NIAID
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Imaging host-pathogen battle for metal
An unprecedented view of bacterial products within infected tissues opens new opportunities to explore infection biology and devise novel therapeutic strategies. Read MoreOct 31, 2019
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A new regulator of B cell development
New findings establish a role for the pro-inflammatory molecule IL-33 in the early development of antibody-producing B cells. Read MoreOct 8, 2019
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Treating C. diff: new purpose for an old drug?
An inexpensive generic drug once used to prevent gastrointestinal ulcers in people taking daily NSAIDs protects against C. diff infection in mice. Read MoreSep 24, 2019
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Microvilli in motion
Live cell imaging studies have revealed that microvilli — finger-like protrusions on the surface of epithelial cells — move and collide as they form the brush border. Read MoreSep 19, 2019
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How bugs overcome host defenses
Eric Skaar and colleagues have figured out how a common bug responsible for ventilator-associated pneumonia responds when starved of zinc, a metal it needs to survive, which may lead to new therapeutic targets for the dangerous infection. Read MoreApr 12, 2019
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Probing H. pylori cancer protein
Timothy Cover, john Loh and colleagues have identified how a certain type of mutation influences the risk of premalignant and malignant changes in the stomach. Read MoreFeb 15, 2019
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Pain relievers a risk for C. diff?
David Aronoff and colleagues report an increased risk of the serious gastrointestinal infection C. diff following the use of NSAID pain relievers. Read MoreJan 17, 2019
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Parsing diabetic skin infections
People with diabetes may be prone to more skin infections due to an overabundance of a compound that controls inflammation in the body. Read MoreNov 30, 2018
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New staph virulence factor
The new factor, an enzyme involved in host-pathogen interactions, may be a viable target for treating staph infections. Read MoreJun 28, 2018
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A “public” target for HIV
Common sequences of antibodies against HIV may be key to developing a successful vaccine strategy for the virus. Read MoreJun 8, 2018
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Evolution of a deadly virus
Genomic sequences have revealed that Florida is a major source of a mosquito-borne virus that causes disease in horses and humans. Read MoreMay 23, 2018
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New target to stop Ebola
A new Vanderbilt study suggests it may be possible to develop antibody therapies or a universal vaccine effective against multiple Ebola virus family members. Read MoreMay 21, 2018
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Alphavirus “Achilles heel”
Targeting the protein that mosquito-borne viruses use to enter cells could be a strategy for preventing infection by multiple emerging viruses. Read MoreMay 17, 2018
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Putting the brakes on sepsis
An enzyme called PTEN reduces inflammatory signaling and mortality in sepsis, suggesting it may be a good therapeutic target for this life-threatening complication of infection. Read MoreMay 9, 2018
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Toxin floats on lipid rafts
The bacterium H. pylori is a leading cause of stomach cancer, and Vanderbilt researchers are studying how one of its toxins gets into cells. Read MoreApr 23, 2018
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Disease-fighting antibody production
New research links nutrient-responsive cellular signaling to the antibody-mediated immune response. Read MoreApr 20, 2018
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Volunteers sought for bird flu vaccine trial
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is recruiting volunteers to participate in a national study of an investigational vaccine against the H7N9 influenza virus, also known as “bird flu.” Read MoreMar 15, 2018
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New imaging approach offers unprecedented views of staph infection
A new integrated imaging approach makes it possible to probe the molecules involved in invasive infections and can be broadly applied to any health or disease state. Read MoreMar 15, 2018
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Versatile C. difficile blocker
New research reveals a unique mechanism of C. difficile toxin neutralization by a monoclonal antibody, suggesting new therapeutic approaches. Read MoreJan 26, 2018
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Lighting up iron levels
A new probe enables iron imaging in living animals, providing a unique tool for studying iron’s contributions to health and disease. Read MoreJan 11, 2018