Two new studies clarify how Epstein-Barr virus may trigger multiple sclerosis: one shows a doubled CD4+ T cell response in untreated patients, while another reveals EBV-activated B cells cause brain inflammation in mice. Insights point to potential therapies targeting EBV-specific immune activity.
Research has identified CD27 expression as a potential biomarker for monitoring regulatory T cell (Treg) induction efficacy in clinical trials. Studies show CD27 marks memory-like Tregs with superior suppressive capacity, correlating with immune regulation in type 1 diabetes patients. Treg-based tolerance restoration is emerging as a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases and transplantation.
Trial: VPM1002/Immuvac show limited overall TB protection but up to 50.4% efficacy vs extrapulmonary TB. Modeling: blocking asymptomatic TB key to long-term vaccine impact. Also: STEP-TB safety study and CDC Asia funding.
Researchers identify DPY30 as an epigenetic target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. UC San Diego researchers redirect CMV immunity against pancreatic cancer in preclinical models. A Fred Hutch researcher receives ACS grant to study immunotherapy resistance in melanoma.
A first-in-human trial shows individualized neoantigen mRNA vaccines generated multi-year T cell responses in early-stage TNBC patients, with 82.9% of targeted mutations eliciting measurable immune activation not detectable before vaccination.
Moderna and Merck are recruiting patients for a Phase 2 trial testing V940, an mRNA-based cancer vaccine, combined with Keytruda and chemotherapy as first-line treatment for metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Engineered regulatory T cell therapies are progressing through clinical trials for autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection, with CAR-Treg candidates showing promising early results in rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.