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New approach opens rare immune cells to genetic risk research

Researchers developed a new method to study long-distance DNA regulation in rare immune cells, uncovering previously hidden connections relevant to autoimmune diseases. The approach prioritized over 100 candidate genes linked to Crohn's disease risk, including CLN3, which was not typically associated with the condition.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2026

New atlas maps potential of genes to predict adverse drug reactions

A new atlas has been developed to map the potential of genes in predicting adverse drug reactions, utilizing a comprehensive analysis of genetic data from the Million Veteran Program. This genomic-led strategy aims to anticipate drug safety effects by identifying key genetic variants associated with adverse reactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 16, 2026

Untangling the risk factors for developing multiple chronic conditions among UK South Asian populations

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani individuals are more likely to develop multimorbidity, a condition where people experience multiple chronic illnesses simultaneously. The research identified sociodemographic and genetic factors that increase the risk of developing these conditions,...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2026

Kidney cancer gene reveals an unexpected weakness and a new path for treatment

Researchers discover that kidney cancer cells lacking the tumor suppressor gene SETD2 become highly dependent on protein BCL-xL for survival. By targeting this dependency, they can selectively eliminate SETD2-deficient cancer cells, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for patients with aggressive subset of kidney cancers.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

How age, sex and genetics shape our antibodies

A study found that age, biological sex, and human genetic factors determine the quantity and specificity of antibodies produced in response to viral infections. The research has significant implications for vaccine and therapeutic design, as it shows that individual profiles can be tailored to improve treatment effectiveness.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateFeb 18, 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.

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

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

A stunning first look at the viruses inside us

Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 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

Low binding affinity improves vaccine efficacy

Researchers developed a novel vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by selecting antigen variants with low binding affinity, resulting in higher neutralizing antibody concentrations. This design strategy may also improve vaccine efficacy for other coronaviruses and herpes viruses.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers discover novel mechanism for MRSA virulence

The study reveals that repeated mutations in the sarZ gene lead to increased severity of MRSA blood stream infections, and that surface protein ClfB plays a critical role in pathogenesis. The findings provide insights into the factors contributing to MRSA virulence and may help uncover new treatment approaches.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

To treat or to tolerate (pathogens), that is the question

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute identified genes and molecular pathways that control tolerance to pathogens in frog embryos, which are also found in mammals. The study suggests that increasing tolerance to pathogens could be an effective way to prevent death and disease without exacerbating antibiotic resistance.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022