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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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

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.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

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.

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.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

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.

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateFeb 10, 2026

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 4, 2026

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...

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 27, 2026

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.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJan 26, 2026

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.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2026

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Imaging and Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2026