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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

Immune remodeling in extreme old age: how supercentenarians reshape their immune system

Researchers from the University of Osaka have found a rare type of immune cell that expands in supercentenarians, potentially helping protect against cancer and other age-related threats. The cells, known as CD4 CTLs, have been shown to be highly active and may help the body cope with persistent threats that increase with age.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

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

Young frogs "play it safe" when disease strikes

A study by the University of Florida reveals that young frogs invest heavily in early growth and delay stronger immune responses until infection levels become dangerous. This strategy helps them survive and reproduce in environments with fluctuating food availability and infection risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Discrimination linked to diminished immune system function

Researchers found that people experiencing everyday discrimination have elevated levels of "exhausted" white blood cells, indicating chronic stress may hamper the immune system. This study suggests social experiences like discrimination shape immune health at the cellular level and contribute to biological aging.

SourceNew York University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·DateJan 26, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal Study reveals circulating tumor cells' immune evasion strategies

A recent review in the Chinese Medical Journal uncovers how circulating tumor cells evade immune elimination, highlighting their interactions with immune cells and blood components. The study suggests new therapeutic targets, including anti-platelet therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to combat cancer metastasis.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 6, 2025

UBCO researchers engineer DNA to mimic biological catch bonds

Researchers have developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions, enabling precise control over its strength under varying forces. The innovative 'fish-hook' bond has vast potential in materials science and medicine, inspiring responsive materials and force-sensitive drug delivery systems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

After a heart attack, the heart signals to the brain to increase sleep to promote healing

A new study found that the heart sends signals to the brain to increase sleep after a heart attack, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This communication between the heart and brain is mediated through the immune system and can lead to improved recovery and reduced risk of further cardiovascular events.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2024

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

Nasal spray with antibodies could prevent COVID-19

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a nasal spray with IgA antibodies that can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The treatment significantly diminished virus load in infected mice and showed stronger binding to the spike protein compared to original IgG antibodies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Breakthrough T cell discovery has huge potential for engineering custom immune responses

Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalCell Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Lighting up the B cells

Researchers create CDyB, a fluorescent probe that targets SLC35C2 transporter in B cells, allowing for live-cell distinction from T cells. The study enriches the molecular probe toolbox and opens possibilities for multi-dimensional cell analysis.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Researchers lift the veil on stubborn probiotic

NC State researchers discovered a new way to make the difficult-to-characterize gut bacterium Bifidobacterium more responsive to antibiotics. They also found tiny changes in different strains that reflect large differences in their characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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

IgA antibodies seem to protect unvaccinated against COVID-19

A University of Gothenburg study found that IgA antibodies present in the respiratory tract protected healthcare workers from contracting COVID-19. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, suggests that these antibodies may play a crucial role in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022

Major immune system branch has hidden ability to learn

Researchers have discovered that the innate immune system's natural killer cells can learn from experience and fight more effectively when called into battle a second time. This new ability, known as 'memory-like,' was found in natural killer cells that could respond more easily and vigorously to reactivation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2009

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