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Does your immune system learn like AI?

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory used machine learning concepts to study the immune system's learning process, finding that the system achieves negative selection through generalization. This process allows for the correct deletion of self-reactive T cells despite encountering only a small fraction of the body's self-peptides.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·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

Data hidden in tuberculosis screening tests sheds light on patients’ overall mortality

A study by UCLA Health researchers linked low immune responses to higher mortality rates in patients, using tuberculosis screening tests as a tool. The results suggest that these tests can predict mortality in various patient groups, including those undergoing organ transplants and cancer patients on immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGeroScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

Taming overactive immune systems with antibodies: hope for autoimmune diseases

A multi-institutional team has discovered a novel immune regulatory mechanism mediated by antibodies that selectively shut down overactive immune responses. The 'immune-induced TCR-like antibody' (iTab) can reduce disease severity and delay its onset in a mouse model of autoimmune disease.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - The University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Could these two genes make T cells unstoppable?

Researchers at Salk Institute uncover two transcription factors, ZSCAN20 and JDP2, that determine T cell fate. Turning off these genes reverses T cell exhaustion and restores their ability to kill tumors without losing immune memory. The study challenges the long-standing belief of inevitable immune exhaustion.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 4, 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

Gut–immune–brain axis modulation of autism spectrum disorder using precision-selected probiotics

Researchers discovered a multi-faceted mechanism behind ASD, revealing the gut microbiota and host immune system's influence on disease progression. Precision-selected probiotics restored metabolic balance, reduced neuroinflammation, and ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in ASD mouse models.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2025

Common antidepressants could help the immune system fight cancer, UCLA study finds

A UCLA study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can significantly enhance the ability of T cells to fight cancer and suppress tumor growth across various cancer types in mouse and human tumor models. SSRIs increased access to serotonin signals, making killer T cells happier and more effective at killing cancer c...

CDI lab demonstrates key molecular factor in exhaustion of immune cells - with treatment implications

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science demonstrates a critical enzyme pathway in maintaining immune cell activity. The research suggests that histone deacetylase (Hdac1) plays a crucial role in preventing excessive decline of effectiveness in exhausted cells.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Discovery from Mass General Brigham researchers yields insights on preventing organ transplant rejection

A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers has identified a natural 'brake' within the innate immune system that can prevent organ transplant rejection. The discovery highlights a promising target for new therapies and offers hope for longer-lasting transplant success and reduced need for lifelong immunosuppression.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Researchers find intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies

A recent study published in Cell revealed that a specific intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies by breaking the threshold between friend and foe in the gut. Researchers at WashU Medicine identified this cell as RORγt+ dendritic cells, which maintain tolerance to harmless food allergens, preventing allergic reactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

New immune-probing technique could boost treatment discovery

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new technique called single-cell suppressive profiling of regulatory T cells (scSPOT) that can pinpoint the effects of Tregs on all other immune cells. The study found that Tregs most strongly affect CD8-EM T cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Dihydroartemisinin inhibits T cell activation in people living with HIV with incomplete immune reconstitution in vitro

This study investigates the biological mechanisms underlying incomplete immune reconstitution and evaluates Dihydroartemisinin's potential as a therapeutic agent. DHA effectively inhibits T cell activation in individuals with incomplete immune reconstitution, presenting a promising treatment strategy.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateJan 20, 2025

Researchers shed light on how to predict which skin cancer patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy

A new study has identified macrophage activity as a key predictor of which skin cancer patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy. The findings aim to improve personalized medicine for cancer patients and enable clinicians to select effective treatments, reducing side effects and costs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJCO Oncology Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 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

New antibody could be promising cancer treatment

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a unique antibody that targets and delivers a drug package while activating the immune system. This '3-in-1 design' method has shown promise in treating several types of cancer by amplifying T cell effect on cancer tumors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Moffitt study links methylmalonic acid to weakening of immune cells in lung cancer

Researchers found a surprising link between high levels of methylmalonic acid and the weakening of CD8+ T cells, shedding light on potential pathways through which aging may promote lung cancer progression. Elevated methylmalonic acid levels disrupt energy production in immune cells, making it harder for them to fight cancer.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalOncogene·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2024

Study reveals how our gut cells detect harmful invaders

Researchers from Osaka University discovered that the GPR31 receptor in gut surveillance cells detects bacterial metabolites and triggers immune responses, which could lead to new drug developments and probiotic treatments. The study also found that these receptors play a key role in the immune response to gut infections in humans.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - Osaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

ACE-ing protein detection in single cells

A new DNA-powered signal amplification technology called ACE significantly enhances the sensitivity of mass cytometry, enabling the detection of multiple proteins in single cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate complex biological processes and study immune cell functions with unprecedented depth.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2024

Novel drug application shows improved survival for patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia

A novel strategy using venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrates significant anti-cancer effect with mild toxicity for relapsed/refractory AML patients. The treatment showed markedly better survival rates after one year compared to a control group, with improved 'graft-versus-leukemia effects' via alterations of immune cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2024