Immunology

How the body's defenses keep their weapons in check

The signaling molecules of the immune system should trigger a response only where necessary. To prevent a life-threatening spread to the rest of the body, connective tissue can absorb these molecules like a sponge. A team ...

Immunology

How gut bacteria evade the immune system

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen address the long-standing question of how benign gut microbes evade the immune system. In doing so, they also reshape our understanding of how immune receptors ...

Medical research

Newly discovered anatomy shields and monitors brain

From the complexity of neural networks to basic biological functions and structures, the human brain only reluctantly reveals its secrets. Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology have only recently enabled scientists ...

Genetics

Exploring genetic regulation of immunoglobulin A

Increased levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) are correlated with the manifestation of several diseases as well as African ancestry, according to findings published in Nature Communications. The findings provide ...

Medical research

Alveolar macrophages help CD8+ T cells go (anti-)viral

The human immune system is a highly complex network of cells, signals, and responses that is tightly regulated to ensure that the body can fight off infection without damaging its own tissues. Now, researchers from Japan ...

Genetics

Epigenetic emergency switch improves defense against infections

During infections, the hematopoietic system switches from normal to emergency mode. This improves the defense against pathogens. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center have now found an epigenetic switch in blood ...

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