Immunology

Hidden genetic mismatch, which triples the risk of a life-threatening immune attack after cord blood transplantation

A large registry study identifies a specific genetic mismatch linked to severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after cord blood transplantation, tripling the risk of life-threatening complications. Researchers found that a particular HLA combination in donors and recipients increased aGVHD risk by threefold.

A remote-controlled CAR-T for safer immunotherapy

Researchers have engineered a novel CAR-T cell that can be switched off on demand using a cancer drug, offering improved safety and efficacy. The new system, known as DROP-CAR-T, uses a clinically approved drug to disrupt tumor cell binding, preserving the cells for continued treatment.

Klaudia Kuranda joins Genethon and the Institute of Myology to create a center of expertise dedicated to immunology

A new Immunology Center will accelerate discoveries in muscle immunology and immune responses to gene therapies. Klaudia Kuranda brings expertise in immunology, onco-immunology, and leadership experience to the center.

Michelson Medical Research Foundation awards $750,000 to rising immunology leaders

The Michelson Medical Research Foundation has awarded $750,000 to five early-career scientists for their innovative work in immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy. The recipients will use the funding to accelerate their research and develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Macrophage immune cells need constant reminders to retain memories of prior infections

Researchers found that macrophages retain memories of previous infections due to persistent signaling molecules left behind, which can be reversed by blocking cytokine signaling pathways. This discovery suggests new ways to reduce the activity of misprogrammed macrophages contributing to autoimmune diseases.

A new vascularized tissueoid-on-a-chip model for liver regeneration and transplant rejection

Researchers developed a vascularized liver tissueoid-on-a-chip that recapitulates key structural, functional, and immunological features of human liver tissue. The platform enabled the study of liver regeneration and immune-mediated allograft rejection in a physiologically relevant human system.

Existing drug unlocks immunotherapy potential against rare liver cancer

A Cornell University study reveals that an existing FDA-approved drug, AMD3100, can prevent the sequestration of immune T cells from tumors, allowing them to attack cancer cells. The treatment shows promise for fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare and fatal liver cancer with no cure.

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery shows promise for pancreatic cancer

A new UCLA study found that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for some patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. The combination treatment helped patients live long enough to reach surgery, shrank tumors, and produced encouraging survival outcomes.

Exploring how the immune system detects drugs coated with ‘stealth’ polymers

Critical crosstalk between blood vessels and immune system, showing shared pathways in major diseases

The review outlines how vascular-immune crosstalk affects various diseases, revealing novel therapeutic opportunities. It highlights the shared embryonic origin of blood vessel cells and immune cells, as well as coordinated immune cell trafficking mechanisms.

Batista Lab study reveals how local antibody feedback regulates B cell competition and promotes immune diversity

Researchers at Ragon Institute discovered that antibodies produced in germinal centers act as a 'brake' on selection, redirecting the immune system toward broader protection. Stronger-binding B cells suppress weaker ones targeting the same site, establishing a localized feedback loop.

AI-guided protein design for enhanced intracellular antibodies

Researchers developed an AI-driven pipeline to create functional intracellular antibodies, overcoming major barriers in intrabody development. The approach successfully redesigned structures compatible within the cellular environment, enabling high target specificity and stability.

Scientists discover new gatekeeper cell in the brain

Scientists have identified a previously unknown cellular barrier in the brain called base barrier cells, which provides compartmentalization of the choroid plexus, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid. These cells become vulnerable during systemic inflammation, allowing harmful substances to enter the central nervous system.

No association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and autism in children, new research shows

Researchers studied 434 children for signs of autism or neurodevelopmental problems, finding no link between mRNA vaccine and autism. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Carl June and Michel Sadelain for revolutionizing cancer treatment using immunotherapy based on the patient’s own genetically modified cells

Researchers have developed a breakthrough technique to transform a patient's own T cells into soldiers trained to recognize and kill cancer cells, benefiting tens of thousands of individuals with blood cancers. The approach is now being explored for solid tumors and other diseases.

Multiple myeloma: Established cancer drug reactivates immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which an existing cancer drug can block the loss of BCMA molecules on cancer cells, allowing CAR T cell therapy to become effective again in some patients. The study shows that carfilzomib can prevent the degradation of BCMA and restore its presence on the surface of malignant plasma cells.

Building immunity against avian flu risks

A team from UNIGE has shown that certain antibodies to seasonal flu can also target avian flu. Stimulating these antibodies could strengthen protection in the event of a pandemic. Vaccinated individuals show increased levels of cross-reactive antibodies capable of neutralizing the H5N1 virus, which may result in milder symptoms.

UCalgary study investigates the use of a common vitamin to treat the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma

A UCalgary study found that adding high doses of vitamin B3 to the treatment plan may help rejuvenate compromised immune cells to kill tumour cells. The clinical trial showed promising results, with 82% of participants free of cancer progression at six-months.

How food shortages reprogram the immune system’s response to infection

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that food shortages trigger a coordinated system to uphold immune function while conserving energy. Calorie-restricted mice fought off infection using very little glucose, thanks to glucocorticoids, which reorganized immune cells and their energy usage.

Insilico Medicine appoints Halle Zhang, PhD (Med), as Vice President, Clinical Development – Oncology

Halle Zhang joins Insilico Medicine to lead global clinical development strategy for the company's oncology portfolio. She brings over 20 years of experience in oncology clinical development and a track record of advancing therapies through registrational trials.

New vaccine platform promotes rare protective B cells

Researchers at MIT and Scripps Research Institute have developed a vaccine that generates a significant population of rare precursor B cells capable of evolving to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The DNA-VLP approach shows potential for inducing broadly neutralizing antibody responses against influenza as well.

Could these two genes make T cells unstoppable?

Researchers at Salk Institute uncover two transcription factors, ZSCAN20 and JDP2, that determine T cell fate. Turning off these genes reverses T cell exhaustion and restores their ability to kill tumors without losing immune memory. The study challenges the long-standing belief of inevitable immune exhaustion.

Blood test to give insights into a person’s infection history

Researchers aim to develop a blood test that can determine a person's entire infection history by analyzing T-cell receptor analysis and sequencing. This could provide an indication of which pathogens they are immune to, improving diagnosis and treatment.

Sugar molecules point to a new weapon against drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have designed antibodies that recognize a unique sugar found on bacterial cells, providing a potential new treatment for multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. The target of the antibody is pseudaminic acid, a sugar molecule produced exclusively by bacteria and used to evade immune responses.

Gut microbe–derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy

A study published in Microbiome found that gut microbiome-derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy by promoting T follicular helper (Tfh) cell activity and mucosal antibody production. This discovery highlights the crucial role of gut environment regulation in controlling infections and enhancing vaccine resp...

UCLA study reveals dual forces driving SARS-CoV-2 Evolution: Immune pressure and viral fitness

A new UCLA study clarifies the complex relationship between antibody-driven immunity, viral evolution, and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2. The research found that population-wide antibody responses exert a powerful selective pressure driving the virus to mutate and evade detection.

Yeast cells can be used for rapid testing of cancer immunotherapy

Engineered yeast cells can mimic real cancer cells and be used to test new cancer immunotherapies much faster and cheaper than before. This new technology enables researchers to assess which CAR T variants are most promising much more quickly, leading to safer and more targeted cancer treatments.

MSK research highlights, February 4, 2026

Researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reveal the origins of Thetis cells, which play a crucial role in teaching immune system tolerance. The team used single-nucleus DNA sequencing to shed light on pancreatic cancer evolution and identify genetic changes that occur earlier or later in disease progression.

Researchers urge focus on child obesity and gut health to reduce risk of diabetes

University of Toronto researchers highlight the importance of studying child obesity, gut bacteria, and metabolic conditions to prevent youth-onset diabetes. They emphasize the need for personalized interventions tailored to individual microbiome profiles.

A double-edged sword: Chronic cellular stress promotes liver cancer—but also makes tumors vulnerable to immunotherapy

Chronic cellular stress drives liver cell cancer growth, suppressing immune response. Activated ATF6α makes tumors responsive to immunotherapy, opening up new therapeutic approaches.

UM School of Medicine launches clinical trial of investigative nasal spray medicine to prevent illnesses from respiratory viruses

A new experimental intranasal spray, INNA-051, will be tested in a randomized Phase 2 trial to determine its safety and effectiveness in reducing illness from respiratory viruses. The study aims to enroll 1,100 healthy adults at increased risk of upper respiratory virus infections.

Researchers develop more reliable platform to test antibody medicines

A new platform developed by VIB and UGent researchers allows for more accurate prediction of antibody drug effects in humans. The platform uses a next-generation mouse model that closely reflects human immune biology, enabling better decisions early in drug development.

Metallic markers make direct measurement of protein activity possible

Researchers developed new chemical probes to track individual enzymes, enabling direct measurement of protein activity and correcting prior limitations. This allows for a clearer picture of molecular logic in cells undergoing programmed cell death, potentially informing drug discovery.

How does Long COVID develop? New piece of the puzzle found

A big data study has identified a specific molecular state of immune cells as associated with the severity of fatigue and respiratory symptoms in Long COVID patients. This finding offers exciting starting points for further research into genetic risk factors and individualised medicine.

A new immune evasion pathway in cancer reveals statins as immunotherapy boosters

Researchers identified statins as a potential booster for cancer immunotherapy by preventing the release of PD-L1-containing sEVs. Statin treatment suppressed UBL3 modification, reduced PD-L1 sorting into sEVs, and improved survival outcomes in lung cancer patients.

How do nature and nurture shape our immune cells?

Researchers at Salk Institute debut an epigenetic catalog that shows genetic inheritance and life experiences have distinct effects on various types of immune cells, shedding light on individual differences in immune responses and potential new personalized therapeutics.

New research connects heart attacks to brain, nervous and immune systems

Researchers have uncovered a new understanding of how cardiac events are interconnected with the brain and nervous/immune systems. They found that sensory neurons in the vagus nerve detect injury and transfer signals to dedicated brain structures, leading to activation of the immune system.

Antibodies targeting immunoglobulin E Cε2 region as potential rapid anti-allergy therapy

Researchers identified Fab antibody fragments that target the IgE Cε2 domain, effectively stripping IgE from mast cells. The most potent Fab clones showed rapid efficacy in cellular assays and in vivo anaphylaxis models, demonstrating potential as a next-generation anti-allergy therapy.

Chinese Medical Journal article review: cGAS‑STING pathway emerges as cornerstone for next‑generation immunotherapies

The cGAS-STING pathway plays a crucial role in detecting cellular DNA, triggering type I interferons and cytokines, and modulating immune responses. Its therapeutic potential is being explored in cancer and various diseases, with promising preclinical evidence suggesting its potential as a target for next-generation immunotherapies.

Discovery illuminates how inflammatory bowel disease promotes colorectal cancer

Researchers found that TL1A, a key immune signaling protein, stimulates the growth of new white blood cells in the bone marrow, which then promote tumor formation in the gut. The study suggests that blocking TL1A activity could be an effective strategy to treat IBD and prevent associated colorectal tumors.

MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has made significant advancements in cancer care through its collaborative efforts between clinicians and scientists. These breakthroughs include an immune-targeting vaccine that shows promise in intercepting cancer in patients with Lynch Syndrome, a novel immunotherapy that demonstrate...

Could a dietary supplement make the difference between life and death during illness?

Salk Institute scientists discover that dietary supplementation of the amino acid methionine protects infected mice against inflammation-related wasting, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and death. Methionine boosts kidney filtration, reducing circulating cytokine levels and improving disease outcomes.

Spotting skin cancer sooner with the help of artificial intelligence

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing AI models to accurately detect melanoma by analyzing images of skin abnormalities. The technology can help dermatologists identify cases that may require closer attention, leading to earlier treatment and improved health outcomes.

Activated CD8+ T cells enable early prediction and precision treatment of acute graft‑versus‑host disease

Researchers identified a distinct population of activated CD38+ HLA-DR+ CD8+ T cells that expands in patients at risk for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Tracking this subset can predict disease onset and guide treatment, with targeted therapy offering a promising avenue for precise intervention.

Altered microbiome: Oral bacteria play a role in chronic liver disease

Researchers found identical bacterial strains in the mouth and gut of patients with advanced chronic liver disease, suggesting oral bacteria colonize the gut. These bacteria can damage the intestinal barrier, compromising gut health.

Should younger and older people receive different treatments for the same infection?

Salk Institute scientists found distinct disease courses and tolerance mechanisms in younger and older mice with sepsis, indicating a need for age-tailored therapies. The study suggests that future treatments may focus on controlling infection-generated damage rather than just targeting the pathogen.

While exploring the cosmos, astronauts also fuel explorations of the biology of aging and cellular resilience

A recent Buck Institute study revealed that spaceflight accelerates aging due to changes in immune cell composition and epigenetic markers. However, researchers also found evidence of intrinsic rejuvenation factors that can counteract these age-accelerating stressors.

Fat surrounding the colon interacts with the immune system

Research reveals that fat located near the colon contains an unusually high number of inflammatory fat cells and immune cells, suggesting a unique function in communicating with the immune system in the gut region. This tissue may be an adaptation to the gut microbiome and could contribute to amplifying or sustaining inflammation.

When a virus releases the immune brake: New evidence on the onset of multiple sclerosis

Researchers identify a concrete biological mechanism that triggers MS, focusing on B cells and Epstein-Barr virus. This understanding may help guide future strategies to prevent or treat MS.

How wheat protects itself from fungi

Researchers discovered a previously unknown interplay between wheat's resistance genes and fungal disease factors. The study found that powdery mildew fungus overcomes resistance by modifying recognized effectors, but a new approach could slow down its development by combining targeted resistance genes.

Researchers uncover axonal protein synthesis defect in ALS

Scientists at VIB and KU Leuven discovered a molecular process that enables motor neurons to maintain protein production, which fails in ALS. By restoring protein synthesis in axons, they reduced disease-related damage in ALS models.

Cat disease challenges what scientists thought about coronaviruses

Researchers have discovered that feline infectious peritonitis virus infects a broader range of immune cells, including B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. The findings suggest that the virus can persist in these cells even after treatment, potentially leading to long-term immune problems.

New understanding of how to harness the immune system to fight cancer

Georgetown University researchers discovered a method to enhance the function of T cells, making them more effective in killing cancer cells. By inhibiting PARP, an enzyme that detects DNA abnormalities, scientists can boost the body's immune response against tumors.

Victoria’s Secret grant backs cutting-edge ovarian cancer research

Melanie Rutkowski's pioneering research may lead to novel immunotherapy treatments for ovarian cancer by understanding how faulty cellular signaling interacts with the microbiome. The grant aims to enhance immune system's ability to kill cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.

Researchers find promising new way to boost the immune response to cancer

Researchers have developed a new way to boost the immune system's response to cancer by using specially engineered antibodies. The antibodies work by clustering multiple immune cell receptors, amplifying the signal that tells T cells to attack cancer cells.

Shining a spotlight on cancer

A Mizzou researcher developed an antibody that attaches to and lights up EphA2 protein in cancerous tumors, allowing for non-invasive detection and identification of patients who can benefit from targeted treatments. This innovation could save time and money while advancing precision medicine.

Fatal infection risk in newborns may increase when this bacteria and fungus mix

Researchers discovered that GBS interacts with C. albicans, increasing the risk of severe and fatal infections in newborns and making standard treatments less effective. The co-infection can also reduce the effectiveness of existing GBS treatments.

Vitamin C may help protect fertility from a harmful environmental chemical

Researchers found that male fish exposed to vitamin C and potassium perchlorate showed improved fertility and less damage to their testes compared to those exposed only to the chemical. The study suggests a potential safeguard for individuals regularly exposed to these chemicals, including military personnel.

Study identifies potential biomarker linked to progression and brain inflammation in multiple sclerosis

A University of Toronto-led study has discovered a potential biomarker linked to multiple sclerosis disease progression that could help identify patients most likely to benefit from new drugs. The findings were validated in both mouse models and humans, suggesting a possible surrogate marker for leptomeningeal inflammation.

Cleveland Clinic Research links tumor bacteria to immunotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer

Two studies found that elevated bacteria levels in tumors weaken immune response, driving resistance to immunotherapy. Researchers are now exploring how to identify patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy and develop targeted interventions to restore its effectiveness.