pathology microbiology and immunology Archives
Links between immune cells and metabolism explored
Nov. 10, 2016—At the intersection of immunology and metabolism is a burgeoning new field: immunometabolism. It’s an area where Vanderbilt has exceptional strengths, said Jeffrey Rathmell, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Immunobiology.
Early study finds antibody that ‘neutralizes’ Zika virus
Nov. 7, 2016—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.
VUMC investigators find pathogens work together to infect host
Nov. 3, 2016—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.
Preparing for a return of pox
Oct. 20, 2016—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.
Research sheds light on how RSV wards off potential vaccines
Oct. 20, 2016—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.
EGF receptor found to regulate macrophage inflammation in gut
Oct. 13, 2016—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.
Targeting norovirus “noxiousness”
Sep. 28, 2016—New discoveries will guide efforts to develop vaccines or antiviral agents for norovirus, the most common cause of infectious diarrhea.
Study shows excess dietary zinc worsens C. diff infection
Sep. 26, 2016—Too much dietary zinc increases susceptibility to infection by Clostridium difficile — “C. diff” — the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
H. pylori and anemia – new evidence
Sep. 22, 2016—The bacterium Helicobacter pylori has been linked to anemia and may be contributing to the incidence and severity of anemia worldwide.
Study explores anti-viral potential of existing drugs
Sep. 15, 2016—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.
Restore T cells to fight leukemia
Sep. 14, 2016—Modulation of T cell metabolism thus may represent a new therapeutic avenue for leukemia patients.
Team explores transcription factor’s autoimmunity role
Aug. 11, 2016—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.
