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Immunity for the long haul: Why some antibodies are built to last

A team of researchers from the University of Osaka found that cells producing IgG1 antibodies have advantages over those producing IgM antibodies, including better antigen presentation, survival, and bone marrow migration. These advantages may lead to long-term immune protection and inform the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - The University of Osaka·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

ISB researchers identify immune cells that drive harmful autoantibody responses after COVID-19

Researchers have identified a subset of B cells known as atypical memory cells as the primary precursors of autoantibody-producing cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cells adopt a markedly different biological program, leading to increased autoantibody production. The study provides new insight into how viral infections can trigg...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalImmunity·DateAug 28, 2026

A promising solution to a cancer drug resistance problem

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that a protein called BRG1 helps protect cells from ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death triggered by BTK inhibitors. This finding reveals a potential new therapeutic vulnerability to overcome drug resistance and extend treatment benefits for patients with B-cell cancers.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2026

The 700-million-year history of our blood cells

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has reconstructed the family tree of blood cells over a 700-million-year span, revealing their evolutionary history. They found that early blood cells emerged around the same time as multicellular animals and were macrophage-like.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 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

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

Selenoproteins: The fountain of youth?

Researchers from Osaka University found that selenoproteins are essential for counteracting lipid peroxides and maintaining hematopoiesis in human cells. The study also showed that dietary Vitamin E can protect hematopoiesis and repair impaired B cell differentiation, providing potential strategies for fighting age-related diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBlood·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2025

‘Perfect storm’ of mutations drives infection-triggered autoimmune disease

Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease by identifying 'rogue clone' B cells with harmful autoantibodies. The study found that a triad of genetic mutations is required for the autoimmune disease to develop, opening new paths for treatments.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

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

Tumor-induced B cell changes reveal potential biomarker for treatment response in triple negative breast cancer

Scientists identified two distinct patterns of B cell abnormalities, TiBA-0, TiBA-1, and TiBA-2, which are linked to an immunosuppressive effect and poorer treatment response. These biomarkers can be detected through a simple blood draw, enabling potential stratification of patients and personalized treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 12, 2024

Uncovering the specialized immune cells that fight COVID-19

A team of researchers from Osaka University has pinpointed the B cells responsible for boosting COVID-19 immunity after vaccination. They found that activated atypical B cells are the main responders to mRNA vaccines, providing a new way to assess vaccine response and underlying biology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

New England Journal of Medicine publishes outcomes from practice-changing E1910 trial for patients with BCR::ABL1-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The E1910 trial demonstrated a significant survival advantage with blinatumomab immunotherapy, improving overall and relapse-free survival in patients with BCR::ABL1-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This finding contributed to the recent FDA approval of blinatumomab for these patients.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Treatment for autoimmune disorder acts on balance of immune cell types

A Kobe University study finds that a new treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder shifts the balance of immune cells, increasing anti-inflammatory signals. The discovery may enable clinicians to determine treatment effectiveness and move towards personalized medicine for autoimmune diseases.

SourceKobe University·JournalNeurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

B cells drive responses of other immune cells, and can be modified to prevent Multiple Sclerosis symptoms

Researchers found that abnormally active B cell metabolism causes an inflammatory immune response in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), leading to nerve damage and symptoms. Emerging BTK inhibitors alter this abnormal B cell respiration, stopping the signaling that leads to MS flare-ups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 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

Novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies for B-cell lymphoma

Researchers developed novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies targeting IgM and B-cell surface antigens, which directly inhibited cell proliferation via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. These findings suggest that anti-IgM/B-cell surface antigen-binding specific antibodies are promising therapeutic agents for B-cell malignancies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

Immune key to chronic viral infections discovered

Australian researchers have identified a previously unknown immune B memory cell that fails to produce high levels of antibodies against persistent infections. The discovery may lead to earlier intervention and prevention of chronic viral infections like HIV or hepatitis.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Exclusive breastfeeding duration and risk of childhood cancers

A large cohort study found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of childhood B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study's results suggest potential biologic mechanisms underlying this association and inform the need for further research on preemptive interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 26, 2024

B cell deficient patients gain protective T cell immunity following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection, study finds

Researchers found that vaccinated B cell-deficient individuals have a robust T cell response to SARS-CoV-2, despite lack of anti-spike antibodies, resulting in markedly reduced rates of hospitalization and severe COVID-19. This study provides reassuring evidence for immunocompromised patients to get vaccinated.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023