Flu

Scientists uncover 'striking' immune cell populations poised to fight SARS-CoV-2 in upper airway. Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have published the first-ever, in-depth analysis of immune cell memory in the upper airways of adult volunteers. Among these immune cells, the researcher spotted "tissue resident" memory cells, which stand ready to defend the

A new study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission -- between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon. A new Cornell University study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle

Scientists have discovered how the dangerous Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) defuses our immune response and, in doing so, they have pinpointed an exciting new target for drug developers. Irish scientists led by a group from Trinity College Dublin have discovered how the dangerous Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) defuses our immune response and, in doing so

Most influenza viruses enter human or animal cells through specific pathways on the cells' surface. Researchers have now discovered that certain human flu viruses and avian flu viruses can also use a second entry pathway, a protein complex of the immune system, to infect cells. This ability helps the viruses infect different species -- and

A study helps explain why dairy cows infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza are shedding the virus in their milk. Their findings could help develop biosecurity measures aimed at slowing the spread of the illness. As highly pathogenic avian influenza has spread in dairy herds across the U.S., the virus is being detected in raw

To offer cross-protection against diverse influenza virus variants, nanoparticle vaccines can produce pivotal cellular and mucosal immune responses that enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection, according to a new study. To offer cross-protection against diverse influenza virus variants, nanoparticle vaccines can produce pivotal cellular and mucosal immune responses that enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection

Vaccinating mothers against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during late pregnancy to protect their newborns is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth or other poor outcomes. Infants are particularly vulnerable to the virus which can cause a serious lower respiratory illness. Vaccinating mothers against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during late pregnancy to protect

While H5N1 avian influenza virus taken from infected cow's milk makes mice and ferrets sick when dripped into their noses, airborne transmission of the virus between ferrets -- a common model for human transmission -- appears to be limited. These and other new findings about the strain of H5N1 circulating among North American dairy cattle

Research finds that booster doses of bivalent vaccines given every three to six months helps maintain a person's ability to neutralize multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains, including XBB.1.5 People who have received solid organ transplants and take immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection are among those most susceptible to the damaging effects of COVID-19, including breakthrough infections, severe

Dexamethasone is one of the most important drugs in the treatment of severe COVID-19, but patients respond very differently to the therapy. Researchers have now discovered how the cortisone compound influences the impaired inflammatory response and which patients benefit from it. Their method uses so-called single-cell analyses and raises hopes for a precise prediction tool

During the COVID-19 pandemic, at-home antigen tests became widely accepted for detecting infection. In a new study, researchers looked into the benefits of using at-home antibody tests to detect immunity and to make decisions about the need for a COVID-19 booster shot -- something that may be of particularly relevance for those at high risk

Recently, scientists found that some people who suffered from COVID-19 had auto-antibodies targeting their own type 1 interferons, which are important immune signaling proteins. Now, researchers conducted an in-depth study on 123 Japanese COVID-19 patients to clarify just how common these auto-antibodies are among severe cases and how they affect the immune system. Their findings