immune response

October 12, 2018

Asthma’s androgen connection

New findings may explain why the prevalence of asthma is higher in women and suggest that testosterone derivatives may be useful for treating more severe types of asthma.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 27, 2018

Stretch, inflammation and hypertension

New research sheds light on how changes in blood vessel forces enhance immune cell activation and promote hypertension.

By VUMC News and Communications
July 12, 2018

Team explores diabetes drug’s ability to treat RSV infection

A drug used to treat diabetes may point to new therapies for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis — inflammation and obstruction of the lungs’ small airways. A multi-disciplinary team of Vanderbilt investigators has demonstrated that liraglutide reduces the inflammatory response to RSV infection in a mouse model of the disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
June 14, 2018

Karijolich named 2018 Pew Biomedical Scholar

John Karijolich, PhD, assistant professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has been named a Pew Biomedical Scholar by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 20, 2018

Disease-fighting antibody production

New research links nutrient-responsive cellular signaling to the antibody-mediated immune response.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 12, 2017

A switch for autoimmunity

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a class of compounds that inhibit a mediator of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, and that could pave the way for development of future therapies.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 12, 2017

Researcher targets peanut allergies with Cohen Fund support

Scott Smith, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine, has received a 2017 research award from the Stanley Cohen Innovation Fund to test a new therapeutic strategy for peanut allergies. Smith's research could fundamentally change allergy treatment.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 21, 2017

Excess dietary manganese increases risk of staph infection in heart

Too much dietary manganese — an essential trace mineral found in leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts — promotes infection of the heart by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”).
By Leigh MacMillan
August 31, 2017

Pancreatic cancer development

Elevated levels of the factor G-CSF appear to promote the development of aggressive pancreatic cancer, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for this devastating disease.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 29, 2017

Genetics of lung cancer survival

Vanderbilt investigators have conducted a first-of-its-kind genome-wide association study of lung cancer survival in African-Americans.
By Sanjay Mishra
April 19, 2017

Predicting the infection response

Vanderbilt investigators are probing the response to a bacterial toxin as a clinical assessment of immune function.
By Sanjay Mishra
February 8, 2017

Pathology of septic shock

The signaling molecule IL-15 promotes septic shock, a life-threatening condition involving organ injury caused by infection.
By Leigh MacMillan
January 25, 2017

Flu vaccine response in older adults

High dose flu vaccine boosts the immune response in older adults by increasing activation of certain immune cells.
By Leigh MacMillan