Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology

April 3, 2013

“Silent” B cells trigger autoimmunity

Immune cells that recognize self antigens (e.g. insulin), but are functionally silent, can trigger autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 7, 2013

Diagnostic management efforts thrive on teamwork

As choices mount for patient testing and treatment, diagnostic management has arisen at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to address two closely related questions that clinicians must ask themselves more and more often: have I ordered the right tests for this patient; and, taken together, what do these test results imply for the best treatment of this patient?

By Paul Govern
February 28, 2013

Starting up protein synthesis, in yeast

Researchers have found an unusual interaction between a factor that “turns on” protein synthesis and one that produces fatty acids.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 21, 2013

Antibacterial protein’s molecular workings revealed

Vanderbilt investigators report new insights to the workings of calprotectin, an immune system protein that “starves” bacterial pathogens of the metal nutrients they require.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 17, 2013

Zinc: a new antibiotic target?

It may be possible to fight hospital-acquired pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii by targeting the bacterium’s need for the nutrient metal zinc.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 7, 2012

Breast milk blocks virus binding

Components of human breast milk help ward off viral infection, a new study shows.

By VUMC News and Communications
November 15, 2012

Study tracks antioxidants’ role in prostate tumor growth

Antioxidants promote cell growth in a mouse model of prostate cancer, Vanderbilt researchers report in the journal PLoS ONE. The findings provide insight into the recent controversy regarding antioxidants and prostate cancer prevention.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 6, 2012

Bacterial signals in sarcoidosis

Study adds evidence for infectious agents’ role in sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition that can lead to respiratory failure and death.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 31, 2012

Protein’s length, flexibility key to infection

The structural architecture of the reovirus attachment protein is required for efficient reovirus infection of host cells.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 19, 2012

More gene links to breast cancer risk

Two newly identified gene variants linked to breast cancer may aid in predicting disease risk and targeting screening and prevention strategies.
By VUMC News and Communications
September 25, 2012

Cell entry ports for cold virus

The respiratory virus HMPV uses its fusion (F) protein – which interacts with cellular receptors called integrins – to bind to and enter target cells.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 30, 2012

Event celebrates Vanderbilt endowed chair holders

Twelve Vanderbilt University faculty members were honored for extraordinary contributions to their respective fields during an Aug. 28 celebration of endowed chair holders at the Student Life Center.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 9, 2012

Team creates new view of body’s infection response

A new 3-D view of the body’s response to infection — and the ability to identify proteins involved in the response — could point to novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for infectious diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
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