VI4 Archive — Page 1 of 5

Modern laboratory with long workbenches, stools, overhead shelving, electrical equipment, and mobile storage cabinets.
January 29, 2024

Expanded space boosts cutting-edge research in infectious diseases and immunology

The Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation recently debuted state-of-the-art new facilities in Medical Center.

Light Hall gallery corridor displaying the “Molecular Muse: V14 & Ariblab Exhibition” poster and abstract artworks above lounge seating. The poster includes dense explanatory text that is too small to read.
January 16, 2024

‘Molecular Muse’ exhibit features Artist-in-Residence program’s science-inspired art

The “Molecular Muse” art exhibit on display in Light Hall is a sampling of pieces from the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation Artist-in-Residence (VI4-AiR) program, which brings together scientists and artists to create and promote art as a visual science communication tool.

3D rendering of a dense, spiky pink-and-yellow spherical particle surrounded by numerous Y-shaped antibody-like molecules against a pale background.
December 29, 2023

Glucose metabolism influences B cell function

Glucose metabolism influences the qualities of activated, mature B cells — white blood cells that are required for antibody-mediated immune responses, Vanderbilt researchers discovered.

Mariana Byndloss, DVM, PhD, (left), graduate student Catherine Shelton, and their colleagues discovered that beneficial bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound that protects against obesity. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
December 8, 2023

Gut microbiota metabolite protects against obesity: Study

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that beneficial bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound that protects against obesity.

Newborn baby resting in a hospital incubator with monitoring electrodes attached to the chest, while an adult’s hand gently touches the baby’s head.
December 6, 2023

Pasteurization reduces bioactive component of breast milk

Pasteurization of breast milk affects the concentration of osteopontin, a bioactive protein with roles in intestinal, immunological and brain development — suggesting that osteopontin supplementation should be considered when donor milk is provided to preterm infants.

Illustration of a magnifying glass enlarging green, curved microbe-like shapes over a stylized red intestinal tract.
November 21, 2023

Commensal gut bacterium protects from severe intestinal infection

The commensal bacterium Turicibacter sanguinis could be used to protect against severe intestinal infections, Vanderbilt researchers discovered.