Immunology Archives

September 15, 2021 Explainer: What is the gut microbiome?

Our microbiomes take the phrase “trust your gut” to a whole new level. The gut microbiome is a rich population of bacteria, fungi, viruses and…

June 23, 2021 A ‘tasty’ protein may lead to new ways to treat metabolic and immune diseases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 24, 2021) — The same taste-sensing molecule that helps you enjoy a meal from your favorite restaurant may one day lead…

February 2, 2021 New study to probe how diet and metabolism influence the immune system

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Feb. 3, 2021) — A pair of scientists from Van Andel Institute and the National Institute of…

May 18, 2020 New biomarker could flag tumors that are sensitive to common diabetes drug

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 19, 2020) — A newly identified biomarker could help scientists pinpoint which cancers are vulnerable to treatment with biguanides, a common…

May 17, 2020 Releasing molecular ‘brake’ kick-starts immune cell function

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 18, 2020) — The immune system’s ability to marshal specialized cells to fight off infection relies in part on tiny molecules…

February 3, 2020 Dietary interventions may slow onset of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Feb. 4, 2020) — Significantly reducing dietary levels of the amino acid methionine could slow onset and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune…

December 10, 2019 Explainer: What is immunology?

Immunology is the study of the immune system, the body’s natural defenses against infection and disease. The immune system employs numerous defense mechanisms to keep…

November 19, 2019 Severe pregnancy-related depression may be rooted in inflammation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Nov. 20, 2019) — A runaway, inflammatory immune response may be responsible for triggering severe depression during and after pregnancy, according to…