Immunology and Immunodeficiency Related News
Understanding kiss of death for some improves outlook for others
MEDIA RELEASE:
02 Nov 2011
Although we don’t realize it, almost all of us are exposed to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), often through kissing. Around 10-20% of those exposed will develop glandular fever, known colloquially as “kissing disease”. For those born with the rare immunodeficiency known as X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), infection with the saliva-borne virus can be fatal. Garvan immunologists have discovered why EBV is so catastrophic for people with XLP. While their finding does not point to a cure, it tells us much we need to know about viruses and the immune system.
Stuart Tangye wins 2011 Gottschalk Medal
14 Dec 2010
The Australian Academy of Science announced last week that Dr Stuart Tangye, an immunologist at Garvan, has won the 2011 Gottschalk Medal for research in the medical sciences, the most prestigious award in the field for early career researchers.
Creating clarity around a key aspect of the immune system
MEDIA RELEASE:
16 Aug 2010
Garvan researchers have made a finding on the frontier of immunology that will create much buzz in the field as it explains how a pivotal class of immune cells, known as T follicular helper cells, is generated.
How a single molecule gives our immune systems their memory
MEDIA RELEASE:
11 Jan 2010
By studying the blood cells of people with an immunodeficiency disorder, scientists at Garvan have been able to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to the production of antibodies in human B cells. This has wider implications for potential treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.
What B cells can tell us about certain cancers and autoimmune diseases
MEDIA RELEASE:
23 Nov 2009
By studying blood samples from patients recovering from bone marrow transplants, Garvan scientists have been able to extract information that could help us fight certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Finding that could shed light on "golden staph", candida and allergies
MEDIA RELEASE:
01 Jul 2008
Recent scientific findings explain why people with Hyper IgE Syndrome, or ‘Job’s Syndrome’, are unusually susceptible to certain common infections. By revealing the exact molecular mechanisms involved, they also give us clues as to why some ‘healthy’ people are more prone to these infections than others, and suggest potential treatments.
Silencing of molecular 'conversation' may help curb severe allergies
MEDIA RELEASE:
30 Jun 2008
Scientists in Sydney have identified a process, a synergistic encounter between two molecules, that may account for the extreme allergic reactions some people experience. By silencing at least one of these molecules, it may be possible to treat allergies.
Managing the way our immune system remembers infection
01 Aug 2007
New Garvan research, published online in the prestigious PNAS journal, identifies which genes are involved in our bodies’ capacity to “remember” infection, and fight it the second time around. This knowledge could be useful in developing new vaccines.
Clues to how diet might affect the immune system
02 Dec 2006
Garvan scientists are proposing that dietary fats can affect how well our immune system works and have discovered that one of the earliest steps in immune system activation relies on a molecule that binds fats.
Garvan researchers explain how stress makes us sick
05 Dec 2005
Garvan Institute scientists have discovered how a hormone known as neuropeptide Y (NPY) can prevent our immune system functioning properly paving the way for new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
