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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

Building protection against infectious diseases with nanostructured vaccines

Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 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

How does the immune system prepare for breastfeeding?

Researchers discovered that immune cells called T cells are abundant in mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with some relocating from the gut. This finding may help explain the benefits of breastfeeding and inform dietary decisions to enhance breast milk production and quality.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 29, 2025

Disrupting ‘communication’ with plants could limit soybean cyst nematode infections

A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Toronto researchers devise new way to find proteins for targeted treatment of disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto and Sinai Health have created a new platform to identify proteins that can be co-opted to control the stability of other proteins. The study identified over 600 new effector proteins that could be used therapeutically, including those that can efficiently degrade or stabilize target proteins.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024

Intestinal bacteria metabolite promotes capture of antigens by dendritic cells

A team of researchers from Okayama University found that short-chain fatty acids produced by intestinal bacteria trigger elongation of dendrites in dendritic cells, capturing intestinal pathogens and enhancing immune responses. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments targeting dendritic cells to prevent diseases.

SourceOkayama University·JournalFEBS Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

Hobit turns immune cells into killers

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have found that innate lymphoid cells can specialize into killer cells that recognize and kill tumour cells. The study reveals a new transcription factor, Hobit, drives this specialization process.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

HKUST Researchers Discover a Novel Mechanism of Recruiting Arf Family Proteins to specific subcellular localizations

The study reveals that N-terminal amphipathic motifs of certain Arf proteins determine their specific subcellular localization in a GTP-independent manner. This uncoupling of membrane association and activation may provide new insights for targeting proteins to specific intracellular locations.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 5, 2021

The lipid code

Researchers have developed light-activated tools to influence lipid concentration in living cells, shedding light on the 'lipid code'. This approach could enable medical professionals and biochemists to verify results with quantitative data from living cells.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2020

Seafood poisoning bug thwarts a key host defense by attacking the cell's cytoskeleton

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria deploy a needle-like apparatus called Type III Secretion System (T3SS) to inject toxic proteins into cells, disabling their ability to produce defensive molecules like reactive oxygen species. This allows the bacteria to escape the gut and cause l...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 22, 2017

Molecule could suppress immune system's 'friendly fire'

Researchers have discovered a molecule, IGF-1, that can induce the production of T-reg cells, suppressing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The findings confirm IGF-1's direct action on T-reg cells, making it a promising therapeutic option for conditions like type-1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

SourceMonash University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 22, 2014

Hide and seek signals

New research at the Weizmann Institute shows how blood vessel cells 'hide' signals from immune cells, only allowing those with special training to cross. This selective barrier prevents certain immune cells from reaching tumors near blood vessels.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 15, 2011

Return to normalcy

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory investigate the concept of return to normalcy in genetic systems. They uncover new insights into how cells can re-establish normal gene expression after perturbations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 2, 2005

Of mice and men

Researchers found that human cells use RalGEFs as primary effectors of Ras-mediated tumorigenesis, unlike in rodents. This discovery highlights the need for caution in using mice to model human disease and opens new avenues for cancer therapy targeting.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 14, 2002