Same cell, different problem: Learning how iHPCs lead to complications in autoimmune disease, malaria
A macrophage is an immune cell that’s like a vacuum, zooming around your body and cleaning up things like old cells and bacteria. But occasionally, macrophages get confused and start eating healthy red blood cells.
Do MS Treatments Make Vaccines Less Effective?
This issue of vaccine efficacy has taken center stage in light of the pandemic. A BRI team led by Estelle Bettelli, PhD, and Yevgeniy Yuzefpolskiy, PhD, recently made key findings about how three different medicines for multiple sclerosis (MS) impact response to COVID-19 vaccines.
Finding Genetic Changes That Cause Autoimmunity
To better treat — and even prevent — autoimmune diseases, we need to know exactly what causes them. Scientists have long known that genetics play a role in these diseases but are still working to understand how and why.
Honoring Family with an Endowment for T1D Research
When Nina and Georg Pedersen were writing charitable gifts into their will, they had two goals: finding meaningful ways to honor their family and recognizing the expert care they’ve received at Virginia Mason.
$11.4 Million to Explore Link Between Viruses and Immune System Diseases
Understanding how viruses impact the immune system has long been a focus at BRI. Two years of pandemic life have made answering two questions particularly important: Can respiratory viruses like the common cold or COVID-19 start the chain reaction that leads to immune system disease?
Progress Against Peanut Allergies
One question inspired Erik Wambre, PhD, to dedicate his career to allergy research. “Why can most people eat peanuts without a problem, but some people have a serious reaction to just a small amount?” he says. “What makes one person allergic and not another?”
Inside BRI’s Gut Immunity Program
To most people, the gut is just a part of your body that helps digest food.
Two Years in: How BRI Continues to Fight COVID-19
A pattern emerged at the beginning of the pandemic: COVID-19 led to an overly aggressive immune response in some people, causing deadly inflammation.
BRI’s Approach Inspires Mara’s Support
At age 14, Mara, who is now in her 30s, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. A few years ago, she also learned she had celiac disease and was recently confronted with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
Exploring Alpha: Deep Dive into T Cells Unveils Possible Driver of T1D
A team led by Peter Linsley, PhD, and Karen Cerosaletti, PhD, recently uncovered a clue that could help solve the mystery of why and how T1D starts and maybe even open the door to new therapies that stop the disease.