Recommended reading from around the Web

A Clue in the Multiple Sclerosis Mystery

A Clue in the Multiple Sclerosis Mystery

by Ralph Steinman, M.D.

Immunology in the News | Fall 2009

Scientists do not yet understand what triggers the attack on myelin that leads to MS, but in the last two years they have learned much about the what happens after the attack is triggered.

Vaccines on Horizon for AIDS, Alzheimer's, Herpes

by Linda A. Johnson

Associated Press | November 18, 2009

Several factors, including technological advances and the potential for big profits, have increased pharmaceutical makers' interest in vaccine development.

4% of U.S. Children Have Food Allergies, Analysis Finds

by Shari Roan

Los Angeles Times | November 17, 2009

Large surveys indicate that children's allergy rates have risen significantly. Experts think the increase is real—not just a result of heightened awareness of allergies—but the reasons for it are unclear.

Quitters Get a Shot in the Arm with Smoking Vaccine

by Rita Rubin

USA Today | November 16, 2009

A large-scale clinical trial is set to begin for a vaccine to help combat cigarette addiction. The treatment is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to nicotine molecules, making them too large to enter the brain.

Immunity to Swine Flu May Be Broader Than Thought

by Ed Edelson

HealthDay News | November 16, 2009

The H1N1 virus hasn't been as destructive as many feared it would be. A study suggests why: Dealing with previous strains helped prepare the immune system for this one.

Immune-Based Therapy May Hold Key to Breast Cancer

by Erika Celeste

VOA News | November 12, 2009

A doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital has developed an experimental vaccine treatment for women with breast cancer that has spread into other areas of the body. Her approach is designed to teach the immune system to recognize certain changes in tumor cells as harmful and destroy the cells.

Bacteria Flourish in Favorite Ecosystems on the Human Body

by Laura Sanders

Science News | November 5, 2009

New research provides the most thorough inventory to date of the body’s large microbial community. Such studies could one day help shed light on how to treat bacteria-related disorders.

Experimental Vaccine Cures Pre-cancer Vulvar Growths

by Gene Emery

Reuters | November 5, 2009

Existing vaccines prevent cervical cancer by blocking human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A recent trial shows promise for a new vaccine that aims to combat pre-cancer growths in people who are already infected with HPV.

Nanoparticle Cancer Therapy Targets Tumours and Dodges Immune System

by Mark Henderson

Times Online (U.K.) | November 5, 2009

A new approach to therapy targets tumors aggressively without being stopped by the the immune system—and with fewer side effects than conventional treatments. A human trial is scheduled to begin next year.

Could We Be on the Verge of a New Drug to Treat Lupus?

by Carina Storrs

Scientific American | November 3, 2009

An antibody that inhibits a protein implicated in lupus has produced encouraging results in clinical trials. If approved, the drug would be the first new lupus treament in nearly half a century.

Kellogg's Immunity Claims Draw Fire

CBS News | November 3, 2009

Kellogg says that vitamins in its Krispies cereals boost immunity. The cereals' high amounts of sugar could actually weaken the immune system, experts counter.

Autoimmune Disease Cells Harnessed to Fight Cancer

by Linda Geddes

New Scientist | October 29, 2009

In mice, a type of immune cell that can wreak havoc on healthy tissue is being used to combat cancer. Th17 cells, discovered only a few years ago, seem to reduce the aggressiveness of tumors.

Research Summary

A Protein Supports Interferons’ Protective Function

by Bryan R. G. Williams, Ph.D.

Fall 2009

Studies on a specific protein, PLZF, help to show how interferons operate. A summary of research published in Immunity.

Research Summary

Receptor Helps Us Fight Respiratory Virus Infection

by Santanu Bose, Ph.D.

Fall 2009

NOD2, a receptor protein, could be the key to defense against the flu and RSV. A summary of research published in Nature Immunology.