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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

New strategy could prevent T cell exhaustion and boost immunotherapy

Researchers have identified a new strategy to prevent T cell exhaustion and boost immunotherapy by blocking MEK signaling. This approach has shown promise in lab models, enabling T cells to persist under harsh tumor conditions. However, the effectiveness of this treatment may vary among patients due to the complexity of T cell exhaustion.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026
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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

Elite immune cells lead the fight against multiple myeloma

Researchers from The University of Osaka discovered that only a small proportion of CD8 T cells undergo sustained clonal expansion in multiple myeloma immunotherapy, leading to the strongest anti-tumor response. Early immune activity could help predict which cells will become effective cancer fighters.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalLeukemia·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

A well-organized police patrol in the lymph nodes

A new study from the University of Lausanne identifies a specific subset of fibroblasts that produce Ccl19, an 'attractant signal' for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, bringing them into contact with type 1 dendritic cells. This mechanism is essential for proper immune cell organization and function.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalImmunity·DateApr 23, 2026

Scientists discover how key immune cells protect the prostate

Researchers reveal that immune system's T cells travel to the prostate to provide long-term protection against infections. Harnessing these disease-fighting cells could lead to new therapies for prostate cancer and inflammatory conditions.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 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
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

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
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Computer model helps identify cancer-fighting immune cells key to immunotherapy

Researchers developed a computer model called MANAscore to identify tumor-fighting immune cells in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The three-gene model helped find differences associated with patient response to immunotherapy, including the presence of stem-like memory T cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2025

T cells rise up to fight infections in the gut

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells rise up to fight infections in the small intestine, using spatial transcriptomics technology. These immune cells are split between villi and crypts, with progenitor-like cells replenishing effector T cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Your immune cells are what they eat

Researchers at Salk Institute establish a novel framework for the relationship between nutrition and cell identity. They found that a nutritional switch from acetate to citrate plays a key role in determining T cell fates, shifting them from active effector cells to exhausted cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2024

Enzyme identified as new therapeutic target for “cold” tumors

Researchers have identified UBA1 enzyme as key mediator for immune response to tumors, inhibiting its activity increases T-cell recruitment and lowers tumor resistance. Pairing UBA1 inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade therapies may make immunotherapy more effective for patients with 'cold' tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

POSTECH team pioneers new cancer therapy strategy: targeting GLUT3 in regulatory T cells to supercharge anti-tumor immunity

Researchers at POSTECH have identified GLUT3 as essential for the suppressive function of regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironments, which can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy. The team's findings highlight the critical role of GLUT3 in regulating protein modifications that sustain immune suppression within tumors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateNov 12, 2024
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MD Anderson Research Highlights: SITC 2024 Special Edition

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center present promising new treatments, including a gastric cancer therapy using T cell antigen coupler technology. Additionally, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are shown to improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung and melanoma cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateNov 9, 2024

Fever drives enhanced activity, mitochondrial damage in immune cells

Researchers found that fever temperatures increase helper T cell metabolism, proliferation and inflammatory activity, while causing mitochondrial stress, DNA damage and cell death in a specific subset of Th1 cells. These findings may explain how chronic inflammation contributes to cancer development and suggest a fundamental way cells ...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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‘Goldilocks’ binding strength determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy and fate

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a 'Goldilocks' binding strength between T-cell receptors and cancer proteins determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy. The optimal middle-ground binding strength creates cancer-killing effector cells, while too little or too much stimulation leads to exhaustion.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review article highlights the potential and promise of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

Researchers may have found key to deprogram cells that lead to transplant rejection

Researchers have identified a subset of T-cells that acts like stem cells and continuously generates effector T-cells that attack transplanted organs. Targeting the transcription factor IRF4 may lead to innovative therapies for patients with chronic infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases and transplanted organs.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Optimizing boosters: How COVID mRNA vaccines reshape immune memory after each dose

Researchers found that T cells can reshape their memory and maintain diversity against COVID-19 variants in response to successive mRNA vaccinations. The study revealed a shift among clonotypes, with a change from early responders to main responders after the second shot, suggesting a new dominant population of effector-memory T cells.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review discusses metabolic reprogramming of T cells

The review highlights how T cell metabolism influences their fate, particularly in response to pathogen infections and tumorigenesis. It explores the role of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in energy production and metabolic adaptation, which can contribute to T cell exhaustion.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 28, 2024

A step toward personalized immunotherapy for all

Scientists from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that patients with 'cold' tumors produce cancer-fighting T cells, suggesting a potential cure from within. The researchers developed an approach called 'Identify, Predict, Validate' to detect these T cells in over 130 patients.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Interferon-gamma drives brain pathology in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy

In a mouse model of multiple system atrophy, alpha-synuclein overexpression induces neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. IFNγ produced by infiltrating CD4+ T-cells mediates these changes. The study suggests that IFNγ is a potential future disease-modifying therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

When and how immune cells decide to form pathogen memories

Researchers have discovered that immune cells can form memories of pathogens at multiple phases during an infection, with the ability to switch between memory and effector cell fates. This flexibility enables individuals to better adapt to uncertain situations and respond effectively to different threats.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024
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Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Finding the source of debilitating, body-wide muscular pain and weakness

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have identified PD-1+ T cells as the culprit behind harmful inflammation in certain muscular disorders. The study found that these cells, when activated, produce cell-damaging molecules, causing body-wide weakness and pain.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·DateDec 14, 2023

Scientists engineer potent immune cells for ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Tuning T cell traits and functions with biomechanical materials

A research team at the Wyss Institute engineered a 3D model of extracellular matrix to study the impact of tissue mechanics on T cells. They found that viscoelasticity played a crucial role in shaping T cell traits and functions, enabling the creation of functionally distinct T cell populations for adoptive therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Mapping the development of infection-fighting immune cells

Researchers discover cBAF protein complex plays crucial role in controlling T cell fate during infection. The study reveals how chromatin remodeling and genetic code accessibility influence the development of cytotoxic T cells into effector and memory subtypes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers identify potential new strategy to prevent side effects from immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

How regulatory T cells halt aberrant, self-reactive T cells

Regulatory T cells suppress self-reactive T cells by controlling protein synthesis, maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. A small molecule inhibitor called RocA also shows promise in mitigating inflammatory responses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Immune cells in ALS patients can predict the course of the disease

Researchers have discovered a way to predict the course of ALS by measuring immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid. A high proportion of effector T cells is associated with low survival rates, while activated regulatory T cells indicate a protective role against rapid disease progression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2022

Protein kinase CK2 has key role in killer T cells during infection by Listeria monocytogenes

The study found that protein kinase CK2 plays a key role in regulating CD8+ T cell activation, metabolic reprogramming and differentiation during infection by the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. In mouse models, deletion of the CK2α catalytic subunit impaired CD8+ T cell function.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New gene editing strategy could lead to treatments for people born with inherited diseases of the immune system

Researchers have developed a pioneering gene editing strategy that can repair faulty genes in immune cells, offering new hope for patients with conditions like CTLA-4 insufficiency. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to target and correct the faulty gene, preserving important regulatory mechanisms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers learn that ALS may be linked to both the immune and central nervous systems

Researchers from Mount Sinai found a significant connection between the immune system and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease. The study analyzed mice and human samples using state-of-the-art technologies, revealing peculiar immune signatures that distinguish different forms of ALS.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Regulating the regulators of the immune system

Researchers discovered that checkpoint inhibitors can activate regulatory T cells, which can counteract the immune response. Blocking PD-L1 enhanced effector Treg activity, reducing ability to control parasite infections. This finding highlights complexity of immune system's balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Boosting the immune defense: Interleukin-2 promotes fate decisions in CD8 T cells for long- or short-term immune protection

Researchers found that interleukin-2 promotes the development of two subsets of CD8 T cells, one producing IL-2 and the other not, with distinct fates. The IL-2-producing cells develop into immune memory cells with long-term protection, while the non-IL-2-producing cells gain effector traits but lose memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Target identified to improve immunotherapy against solid tumors: the transcription factor Blimp1

Scientists have identified the transcription factor Blimp1 as a new critical regulator of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Disrupting Blimp1 in these cells remodels the tumor microenvironment and augments the response to immunotherapy, promoting improved tumor control and anti-tumor immunity.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

UCI-led study finds that cancer immunotherapy may self-limit its efficacy

A recent UCI-led study reveals that cancer immunotherapy can trigger both favorable and unfavorable immune effects, with T regulatory cells playing a key role in limiting tumor control. The study found that CTLA-4 blockage activates these cells, decreasing the efficacy of immunotherapy and potentially leading to fatal autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell·DateJun 22, 2021

Collaboration controls killers

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital studied enhancers that regulate Foxp3 gene expression to control effector and killer T cells. They found that these enhancers work together to curb the immune cells' activity, ensuring they only attack cancer cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 4, 2021
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers map metabolic signaling machinery for producing memory T cells

Immunologists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have mapped the biological machinery that generates T cells to kill bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells. The study reveals mechanisms that inhibit development of long-lived memory T cells, which can be blocked with pharmacological or genetic approaches to boost protective immunity.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateFeb 25, 2021

How the immune system remembers viruses

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that memory T cells form earlier in the immune response than previously believed, contrary to current scientific opinion. This discovery has significant implications for vaccine development and could lead to improved vaccines with increased long-term effectiveness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2020

Engineered T cells for type 1 diabetes move closer to clinic

Researchers have developed a therapy using engineered T cells to target and treat type 1 diabetes by restoring balance in the pancreas. The treatment involves genetically engineering a patient's own T cells to function like normal regulatory T cells, which then help suppress the overactive immune response.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 3, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New understanding of immune modulator interleukin-2 guides drug discovery

Researchers have uncovered the intricate details of interleukin-2's interactions with receptor molecules, providing a blueprint for more targeted therapies. The study shows how IL-2 can act as either a throttle or a brake on the immune response in different contexts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2020
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Protein police keep the immune system in check

A specific transcription factor called JunB helps control the activity of effector regulatory T cells, which suppress immune activity. Without JunB regulation, mice develop severe inflammation in their lungs and colons, suggesting JunB prevents autoimmunity in specific organs.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2018