https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/immune_system/ Immunity and the Immune System. Read the latest medical research on immune response, immune deficiency, immune system diseases and immune system boosters. en-us Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:05:25 EDT Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:05:25 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/immune_system/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260911214306.htm Scientists have uncovered a natural braking system that helps the immune system switch off inflammation and prevent harmful immune cells from building up. Boosting this pathway in people reduced inflammation-related immune changes and sped up pain relief, pointing toward potential new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases. Sat, 12 Sep 2026 21:44:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260911214306.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260911003856.htm Researchers found that blocking IL1RAP could disrupt a powerful inflammatory network that helps pancreatic cancer survive treatment. In preclinical experiments, the approach reduced tumor-protecting cells and fibrosis while boosting the activity of cancer-fighting T cells. That could make chemotherapy and immunotherapy more effective. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 22:34:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260911003856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260909231723.htm UCLA researchers developed ready-made cancer-fighting T cells from cord blood stem cells that can attack solid tumors through two separate detection systems. In mice, a single dose controlled cancer and extended survival while avoiding a dangerous complication associated with donor-derived T-cell therapies. Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:08:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260909231723.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901070550.htm Following nearly 10,000 older women for 10 years, researchers found that tea drinking was associated with slightly higher hip bone density. Moderate coffee consumption did not appear harmful, but drinking more than five cups a day was linked to lower bone density. The findings suggest tea may offer a small bone-health boost, while excessive coffee could carry some drawbacks. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:04:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901070550.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901070538.htm Scientists have found evidence that vulnerability to rheumatoid arthritis may begin before birth. Finger joints commonly affected by the disease develop with different tissue structures and larger populations of specialized fibroblasts than joints that are usually spared. Those cells also respond differently to inflammation, suggesting that the architecture of each joint may help determine where arthritis eventually takes hold. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 18:19:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901070538.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901010717.htm Aging may be partly fueled by immune cells losing their ability to clear away damaged, inflammation-promoting cells. Blocking a single receptor restored that cleanup process in mice, reducing inflammation and helping their organs, muscles, and memory remain remarkably youthful. Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:29:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901010717.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260828082330.htm CAR T-cell therapy dramatically reduced disease activity in six people with severe rheumatoid arthritis that had resisted other treatments, with three achieving medication-free remission. The treatment may work by clearing out harmful immune cells and effectively rebooting part of the immune system, although much larger studies are still needed. Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:28:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260828082330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260824065546.htm Researchers have found a way to supercharge natural killer cells, powerful immune cells that can attack cancer, so they can penetrate solid tumors and keep fighting once inside. In mice, these specially prepared tissue-resident cells slowed the growth of several tumors, including melanoma and head and neck cancers, and worked even better when paired with the antibody drug cetuximab. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:56:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260824065546.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260823014950.htm People who reach 110 and beyond appear to have unusually large numbers of rare immune cells capable of killing abnormal cells. These CD4 cytotoxic T cells became more common with age and often expanded into large groups of nearly identical cells, suggesting the immune system was repeatedly responding to persistent threats. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:07:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260823014950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260820202854.htm A hormone already known for curbing appetite and supporting weight loss may have a surprising second job: protecting the liver from inflammation and scarring. Researchers at McMaster University found that GDF15 activates a previously unknown brain-to-liver pathway that triggers the release of glucocorticoids, helping calm immune activity in the liver. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:38:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260820202854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260820202842.htm AI may be able to predict how strongly someone will respond to a vaccine before they receive it. By analyzing antibody patterns in more than 4,000 people, researchers found signs of “immune readiness” that helped distinguish strong responders from weak ones. Surprisingly, even some healthy people responded poorly, while some immunosuppressed people mounted strong responses. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:59:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260820202842.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260820002439.htm A compound made when gut bacteria break down dietary fiber may do more than briefly calm inflammation—it could leave a lasting protective “memory” in the gut. Northwestern Medicine researchers found that butyrate can reprogram intestinal lining cells so they continue encouraging anti-inflammatory immune responses even after the compound is gone. In mice, this effect boosted production of the immune-calming molecule IL-10 and reduced the severity of colitis-like disease. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:10:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260820002439.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260819041239.htm More than 1,000 genetic switches behave differently in male and female immune cells, helping explain why women are much more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Female immune systems appear genetically tuned for stronger inflammatory responses—a powerful defense against infection that may also make dangerous immune misfires more likely. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:06:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260819041239.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045548.htm Orange juice may have a much bigger effect on the body than scientists once realized. Drinking it regularly appears to influence genes tied to inflammation, blood pressure, metabolism, and blood sugar control, while studies have also found improvements in cholesterol and blood vessel health. Researchers suspect natural citrus compounds such as hesperidin may be partly responsible. Even the gut microbiome may benefit. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:15:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260813045548.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012141.htm A single 30-minute sauna session may briefly put the immune system on higher alert. Finnish researchers found that sauna heat, paired with a short cold shower, increased every type of white blood cell circulating in the bloodstream, including key infection fighters such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:20:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000845.htm A plant-derived compound reduced swelling, inflammation, and joint damage in rats with rheumatoid arthritis. It also helped rebalance immune activity and improve the way certain fats were processed in the body. Researchers say the findings could lead to a new approach for treating the disease. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:57:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000845.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000820.htm For most adults, a daily caffeine habit may be safer for the heart than many people assume. A new American Heart Association review found that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, roughly three to five cups of regular black coffee, is generally safe and may even be linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and Type 2 diabetes. But the source matters: highly concentrated energy drinks and shots can sharply raise blood pressure and trigger irregular heart rhythms. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:30:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010116.htm An experimental drug called DT-109 reversed severe fatty liver disease in animal studies by repairing the gut and preventing harmful toxins from damaging the liver. The discovery could open the door to a new class of treatments for MASH and potentially other diseases tied to gut health. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:22:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010116.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260707054114.htm A new study found that dietary fiber can determine whether beneficial intestinal worms help reduce inflammation or become essentially inactive. With plenty of fiber, the worms remained healthy and supported an anti-inflammatory response, while a low-fiber diet pushed them into a hibernation-like state that eliminated those benefits. Researchers also found that fiber-rich diets promoted healthier gut bacteria, whereas Western-style diets reduced microbial diversity and encouraged less desirable microbes. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:59:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260707054114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260701015237.htm Scientists have discovered that creatine may strengthen one of the immune system's most important cancer-fighting pathways by energizing dendritic cells that activate killer T cells. The promising results could eventually help make immunotherapy more effective, but they have not yet been tested in human patients. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:32:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260701015237.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060313.htm Scientists discovered that kombucha’s flavor, chemistry, and antioxidant activity vary dramatically depending on the tea used to make it. Green and oolong tea kombuchas emerged as the most biologically active, while fermentation transformed each tea into a distinctly different beverage. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:06:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060313.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619101400.htm A new intranasal DNA vaccine may give the immune system an extra weapon against tuberculosis by targeting bacteria that can hide from antibiotics. In animal studies, it helped clear infections faster, reduced lung inflammation, and prevented relapse after treatment. The vaccine also enhanced the performance of drugs used against drug-resistant TB. Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:54:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619101400.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612032032.htm A low-calorie fasting-style diet significantly reduced inflammation linked to gum disease in a small clinical study. The findings suggest that what people eat may influence gum health almost as much as what they do with a toothbrush. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:05:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612032032.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260609025534.htm Tea may help protect against heart disease, diabetes, cancer, cognitive decline, and age related muscle loss, according to a major review. But the way you drink it matters, since bottled and bubble teas often contain ingredients that can diminish tea's health benefits. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:38:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260609025534.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608040021.htm Scientists have uncovered a hidden immune system "brake" that may help cancers avoid being destroyed. The molecule, called SLAMF6, weakens the body's cancer-fighting T cells and can leave them exhausted over time. Researchers developed antibodies that block this brake, allowing immune cells to stay stronger and attack tumors more effectively in mice. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 02:52:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260608040021.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260606075852.htm A major long-term study of more than 54,000 adults found that where nitrate comes from may matter far more than how much you consume. People who got more nitrate from vegetables—roughly the amount in a cup of baby spinach a day—had a lower risk of developing dementia, while higher nitrate and nitrite intake from red meat, processed meat, and even drinking water was linked to a greater risk. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 01:07:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260606075852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260603023911.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising new way the immune system fights cancer, overturning a core belief that has guided immunology for decades. The research found that when cancer cells shut down a key immune-recognition molecule called MHC I—a common trick used to hide from “killer” T cells—they can actually become more vulnerable to attack by a different group of immune cells known as CD4+ “helper” T cells. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:30:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260603023911.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530053429.htm A Salk Institute study found that a simple dietary amino acid, methionine, dramatically improved survival in mice facing severe infections and inflammatory conditions. Rather than directly targeting the immune system, methionine boosted kidney filtration, helping the body flush out excess inflammatory molecules that can cause tissue damage, brain dysfunction, wasting, and death. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:44:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530053429.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530053424.htm Scientists at Scripps Research have uncovered a molecular “switch” that appears to fuel the damaging brain inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s disease. They found that a protein called STING becomes chemically altered in a way that keeps the brain’s immune system stuck in overdrive, harming the connections between nerve cells. Sun, 31 May 2026 11:30:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530053424.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530004626.htm A new study suggests fish oil may help reduce insulin resistance even in people who aren't obese. In diabetic rats, omega-3 supplementation improved blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation by shifting immune cells into a more anti-inflammatory mode. Sun, 31 May 2026 01:15:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260530004626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260529043644.htm A specially formulated tomato-soy juice packed with natural plant compounds may help calm inflammation linked to obesity, according to a new clinical study. Healthy adults with obesity who drank the juice daily for four weeks saw significant reductions in several key inflammatory proteins in their blood, while a control tomato juice did not produce the same effect. Sat, 30 May 2026 01:53:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260529043644.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260527023206.htm A new brain imaging study has found no evidence of widespread brain inflammation in patients suffering from prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Instead, the most severe long COVID symptoms were associated with increased brain activity in regions involved in mood and emotion. Thu, 28 May 2026 01:44:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260527023206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260526022018.htm Researchers at Texas A&M have developed a nasal spray that appears to reverse brain aging by calming inflammation and restoring the brain’s energy systems. After just two doses, memory and cognitive function improved for months, raising hopes for future treatments targeting dementia and brain fog. Tue, 26 May 2026 09:39:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260526022018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260524021151.htm A massive international study could upend 40 years of heart attack treatment. Researchers found that beta blockers—routinely prescribed after uncomplicated heart attacks—offered no real benefit for patients whose heart function remained normal, despite being given to millions worldwide. Even more surprising, women taking the drugs faced a higher risk of death, repeat heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure compared to women who didn’t receive them. Mon, 25 May 2026 08:36:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260524021151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260520233223.htm MIT scientists have identified cysteine — an amino acid found in foods like meat, dairy, beans, and nuts — as a potent trigger for intestinal repair. In mice, a cysteine-rich diet activated immune cells that released healing signals, helping stem cells rebuild damaged intestinal tissue after radiation exposure. Researchers say the discovery could eventually lead to new dietary therapies for cancer patients suffering from treatment-related gut damage. Thu, 21 May 2026 00:40:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260520233223.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260518041436.htm Scientists have identified a protein that appears to put the brakes on the chronic inflammation linked to aging. Older mice with boosted levels of the protein were stronger, more energetic, and had healthier bones than untreated mice. Researchers say the findings could eventually lead to therapies that help people stay healthier and more independent later in life. Tue, 19 May 2026 09:11:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260518041436.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260512202350.htm A huge long-term study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was linked to a much lower risk of dementia, especially before age 75. Researchers say caffeine may help keep brain cells active while reducing inflammation and harmful plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But more coffee wasn’t better — the protective effect appeared to level off after moderate intake. Tue, 12 May 2026 20:23:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260512202350.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260511213204.htm As blood stem cells age, their lysosomes become overactive and damaged, triggering inflammation and weakening the body’s ability to regenerate healthy blood and immune cells. By calming this cellular “overdrive,” researchers restored the stem cells’ youthful function, dramatically boosting their ability to regenerate and produce balanced blood cells. Tue, 12 May 2026 19:30:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260511213204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260504211842.htm Scientists have developed a breakthrough injectable biomaterial that travels through the bloodstream to repair damaged tissue from within, reducing inflammation and jumpstarting healing. In animal studies, it successfully treated heart attack damage and even showed promise for conditions like traumatic brain injury and pulmonary hypertension. Unlike earlier approaches that required direct injection into the heart, this new therapy can be delivered intravenously, allowing it to spread evenly and act quickly. Tue, 05 May 2026 14:20:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260504211842.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260429102021.htm The body’s “killer” T cells don’t just attack—they strike with astonishing precision, forming a tiny, highly organized contact zone that lets them destroy dangerous cells without harming their neighbors. Now, scientists have captured this process in unprecedented detail, revealing a hidden world of molecular choreography. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:36:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260429102021.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260425091216.htm A gut bacterium may be quietly fueling depression through an unexpected chemical twist. Researchers found that when Morganella morganii interacts with a common pollutant, it produces a molecule that triggers inflammation—something strongly linked to depression. This finding helps explain how gut microbes can influence brain health at a molecular level. It also raises the possibility of new treatments that target the immune system rather than just the brain. Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:39:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260425091216.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260410083114.htm A common eye-health nutrient, zeaxanthin, may also help the body fight cancer more effectively. Scientists discovered it strengthens T cells and enhances the impact of immunotherapy treatments. Found in everyday vegetables and supplements, it’s safe, accessible, and shows strong potential as a cancer therapy booster. Human trials are the next step. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:55:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260410083114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225950.htm Chronic inflammation often works quietly in the background but can fuel serious diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. New research reveals that everyday plant compounds—like menthol from mint, cineole from eucalyptus, and capsaicin from chili peppers—can team up inside immune cells to dramatically boost their anti-inflammatory power. While individual compounds showed modest effects, certain combinations amplified results hundreds of times over by activating different cellular pathways at once. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:57:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042751.htm A new clinical trial suggests that what people eat could finally offer real relief for Crohn’s disease, a condition that has long lacked clear dietary guidance. Researchers found that a “fasting-mimicking diet” — involving just five days a month of very low-calorie, plant-based meals — led to noticeable improvements in symptoms for most participants. Even more striking, the diet didn’t just make patients feel better; it also reduced key biological markers of inflammation linked to the disease. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:55:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042751.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326075552.htm A new study reveals that high doses of antioxidants—often seen as harmless or beneficial—may actually impact future generations. Male mice given common supplements like NAC produced offspring with subtle but significant facial and skull changes. Researchers believe this is tied to altered sperm DNA, even though the fathers showed no outward health issues. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:41:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326075552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033138.htm Your morning coffee or tea could be quietly supporting your brain health. A long-term study found that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea was linked to an 18% lower risk of dementia and better cognitive performance over time. The benefits appeared strongest at 2–3 cups of coffee or 1–2 cups of tea daily—and even held true for people genetically predisposed to dementia. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:47:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033138.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015933.htm mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives during COVID-19 but have limitations like waning immunity and complex production. Scientists are now testing a new platform called DoriVac, which uses folded DNA nanostructures to better control how the immune system responds. In early studies, it produced strong antibody and T cell responses in both mice and human models. Researchers say it could lead to more stable, easier-to-manufacture vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, HIV, and Ebola. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:59:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015933.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184235.htm Scientists have uncovered new genetic rules that determine whether the immune system’s “killer” T cells remain powerful long-term defenders or become worn out and ineffective. By building a detailed genetic atlas of CD8 T cell states, researchers identified key molecular switches that push these cells toward either resilience or exhaustion. Remarkably, disabling just two previously unknown genes restored the tumor-killing power of exhausted T cells while preserving their ability to provide lasting immune protection. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:19:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030648.htm Researchers are developing a two-part therapy for type 1 diabetes: lab-made insulin-producing cells paired with custom-engineered immune cells that protect them. The goal is to stop the immune system from destroying transplanted cells — without using immunosuppressive drugs. Backed by $1 million in funding, the team hopes to create a ready-to-use treatment that could work even for people who have had diabetes for years. The approach could transform how the disease is treated. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:49:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030648.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093502.htm That photogenic cup of bubble tea may come with hidden downsides. Tapioca pearls made from cassava can absorb heavy metals like lead, and in large amounts they may slow digestion or even cause blockages. The drink is often loaded with sugar—sometimes more than soda—raising risks for cavities, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. There are even reports linking frequent consumption to kidney stones and poorer mental health. Sat, 28 Feb 2026 09:35:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093502.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have unveiled a bold new kind of “universal” vaccine that could one day protect against everything from COVID-19 and the flu to bacterial pneumonia and even common allergens. Instead of targeting a specific virus or bacterium, the nasal spray vaccine supercharges the lungs’ own immune defenses, keeping them on high alert for months. In mice, it slashed viral levels, prevented severe illness, and even blocked allergic reactions. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:45:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040816.htm A new human study has uncovered how the body naturally turns off inflammation. Researchers found that fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins rein in immune cells that can otherwise drive chronic disease. Using a drug to boost these molecules reduced pain faster and lowered harmful inflammatory cells. The discovery could pave the way for safer treatments for arthritis, heart disease, and other inflammation-related conditions. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:16:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216044006.htm Northwestern researchers have shown that when it comes to cancer vaccines, arrangement can be just as important as ingredients. By repositioning a small fragment of an HPV protein on a DNA-based nanovaccine, the team dramatically strengthened the immune system’s attack on HPV-driven tumors. One specific design slowed tumor growth, extended survival in animal models, and unleashed far more cancer-killing T cells than other versions made with the exact same components. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216044006.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225602.htm A parasite that may already be hiding in your brain has a shocking survival trick: it can infect the very immune cells sent to destroy it. Yet most people never get sick, and new research from UVA Health reveals why. Scientists discovered that when Toxoplasma gondii invades CD8+ T cells — key defenders of the immune system — those cells can trigger a self-destruct mechanism powered by an enzyme called caspase-8. By sacrificing themselves, the infected cells also wipe out the parasite inside them. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:33:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206232245.htm New research suggests that Epstein-Barr virus may actively provoke the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis. Scientists found large buildups of virus-targeting immune cells in the nervous systems of MS patients, far more than in their blood. One viral gene was active only in people with MS, hinting at a direct role in the disease. The findings could help guide new approaches to treatment. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:22:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206232245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080437.htm A new drug developed by Australian researchers has shown promising results in reducing sepsis in a Phase II clinical trial involving 180 patients. The carbohydrate-based treatment works by calming a dangerous immune reaction that can cause organ failure. With no specific anti-sepsis therapy currently available, the findings mark a major step forward. Researchers now aim to move into Phase III trials. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:44:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080437.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128075345.htm Two decades after a breast cancer vaccine trial, every participant is still alive—an astonishing result for metastatic disease. Scientists found their immune systems retained long-lasting memory cells primed to recognize cancer. By enhancing a key immune signal called CD27, researchers dramatically improved tumor elimination in lab studies. The findings suggest cancer vaccines may have been missing a crucial ingredient all along. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:13:54 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128075345.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112132.htm Drinking tea, particularly green tea, is linked to better heart health, improved metabolism, and lower risks of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. It may also help protect the brain and preserve muscle strength as people age. However, processed teas—such as bottled and bubble varieties—often contain sugars and additives that may cancel out these benefits. Moderation and choosing freshly brewed tea appear key. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 04:59:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112132.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010147.htm Asthma may not be driven by the molecules scientists have blamed for decades. Researchers have identified “pseudo leukotrienes,” inflammation-triggering compounds formed by uncontrolled free-radical reactions rather than normal enzymes. These molecules were found at much higher levels in people with asthma, closely tracking how severe their symptoms were. The finding hints at a new way to treat asthma by preventing the inflammatory spark instead of blocking its aftermath. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:11:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010147.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083401.htm A newly uncovered immune chain reaction in the gut may explain why people with inflammatory bowel disease face a much higher risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers found that a powerful inflammatory signal flips on specialized gut immune cells, which then call in waves of white blood cells from the bone marrow and rewire them in ways that help tumors grow. This process appears to damage DNA in the gut lining and create a tumor-friendly environment. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:15:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083401.htm