Skip to main content

research

Study Reveals How Nerve Cells Ignite Inflammation in the Skin

September 2, 2026 | By Asher Jones

Nerve cells that sense pain and heat can single-handedly kick off inflammation in the skin, according to a new study published in Immunity that showed how activation of neurons sets in motion a complex cascade of interactions that hinges on mast cells—a type of immune cell usually associated with allergy.

T Cells Ditch Exhaustion Marker to Escape Tumors and Protect Against Cancer Relapse

August 18, 2026 | By Asher Jones

As the immune system battles cancer, chronic stimulation gradually drives T cells to a state of exhaustion. But some of these exhausted T cells can lose expression of the exhaustion marker LAG3, move out of the tumor, and confer long-lasting immunity to cancer in mice, according to a surprising new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine that describes a new method to track these cells for the first time.

Machine Learning Uncovers Hidden Signature of Severe Asthma, Pointing to New Drug Targets

August 4, 2026

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified novel molecular pathways that distinguish severe asthma from milder forms of the disease. The findings, published in JCI Insight, open the door to new treatments for the 5–10% of asthma patients who have severe disease that does not respond to current treatments.

From Single Slice to the Full Pie: New Network Framework Resolves Debate in Immune Cell Development

July 22, 2026 | By Asher Jones

A novel network-based framework that captures complex webs of gene regulation and protein interactions has resolved a longstanding debate about maturation of T follicular helper cells (Tfh)—a subset of T helper cells that guide the production of high-quality, long-lasting antibodies after infection or vaccination.

BLIMP1 Controls Identity of Immune Cells That Promote Allergic Asthma

May 5, 2026 | By Asher Jones

New research published in Nature Immunology shows that a transcription factor called BLIMP1 is essential for maintaining the identity of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in a mouse model of allergic asthma, shedding light on how these cells promote allergy in asthmatic patients.