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ILC2 cells emerge as key cellular interfaces bridging nervous and immune systems

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) form tight anatomical associations with sensory, autonomic, and enteric nerve fibers, receiving neural regulation through activating and inhibitory pathways. ILC2s also secrete cytokines that can act back on neurons, forming positive feedback loops that modulate allergic and anti-infective immunity.

SourceImmunity & Inflammation·JournalImmunity & Inflammation·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 25, 2026

New imaging technique reveals the inner workings of immune cells

Researchers have developed a nondestructive imaging technique to measure single-cell immune metabolism in real patient blood samples, providing a higher level of information than current clinical techniques. This breakthrough could improve disease diagnosis and treatment for conditions like blood cancers, lupus, and sepsis.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Fat stores power the body’s virus defence

Scientists at La Trobe University discovered lipid droplets play a critical role in the body's early detection and defence against viruses. The study found these fatty structures can stop viruses from spreading by changing their structure and signalling to the immune system.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

USC Stem Cell mouse study sheds light on the secret to maintaining a youthful immune system

A USC Stem Cell mouse study identifies a small subset of blood stem cells as the primary driver of immune aging. The researchers found that this subset overproduces innate immune cells, leading to an age-associated imbalance and increased disease risk. By targeting this subset, the study suggests a potential therapy to delay immune agi...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Combined delivery of engineered virus with immunotherapy is safe and improves outcomes in subset of patients with glioblastoma

A Phase I/II clinical trial combining intratumoral delivery of an engineered oncolytic virus with subsequent immunotherapy improved survival outcomes in a subset of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The study demonstrated the combination was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities.

Fats help tag medical implants as friend or foe

Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Immune cells have a backup mechanism

Researchers at University of Bonn discover a backup mechanism in immune cells that ensures efficient antiviral responses despite TBK1 enzyme mutations or complete loss. This mechanism relies on the stability of IKKepsilon protein, which compensates for TBK1 deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Tuberculosis vaccine does not protect elderly against COVID-19

A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2023

Intestinal microorganisms influence white blood cell levels in blood

A team of researchers discovered that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in driving granulopoiesis, a process formation of granulocytes, in mice models. The study found that alterations in the gut microbiome composition induced by neutropenia stimulate reactive granulopoiesis via interleukin 17A secreted by T cells, promoting neu...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Innate immune response may predict COVID-19 severity

A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that COVID-19 disease severity is linked to the characteristics of white blood cells called granulocytes. Combined measurements of granulocyte characteristics and widely used biomarkers can predict key clinical features such as respiratory function and multiorgan failure.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2021

DNA as a weapon of immune defense

Scientists have found that a social amoeba uses both phagocytosis and DNA nets to defend against bacteria, similar to the human immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic granulomatous disease and other immune disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2016

Researchers discover new signaling pathway linked to inflammatory disease

Researchers have identified a key inhibitory role for the IL-1 signaling pathway in the human innate immune system, revealing its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. The study suggests that certain drugs used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may be harmful to IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 14, 2010

Tiny Tampa Bay fish key to evolution of immune system

Researchers studying a lancelet, a tiny primitive fish found in Tampa Bay waters, have identified key immune system proteins that share similarities with those found in humans. The study's findings could lead to improved biodefense and biotechnology for cancer treatment and disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 3, 2006

Pattern recognition receptors on mast cells

Pattern recognition receptors on mast cells play a crucial role in triggering an immune response and modulating inflammation. This receptor activation leads to the release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory mediators, contributing to various diseases such as allergic reactions and asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2002