pathology microbiology and immunology

November 7, 2016

Early study finds antibody that ‘neutralizes’ Zika virus

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have isolated a human monoclonal antibody that in a mouse model “markedly reduced” infection by the Zika virus.

By Bill Snyder
tug-of-rope pair
November 3, 2016

VUMC investigators find pathogens work together to infect host

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus — two pathogens that frequently co-infect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis — appear to cooperate with each other, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. When pseudomonas is starved for metal by the host, it shuts down the production of factors that would normally kill staph, promoting a co-infection.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 20, 2016

Preparing for a return of pox

To prepare for the potential of a smallpox return, Vanderbilt researchers are isolating and studying naturally occurring antibodies from the blood of previously infected or immunized people.

By Bill Snyder
knight with sword and shield
October 20, 2016

Research sheds light on how RSV wards off potential vaccines

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of life-threatening viral pneumonia in infants worldwide, yet despite repeated efforts, scientists have been unable to develop an effective vaccine against it.

By Bill Snyder
firefighters battle a wildfire
October 13, 2016

EGF receptor found to regulate macrophage inflammation in gut

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have uncovered a link between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the inflammatory response to bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract.

By Bill Snyder
September 28, 2016

Targeting norovirus “noxiousness”

New discoveries will guide efforts to develop vaccines or antiviral agents for norovirus, the most common cause of infectious diarrhea.

By Bill Snyder
September 26, 2016

Study shows excess dietary zinc worsens C. diff infection

Too much dietary zinc increases susceptibility to infection by Clostridium difficile — “C. diff” — the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 22, 2016

H. pylori and anemia – new evidence

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori has been linked to anemia and may be contributing to the incidence and severity of anemia worldwide.
By Bill Snyder
September 15, 2016

Study explores anti-viral potential of existing drugs

Emerging viral infections like Zika keep popping up around the world in such quick succession that medicine is having a hard time keeping up. It can take 15 years and more than a billion dollars to bring a new drug to market.
By Bill Snyder
September 14, 2016

Restore T cells to fight leukemia

Modulation of T cell metabolism thus may represent a new therapeutic avenue for leukemia patients.
By Bill Snyder
August 11, 2016

Team explores transcription factor’s autoimmunity role

Increasing expression of a transcription factor called KLF2 can promote immunological self-tolerance and “tune down” autoimmunity, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported recently.
By Bill Snyder
August 11, 2016

Study explores low oxygen’s impact on antibody quality

Hypoxia (lack of enough oxygen) is bad for the body as a whole, but in the neighborhood where infection-fighting antibodies arise, may be important for keeping proper order.
By Bill Snyder
June 2, 2016

‘Young Scientist’ showcases high schoolers’ research at Vanderbilt

High school students performing advanced research at Vanderbilt have the opportunity to share their findings with the scientific community through a journal of their own.
By VUMC News and Communications
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