A new role of T cells that could revolutionise the vaccine development!

🔥 Scientists have discovered that T cells—WBC that can destroy harmful pathogens—can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralizing antibodies. 1/ These findings, shown experimentally for the first time in human studies, reshape our understanding of how our immune system works, paving the way for the design of more effective vaccines. 2/

According to a NEW study head trauma may activate latent viruses, leading to neurodegeneration!

Researchers have now uncovered mechanisms that may connect the dots between trauma event and the emergence of neurodegenerative diseases. 1/ Infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is common, lifelong, and often in a latent state with periodic reactivation. It is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease and dementia in some individuals, as are repeated head injuries like concussions. 2/

A long course of Paxlovid appears to help some patients with #LongCOVID, according to a case series by UC San Francisco researchers that suggests this treatment option holds promise for some of those struggling with debilitating symptoms. 1/ These results are at odds with recent research that has failed to show #Paxlovid can alleviate persistent symptoms of the disease. The researchers said more study is needed to find out which patients may benefit from the drug and how long it should be given. 2/

Rogue antibodies might cause #LongCOVID!

When antibodies from people w/ longCOVID were injected into healthy mice, the animals appeared to experience pain & fatigue — two of the hallmarks of long COVID. 1/ The finding — now from two studies — suggests that the antibodies are the cause of the long COVID symptoms.

Antibodies isolated from people with long COVID increase pain sensitivity and reduce movement in mice when transferred to the animals, research shows. 2/

Wow!

Pupil size in sleep reveals how memories are processed!

Researchers have found that the pupil is key to understanding how, and when, the brain forms strong, long-lasting memories. 1/ By studying mice equipped w/ brain electrodes & tiny eye-tracking cameras, researchers find that new memories are being replayed & consolidated when pupil is contracted during a substage of non-REM sleep. When the pupil is dilated, the process repeats for older memories. 2/

Impact of COVID-19 on accelerating of immunosenescence & brain aging

The pandemic has highlighted a complex interplay between viral infection, immune aging & brain health, that can potentially accelerate neuroimmune aging & contribute to persistence of long COVID condition 1/ By inducing chronic inflammation, immunosenescence, and neuroinflammation, COVID-19 may exacerbate the processes of neuroimmune aging, leading to increased risks of cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and impaired immune function. 2/

COVID pregnancies may have boosted autism risk!

A NEW study shows the onset of autism in COVID exposed babies at 28 months. Researchers found 23 of 211 children (11%), screened positive for autism spectrum disorder, compared with an expected prevalence of 1-2% at that age 1/ When researchers analyzed videos of children lying on their backs in what’s called General Movement Assessment, 14% of infants showed signs of developmental problems. The test evaluates early motor functions & is often used to assess the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders 2/

Researchers have identified interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) as a significant biomarker of cellular senescence and aging. Experiments show that IL-23R levels in the bloodstream increase with age and can decrease, reflecting senescent cell clearing, with senolytic therapies. 1/ Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing but do not trigger apoptosis mechanisms that would allow them to die naturally. 2/

Coupling antigens from multiple subtypes of influenza can broaden antibody and T cell responses!

A novel vaccine platform that improved protection against diverse influenza subtypes when tested in animal models and human organoids. 1/ The seasonal influenza vaccine contains strains of viruses from distinct subtypes that are grown independently and then combined.

However, most individuals exhibit a more robust response to one of these strains and thus are vulnerable to infection by others. 2/

Clinical evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 directly disrupts vascular homeostasis, with perfusion abnormalities observed in various tissues. The pancreatic islet, a key endocrine mini-organ reliant on its microvasculature for optimal function, may be particularly vulnerable. 1/ Studies have proposed a link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and islet dysfunction, but the mechanisms remain unclear.

Here, researchers investigated how SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein affects human islet microvascular function. 2/

Scientists have identified "immune pathways" during acute coronavirus infection that are associated with the development of #LongCOVID, and while some pathways are the same for men and women, others differ dramatically along a sharp divide between the sexes. 1/ A research team explored immune pathways in the development, persistence and resolution of longCOVID, say sex-based differences—and similarities—not only emerged in their research, the findings have helped shed new light on long COVID and suggest new paradigms for treatment. 2/

Common cough syrup ingredient offers hope for lung fibrosis!

A NEW study found that the best candidate is already available as a cough medicine around the world, #dextromethorphan. The study shows how dextromethorphan can impede collagen that forms scars inside cells. 1/ The study explored the potential of #Dextromethorphan in the treatment of lung fibrosis. Lung fibrosis occurs after accumulation of scar tissue in the lung (Lt: a mice lung w/ scarring tissue) which was reduced after treatment w/ Dextromethorphan (Rt). 2/

A NEW study has found that higher scores on the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) are associated with an increased incidence of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. Diets that correlate with low DII scores may prevent late-life dementia. 1/ Diet has been identified as a potential avenue for reducing dementia risk. Previous observational studies have linked anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean, with slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk. 2/

Bad news for RSV vaccine development for infants!

The FDA halted enrollment of young children in RSV vaccine trials after 5 infants developed severe RSV infections who received one of Moderna’s mRNA vaccines for RSV during a phase 1 trial. 1/ In recent clinical trials, two experimental RSV vaccines for babies may not only have failed to protect them, but actually made some of them sicker when they got RSV or another respiratory virus. 2/

A new study provides a novel insight into the host’s first sense of SARS-CoV-2 infection to trigger the early antiviral defense. The study reveals ‘endosomes’ as signaling platforms for RIG-I activation & antiviral immunity. 1/ Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a cytosolic viral RNA sensor critical for host antiviral defense against RNA virus infection, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. 2/

Most young people who were confirmed to have #LongCOVID 3 months after a positive PCR test had recovered within 24 months finds CLoCK study—the world's largest longitudinal cohort study on long COVID in children. 1/ Researchers used data from the Long COVID in Children and Young People (CloCk) study to describe symptoms and how much they impact children and young people’s lives 24-months post-infection. 2/

A new study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes vascular dysfunction due to the modification of endothelial cell elasticity.
The results for the first time show that SARS-CoV-2 infection directly changes endothelial elasticity and causes endothelial dysfunction. 1/ Researchers used human pulmonary endothelial cells (HPAECs) expressing the ACE2 receptor as a model of the endothelium. This system mimics in vivo conditions, as it allows virus entry but not replication. 2/

According to a NEW study, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein persists in the skull-meninges-brain axis in COVID-19 patients. Spike protein enhances brain vulnerability and exacerbates neurological damage. 1/ The researchers conclude that spike protein is sufficient to induce brain pathological and behavioral changes in mice.

Further, they find that mRNA vaccines reduce, but do not eliminate, the spike burden. 2/

sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

1st new treatment for Asthma in 50 years!

#Benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody given during acute asthma is more effective than current treatment of steroids, reducing the need for further treatment by 30%. This could be "game-changing" for millions of people w/ asthma! 1/. #Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody which targets eosinophils to reduce lung inflammation. The new trial has found a single dose can be more effective when injected at the point of exacerbation compared to steroid tablets. 2/

Live imaging has shown COVID-19 hitches a ride on mucus to spread deep into lungs

The COVID-19 virus spreads via mucus once inside an infected airway, allowing it to reach into the lower lungs. 1/

static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1… The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads via mucus once inside an infected airway, allowing it to reach into the lower lungs 2/

Cholesterol may not be the only lipid involved in trans fat-driven cardiovascular disease!

A NEW study describes how another class of lipids, called sphingolipids, contributes to arterial plaques and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD). 1/ Excess cholesterol is known to form artery-clogging plaques that can lead to stroke, arterial disease, heart attack, and more, making it the focus of many heart health campaigns. 2/