Immunology

Immune cells linked to Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in multiple sclerosis

February 5, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / Epstein-Barr virus, multiple sclerosis

by University of California, San Francisco edited by Stephanie Baum, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source This electron microscopic image of two Epstein Barr Virus virions (viral particles) shows round capsids—protein-encased genetic material—loosely surrounded by the membrane envelope. Credit: PloS Biology (2005), DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0030430.g001 Researchers at UC San Francisco have uncovered a new clue […]

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How a common immunosuppressive drug injures liver blood vessels

February 3, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / immunosuppressice drugs

by Institute of Science Tokyo edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Cell Reports Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102433 In a human organoid-based mechanistic investigation, researchers revealed how an immunosuppressive drug, antithymocyte globulin (ATG), induces injury to blood vessels in the liver. According to the study, ATG first triggers rapid clotting

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Immunotherapy before surgery boosts survival for for liver cancer patients, clinical research finds

January 27, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / liver cancer

by National Taiwan University edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Upper figure: clinical trial design. Lower figure: how ICI therapy induces antitumor immunity in HCC. Credit: National Taiwan University Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy before surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may produce major pathological response in about one-third

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Tumor cells steal immune mitochondria to aid lymph node spread

January 19, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / lymph node

by Justin Jackson, Medical Xpress edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell Metabolism (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.12.014 Stanford University-led researchers report that tumor cells hijack mitochondria from immune cells, reducing anti-tumor immune function and activating cGAS-STING and type I interferon signaling that promotes lymph node metastasis. Lymph nodes

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Sugar structures on kidney cells predict immune therapy response, study finds

January 16, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / immune therapy response, kidney cells

by Inka Burow, Hannover Medical School edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Analytica Chimica Acta (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344724 Among modern cancer therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are among the most successful treatment methods. These antibodies activate the immune system and enable T cells to detect and destroy

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When a virus releases the immune brake: New evidence on the onset of multiple sclerosis

January 14, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / multiple sclerosis

by University of Basel edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes The GIST Add as preferred source Antigen surveillance by B cells. Credit: Cell (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.12.031 Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis arise when the immune system turns against the body itself. Yet for most of them, it remains unclear why this process begins. Researchers have

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Immune system plays a major role in brain damage after repeated concussions, study suggests

January 7, 2026 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / concussion

by Sophia Barry Gordon, Medical University of South Carolina edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes Schematic summarizing the role of complement in rmCHI. The schematic depicts the contribution of complement deposition and immune cell alteration to synapse preservation and cognitive impairment, all of which are halted upon complement inhibition via CR2-Crry. Created in BioRender.com.

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Protein therapy boosts immune attack on tumors by reversing sugar ‘brakes’

December 16, 2025 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / protein therapy

by Massachusetts Institute of Technology edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes AbLecs enhance antibody effector functions via glyco-immune checkpoint blockade. Credit: bioRxiv. DOI: 10.1101/2022.10.26.513931 Researchers at MIT and Stanford University have developed a new way to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells, using a strategy that could make cancer immunotherapy work for many

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New understanding of T cell receptors may improve cancer immunotherapies

December 16, 2025 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / cancer immunotherapy

by Rockefeller University edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes The gray portion of this schematic represents a nanodisk, where for the first time researchers were able to replicate the native membrane environment (red dots) of a T-cell receptor (cyan). Credit: Walz lab at The Rockefeller University One of the most exciting advances in cancer

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Healing the gut after cancer therapy: Immune cells turn damage into repair

November 28, 2025 / Immunology, Research update / InnovateMed Author / cancer therapy

by Clara Stark, University Hospital Regensburg edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Editors’ notes Intestines one week after abdominal irradiation, showing proliferating epithelial cells (in brown) Credit: TUM Regulatory T cells (Treg cells), a specialized type of immune cell, are usually seen as “peacekeepers” that prevent excessive immune attacks. Surprisingly, a new study published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy shows

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