immunology Archive — Page 9 of 9

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 1, 2013

Target for inflammatory bowel disease

The factor STAT6 appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of an inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting it may be a promising target for new treatments.

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 31, 2013

Nobel laureate explores genomics of immune response

In a wide-ranging lecture that moved from plants to nematode worms to human leukemia, Nobel laureate Andrew Fire, Ph.D., outlined his vision for a genomics-based understanding of how organisms respond to novel information.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 31, 2013

Do-it-yourself repair in the kidney

The kidney can mediate its own repair through proliferation of resident immune system cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
lungs
August 9, 2012

New therapeutic target for cold, flu viruses identified

Viruses that cause acute respiratory infections — such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and flu — impair a set of immune system cells that should clear the virus from the lungs.
Now, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered the signaling pathway that disables these immune cells.

By Leigh MacMillan