All articles tagged with #immunology
In mice, cancer cells acquire mitochondria from immune cells, weakening those cells and activating a type I interferon program in the cancer cells that promotes lymph‑node invasion. Blocking this pathway reduces spread, and the effect occurs even when the stolen mitochondria can’t produce ATP, indicating energy production isn’t required for this mechanism.
A Nature News feature explains that inherited immune-system mutations—and, more recently, autoantibodies against interferons—help determine why some people die from microbes that are usually harmless. Researchers have cataloged hundreds of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) across many genes, with defects like interferon-γ receptor mutations causing severe mycobacterial disease, and autoantibodies linked to severe COVID-19 and other infections. Some mutations can even confer protection against specific pathogens (e.g., CCR5 against HIV). With incomplete penetrance and epigenetic regulation, IEIs can vary by cell type and over a person’s lifetime, prompting genetic screening and targeted therapies to prevent or treat severe infections.
Eli Lilly's drug Zepbound, when combined with its immunology therapy Taltz, showed promise in reducing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in obese patients, suggesting potential new uses for the weight loss drug, though its impact on prescribing patterns remains uncertain.
The article explores microchimerism, the presence of non-self cells within the human body, which are transferred between mother and child during pregnancy, challenging traditional views of human identity and immune response, and revealing potential implications for health and science.
Israeli scientist Prof. Yifat Merbl was named one of the top 10 shapers of science in 2025 by Nature for her groundbreaking research on cellular proteasomes and discovery of antimicrobial peptides, which could lead to advances in cancer immunotherapy, antimicrobial drugs, and disease diagnostics, despite facing setbacks like lab destruction during war.
Research identifies multiple LDLR family members as entry receptors for yellow fever virus, advancing understanding of viral entry mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Fred Ramsdell, a Whitefish immunologist, won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on regulatory T cells and immune tolerance, which has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. His journey from community college to Nobel laureate highlights his passion for impactful science and serendipitous career path, with recent advancements enabling clinical applications of his research.
Fred Ramsdell, who was offline and backpacking in Montana, was unexpectedly awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with colleagues for groundbreaking immunology research, surprising him while he was immersed in nature.
US scientist Dr. Fred Ramsdell, while on a three-week off-grid hike in Montana, unexpectedly learned he had won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his research on the immune system, after his wife received a flurry of messages and they finally contacted the Nobel Committee 20 hours later.
Fred Ramsdell, a scientist on a digital detox in US mountains, was surprised to learn he had won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work on T-cells, after his wife found out via phone after their trip. The award recognizes discoveries about T-cells' role in the immune system, and Ramsdell was unreachable during the announcement due to being off-grid.
Fred Ramsdell, a Nobel laureate in Medicine for his work on immune system regulation, is currently unreachable while hiking off the grid, highlighting his digital detox. The Nobel committee has been unable to contact him or his co-recipient Mary Brunkow, but they have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on regulatory T-cells that prevent autoimmune diseases. The discoveries have opened new avenues for medical treatments and clinical trials.
A Portland-born molecular biologist, Mary E. Brunkow, along with two other scientists, won the Nobel Prize in medicine for discovering how regulatory T cells help prevent autoimmune diseases by maintaining immune system balance, a breakthrough that could lead to better treatments for conditions like diabetes and lupus.
Three scientists, Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi, won the Nobel Prize in medicine for their discoveries related to peripheral immune tolerance, particularly the role of regulatory T cells and the Foxp3 gene in controlling immune responses and preventing autoimmune diseases.
AstraZeneca has signed a $555 million deal to utilize artificial intelligence for identifying targets in immunology research, aiming to enhance drug discovery and development in this field.
Scientists successfully converted a type-A kidney into a universal type-O kidney using an enzyme technique and transplanted it into a brain-dead recipient, demonstrating potential to increase organ availability and reduce waiting times, although the process is still in early development stages.