All articles tagged with #immunology
Scientists report a living implant that houses insulin-producing cells to regulate blood glucose, potentially replacing injections if it works in humans; animal tests show year-long sugar control but immune barriers, safety concerns, and donor cell supply still pose challenges, with next steps including human trials and adaptive uses for other diseases.
Researchers in mice found that CD8+ T cells infected by the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii can trigger caspase-8–mediated self-destruction, killing the parasite-containing cells and preventing spread in the brain; absence of caspase-8 in these T cells leads to more brain infection, revealing a surprising protective role for T cell death and suggesting new avenues for toxoplasmosis treatment.
A Nature study in mice shows that lung cancer cells connect with nearby sensory neurons to send a signal to the brain that suppresses tumor-killing immune cells at the tumor site, allowing cancer to grow. Disabling these neurons reduced tumor growth by more than 50%, revealing a tumor-to-brain–immune axis that could be targeted to boost anticancer defenses.
DTU researchers identify 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), a metabolite produced by specific bifidobacteria in early-life guts, that dampens IgE production and lowers the risk of allergies and asthma. The study followed 147 children to age five across Sweden, Germany, and Australia, showing that early colonization with these bacteria correlates with reduced allergic sensitization; vaginal birth, exclusive breastfeeding, and contact with other infants increase these bacteria. The team suggests probiotic supplements or infant formula enriched with the bacteria or metabolite as preventive strategies, with a patent filed. Translation to preventive use could appear in a few years, while therapies for existing allergies may take up to a decade to develop and approve.
Broad Institute researchers show in old mice that injecting mRNA into the liver triggers thymic signals (DLL1, FLT3-L, IL-7), reviving T-cell production. Over four weeks, older mice had more diverse T cells, stronger vaccine responses, and better anti-cancer activity, though the boost was temporary and human trials are needed, with the findings published in Nature.
In mice, cancer cells acquire mitochondria from immune cells, weakening those cells and activating a type I interferon program in the cancer cells that promotes lymph‑node invasion. Blocking this pathway reduces spread, and the effect occurs even when the stolen mitochondria can’t produce ATP, indicating energy production isn’t required for this mechanism.
A Nature News feature explains that inherited immune-system mutations—and, more recently, autoantibodies against interferons—help determine why some people die from microbes that are usually harmless. Researchers have cataloged hundreds of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) across many genes, with defects like interferon-γ receptor mutations causing severe mycobacterial disease, and autoantibodies linked to severe COVID-19 and other infections. Some mutations can even confer protection against specific pathogens (e.g., CCR5 against HIV). With incomplete penetrance and epigenetic regulation, IEIs can vary by cell type and over a person’s lifetime, prompting genetic screening and targeted therapies to prevent or treat severe infections.
Eli Lilly's drug Zepbound, when combined with its immunology therapy Taltz, showed promise in reducing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in obese patients, suggesting potential new uses for the weight loss drug, though its impact on prescribing patterns remains uncertain.
The article explores microchimerism, the presence of non-self cells within the human body, which are transferred between mother and child during pregnancy, challenging traditional views of human identity and immune response, and revealing potential implications for health and science.
Israeli scientist Prof. Yifat Merbl was named one of the top 10 shapers of science in 2025 by Nature for her groundbreaking research on cellular proteasomes and discovery of antimicrobial peptides, which could lead to advances in cancer immunotherapy, antimicrobial drugs, and disease diagnostics, despite facing setbacks like lab destruction during war.
Research identifies multiple LDLR family members as entry receptors for yellow fever virus, advancing understanding of viral entry mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Fred Ramsdell, a Whitefish immunologist, won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on regulatory T cells and immune tolerance, which has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. His journey from community college to Nobel laureate highlights his passion for impactful science and serendipitous career path, with recent advancements enabling clinical applications of his research.
Fred Ramsdell, who was offline and backpacking in Montana, was unexpectedly awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with colleagues for groundbreaking immunology research, surprising him while he was immersed in nature.
US scientist Dr. Fred Ramsdell, while on a three-week off-grid hike in Montana, unexpectedly learned he had won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his research on the immune system, after his wife received a flurry of messages and they finally contacted the Nobel Committee 20 hours later.
Fred Ramsdell, a scientist on a digital detox in US mountains, was surprised to learn he had won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work on T-cells, after his wife found out via phone after their trip. The award recognizes discoveries about T-cells' role in the immune system, and Ramsdell was unreachable during the announcement due to being off-grid.