Tag

Human Immune System

All articles tagged with #human immune system

health1 year ago•7 min saved

"Cat-Transmitted Bubonic Plague Resurfaces in Oregon"

Bubonic plague, while now rare and treatable with antibiotics, has left a lasting impact on the human immune system. Recent genetic research suggests that survivors of the Black Death in the 14th century may have passed on genetic advantages that helped them combat the disease. Studies have identified specific genetic variants related to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system and the ERAP2 gene that may have provided protection against the plague. Understanding how the plague rewired the human immune system in the past can provide valuable insights for vaccine and drug development today.

via BBC.com|

#bubonic-plague #disease-outbreaks #evolution

health2 years ago•4 min saved

"Omicron Variants' Impact on Human Immune System Evolution"

Research suggests that the human immune system is evolving to combat new SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly after experiencing breakthrough infections by the omicron variant. Memory T cells formed after omicron breakthrough infection showed enhanced immunity against subsequent omicron variants, potentially preventing severe COVID-19 symptoms from future emerging variants. This finding may offer new perspectives in the era of COVID-19 endemic and could be applied to vaccine development to induce memory T cell defenses against subsequent variants.

via Medical Xpress|

#breakthrough-infection #covid-19 #health

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Bacterium in Community Settings: NIH Investigation

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is investigating the emergence of "hypervirulent" strains of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae in healthy individuals in community settings. Researchers found that some strains were more likely to survive in blood and serum than others, and that neutrophils (white blood cells) were more likely to ingest and kill certain strains. The study suggests that a vaccine approach for prevention and treatment of infections is feasible. The findings also challenge the classification of K. pneumoniae into classical or hypervirulent forms, and further research will explore the factors involved in the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant hypervirulent strains to the body's immune defenses.

via National Institutes of Health (.gov)|

#health #human-immune-system #hypervirulent-strains