibody levels in the serum of treated subjects equal to the current standard of treatment, which is often not available in the areas of the world hit hardest by rabies.

15 Sep 2010

PLX-PAD therapy improves quality of life in CLI patients

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. today reported that data from clinical trials show the Company's placenta-derived cell therapy, PLX-PAD, is safe and improves quality of life as well as other efficacy measurements in patients with Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), the end-stage of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

15 Sep 2010

Pregnant women should get immunized against flu

There will be only one flu shot needed this year and pregnant women should make sure they're at the front of the line to get it.

15 Sep 2010

USF receives grant for studying ways to protect fetal brain from maternal infection

University of South Florida (USF) neuroscientists have been awarded a $400,000 federal grant to study ways of protecting the developing fetal brain from the damaging effects of maternal infections, a suspected cause for certain types of autism.

15 Sep 2010