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Researchers use Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing to Better Understand Gut Inflammation Associated with Malnutrition

Aug 31, 2022

Key Takeaways Researchers used single-cell RNA-sequencing to study small intestinal biopsies of 33 individuals with environmental enteropathy (EE), which is thought to be a major contributor to malnutrition. They identified potential cellular and molecular targets for treatment.  BOSTON – Environmental enteropathy (EE), or gut inflammation due to environmental factors, is thought to be a major […]

A Single Genetic Variant Affects Immune Response to an Experimental Flu Vaccine

Aug 10, 2022

Key Takeaways A single genetic variant on human B cell receptors is responsible for differences in immune response to an experimental universal flu vaccine that targets the influenza viral spike protein. Findings suggest some people may not have broadly neutralizing antibody responses to universal flu vaccines, but there is the potential to rescue immune response. […]

Culture and Collaboration

Aug 3, 2022

The Ragon’s Biosafety Level 3 lab plays a key role in translational studies of emerging viral infections When scientists want to study potentially dangerous pathogens—bacteria, viruses, or other organisms that can cause disease—they need to use specialized laboratory spaces. At the Ragon Institute, our state-of-the-art Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory is where experiments can be […]

Different classes of IgG antibodies offer varied levels of protection against HIV transmission

Jul 27, 2022

Key Takeaways Researchers investigated the efficacy of four naturally occurring IgG subclasses against vaginal HIV infection. In a humanized mouse model, the antibody VRC07 IgG2 showed substantially reduced protection relative to other IgG subclasses. BOSTON – Immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) antibodies are produced by the immune system after exposure to HIV. There are four different types […]

Which COVID-19 vaccine type and timing are best during pregnancy?

Jun 28, 2022

BOSTON – Although pregnant individuals and newborns may face elevated risks of developing more severe cases of COVID-19 following SARS-CoV-2 infection, data indicate that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can help to protect both the mother and child. New research collaboratively led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and published […]

Working Together to Fight Disease

Jun 21, 2022

Sikhulile Moyo discusses the benefits of international collaboration and a culture of transparency Last week, the Ragon Institute welcomed virologist Sikhulile Moyo, PhD, laboratory director of the Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership (BHP) and research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, for a visit. Moyo is a collaborator with Ragon members Mathias Lichterfeld, […]

Thank You, Clinical Team Members!

Jun 6, 2022 Ragon Culture

May 26 was a sad but exciting day for the Ragon as the Clinical Team said goodbye to four of its team members, who are moving on to their next stages of training. All four will be pursuing further degrees in either science or medicine. Max Barbash worked on mucosal immunology and lymphoid studies at […]

Wearing Two Hats

Jun 3, 2022

Ragon member Gaurav Gaiha is a physician and scientist, Indian and American As the son of Indian immigrants, Gaurav Gaiha, MD, DPhil, describes himself as wearing two hats. He was born in the U.S. and grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois, outside of Chicago, which resulted in “a dual identity … at one moment you’re […]

COVID Uncertainties and New Paths

Jun 3, 2022

Research technician Agnes Cheng started a new job during the pandemic—and experienced her Asian identity in a different way amid a troubling rise in violence Graduating from college can be an uncertain and confusing time in any circumstances, but it was especially the case for Agnes Cheng, a research technician in Aaron Schmidt’s lab who […]

Striving for Answers in the Lab and Beyond

Jun 1, 2022

Research technician Liza Vecchiarello seeks knowledge in her personal and professional life Liza Vecchiarello, a research technician in Bruce Walker’s lab, would often get high fevers as a child. It remained a medical mystery until she doubled over in pain during recess in the third grade and was rushed to the hospital. There, doctors discovered […]

Studies Reveal Key Clues about COVID-19 Immunity, Immune Recall

May 20, 2022

How does the immune system remember and recognize viral invaders it has encountered in the past? A trio of newly published studies of people infected with SARS-CoV-2, vaccinated against the virus or both, are providing tantalizing new clues about the factors that influence the speed and magnitude of the immune system’s response to subsequent infection […]

$12 Million Grant Propels Research of Immune Systems of Pregnant Individuals

May 17, 2022

Researchers including Galit Alter, Boris Juelg, and Alex Shalek have just been awarded a five-year, over $12 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Human Immunology Project Consortium (HIPC) to study the immunology of pregnancy. This is the first time in the grant’s 12-year history that a project on immunology of […]

PRISM Week 8 is a Wrap!

May 3, 2022 Ragon Culture

Last Saturday, April 30, was the eighth week of this year’s PRISM Science Club. High school students learned about the importance of diagnostic tools and used gel electrophoresis kits from miniPCR bio to test for a fictional virus. Ragon Institute Director Dr. Bruce Walker also gave a surprise visit and talk! This marks the final […]

New details behind the body’s response to tuberculosis could lead to a more effective vaccine

Apr 27, 2022

Image from Immunity, courtesy of Elsevier BOSTON – More than 1.7 billion people—or a quarter of the world’s population—are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterial strain that causes tuberculosis (TB). For years, scientists have been working to develop an effective vaccine, but current TB vaccines are only partially protective. New research by a team including investigators at […]

Running the Marathon of Life (with a little help from Mass General)

Apr 15, 2022

When world-record holding marathoner Susan Ragon hit a bump in the road, she looked to Massachusetts General Hospital. In turn, her generosity and tenacity has inspired others in the Mass General community to lace up and join “Team Susan.” Read about Susan Ragon’s passion for running and how she inspired her care team at Mass […]