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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

Stem cell memory CAR T cells achieve complete remissions at low doses without chemotherapy preconditioning

Researchers developed a highly homogeneous population of stem cell memory T cells that exhibit superior expansion and persistence, enabling complete responses at low doses. The study showed a favorable tolerability profile and demonstrated the separation between beneficial effects and toxic consequences.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Immunotherapy·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

A new CAR-T therapy from Sant Pau achieves positive results in a high proportion of patients with a refractory type of lymphoma

A new CAR-T therapy, HSP-CAR30, has achieved positive results in a high proportion of patients with refractory CD30+ lymphoma. The treatment promotes the expansion of memory T cells, leading to durable responses and improved clinical outcomes.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalBlood·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2025

New phase of the immune response uncovered

Researchers at University of Würzburg unveil novel mechanisms in the immune system's defense cell proliferation and specialization. The findings reveal a cyclical activation process driving the immune response, with potential implications for immunotherapies targeting cancer and chronic infections.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 10, 2025

Robust mucosal SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells effectively combat COVID-19 and establish polyfunctional resident memory in patient lungs

Researchers found robust, virus-fighting T cells in lung tissue that correlate with reduced viral load, inflammation, and improved respiratory function. These cells maintain a polyfunctional memory phenotype after viral clearance, highlighting their role in controlling COVID-19.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Stopping asthma in its tracks

Researchers have developed two therapeutic cocktails that inhibit key molecules, stopping immune cells from overreacting to allergens. The treatments reduced asthma attacks in mice by erasing the immune system's memory of asthma-causing allergens.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Update: T cells may offer some protection in an H5N1 ‘spillover’ scenario

A new study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers suggests that many people may already have immune cells on standby to combat the H5N1 virus. The study found similarities between H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, allowing scientists to predict cross-reactive T cell responses that could help decrease disease severity.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalmBio·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 2025

Recent study reveals key immune cells as critical factors in lung cancer prognosis

A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology highlights the crucial role of tissue-resident memory T cells in non-small cell lung cancer. The research found that these cells can significantly impact patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment strategies, particularly those involving immunotherapy.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

Gene signatures from tissue-resident T cells as a predictive tool for melanoma patients

Researchers found a strong association between favorable survival outcomes and high populations of tissue-resident memory T cells in melanoma patients. The study identified 11 distinct gene signatures that correlate with T cell abundance and patient survival, suggesting a crucial role for T cells in immunomodulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

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

Babies use immune system differently, but efficiently

Research from Cornell University reveals that newborn T cells are more efficient at responding to early stages of an infection and defending against unknown bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This discovery clarifies why infants respond differently to infections, paving the way for therapeutic applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Prior zika infection increases risk of subsequent severe dengue and hospitalization, study concludes

A Brazilian study found that prior zika infection significantly increases the risk of developing severe dengue and being hospitalized. The study analyzed samples from over 1,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients and identified a higher viral load and inflammatory cytokine levels in those with prior zika infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2024

Duke-NUS scientists discover potential nasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate that offers better and longer protection

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a potential intranasal vaccine candidate that provides improved, longer-lasting immunity against COVID-19. The vaccine boosts mucosal antibody response and enhances long-term immune protection through preferential induction of airway-resident T cells and central memory T cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Scientific breakthrough harnesses mRNA technology to develop powerful malaria vaccine

A breakthrough mRNA vaccine has been developed to target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against malaria. The vaccine combines an RNA-based approach with a liver-specific adjuvant, generating resident memory cells that halt malaria infection in the liver, providing a broader and more protective immune response.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Resident T-cells key to salmonella immunity

Researchers at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that tissue resident memory cells are crucial for inducing a powerful immune response against Salmonella. Molecules like interleukin-1 and 2 enhance the formation of these cells in the liver, providing a rapid-response force.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Studying partial remission of type 1 diabetes in children: New biomarkers and the immunoregulatory role of microRNA

A study has identified new microRNA biomarkers for the partial remission phase of type 1 diabetes and linked one of these microRNAs to immunoregulatory processes. The findings suggest a unique microRNA signature expression during this phase, which modulates regulatory T cell expansion and PD-1 expression.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNon-Coding RNA·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

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

Killer cells get better with age

Research by Saarland University scientists reveals that killer T cells become more effective and powerful with age, making them a promising tool for cancer immunotherapy. The study's findings suggest that older patients' immune systems can produce more potent killer cells to fight off pathogens.

SourceSaarland University·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 21, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 2022