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La Jolla Institute for Immunology


Building your immunity: Tissue-resident immune cells defend human lungs from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections

A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

We can help the body fight entire viral families

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Your nose is a battlefield

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that FluMist can trigger an immune response directly in nasal tissue, training immune cells to recognize and fight influenza virus infection. This response stays in the upper airways and cannot be detected via blood samples.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

ALS appears to be an autoimmune disease

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that ALS is likely caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by inflammatory CD4+ T cells targeting specific proteins in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells may slow disease progression and prolong survival times.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2025

A stunning first look at the viruses inside us

Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

The hidden science of allergy shots

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology investigate the fundamentals of allergy immunotherapies by examining T cells in children with cockroach allergies, finding that dosage and underlying response don't affect treatment efficacy.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

A new timeline for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that T cell reactivity is highest during the prodromal period in Parkinson's disease, which can last for decades before noticeable symptoms. This finding may guide the development of early diagnostic tools and provide a new timeline for Parkinson's disease detection.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

How Zika virus knocks out our immune defenses

Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego discover Zika virus blocks dendritic cells' ability to alert T cells, while dengue virus stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger but uncontrolled immune response. Understanding these differences is key to developing life-saving vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Stopping asthma in its tracks

Researchers have developed two therapeutic cocktails that inhibit key molecules, stopping immune cells from overreacting to allergens. The treatments reduced asthma attacks in mice by erasing the immune system's memory of asthma-causing allergens.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Update: T cells may offer some protection in an H5N1 ‘spillover’ scenario

A new study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers suggests that many people may already have immune cells on standby to combat the H5N1 virus. The study found similarities between H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, allowing scientists to predict cross-reactive T cell responses that could help decrease disease severity.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalmBio·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 2025

LJI discovery paves the way for antivirals against Ebola virus and its deadly relatives

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have captured the first detailed images of the Ebola virus nucleocapsid structure, which is crucial for replicating in host cells. This breakthrough may accelerate the development of universal antivirals that target this viral structure to combat multiple filoviruses.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

LJI scientists develop new method to match genes to their molecular 'switches'

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology developed a computational method to link gene activity to molecular marks on DNA, potentially aiding in the detection of solid tumors and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This new approach utilizes machine learning tools to identify connections between genes and enhancers in the genome.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Vac to the future

A competition among researchers predicted B. pertussis vaccine responses based on a simple correlation between calendar age and antibody responses. The result highlights the need for further research to understand variability in vaccination outcomes.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

How T cells combat tuberculosis

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified 137 unique T cell epitopes targeted by the immune system in patients with active TB. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapies for the disease, which affects over 1.3 million people worldwide.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

T cells tackle new 'Pirola' SARS-CoV-2 variant

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that most T cells can still target epitopes on the new Pirola variant, suggesting people may be able to mount a response against it. The study's findings provide positive news in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the importance of vaccination with updated vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

No IKAROS, no antibodies

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Massachusetts General Hospital mapped the genome to understand how IKAROS controls healthy B cell development. They found that IKAROS solves a big problem in B cell development by bringing together far-away genes through looping, leading to proper expression and antibody production.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

A closer look at rebel T cells

Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have uncovered a group of T cells known as mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. These cells can recognize the same markers whether they come from humans or mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infectious diseases and improving cancer immunotherapies. The study also ...

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

A new look inside Ebola's 'viral factories'

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the inner workings of Ebola virus replication inside host cells, revealing 'viral factories' that form clusters of viral proteins and genomes. These microscopic structures are formed in host cells and play a crucial role in the virus's life cycle.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

New algorithm may fuel vaccine development

Researchers have developed a computational tool to compare large datasets and predict immune responses to disease, potentially leading to better vaccines. The new algorithm, designed by La Jolla Institute for Immunology scientists, uses machine learning to identify underlying patterns in immune system data.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023