Immune System

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When it comes down to it, it's your immune system versus the world. From "innate" immunity — which protects your body against basic threats — to "adaptive" immunity, which homes in on specific targets, your immune system has you covered. Sometimes, however, your immune system can turn against you, leading to autoimmune diseases. To keep up with all things immune, check here for the latest news.

Latest about Immune System

an illustration showing damaged neurons

Twin study reveals signs of MS that might be detectable before symptoms

By Michael Schubert published

Changes in the gene activity of immune cells may help flag people who have multiple sclerosis or are likely to develop it, a study of twins hints.

Immune System
an older man wearing a lab coat and glasses looks into a large microscope as another, younger person in a lab coat observes

Scientist who discovered body's 'fire alarm' against invading bacteria wins $250,000 Lasker prize

By Nicoletta Lanese published

One of this year's coveted Lasker Awards has gone to Zhijian "James" Chen, a scientist behind a key immune-system discovery.

Immune System
A young girl looks down at a swollen, red mosquito bite on her arm

Why are some people's mosquito bites itchier than others'? New study hints at answer

By Michael Schubert published

A previously unrecognized type of immune cell may be responsible for the itchy feeling brought on by bug bites and other allergic reactions.

Immune System
A white mouse is shown crawling out of a petri dish and onto a researchers'' hand. The mouse, who is in a side view, has one eye looking at the camera. The researcher is wearing blue lab gloves

Scientists breed most human-like mice yet

By Emily Cooke published

Scientists have bred mice that are just like us — at least in terms of their immune systems.

Immune System
Fluorescent microscope image of the brain stem of a mouse shown in blue against a black background. Red-colored neurons can be seen dotted about towards the top middle portion of the brainstem.

Master regulator of inflammation found — and it's in the brain stem

By Emily Cooke published

Research in mice suggests that specific neurons within the brain stem act like the dial on a thermostat — fine-tuning inflammation as and when required.

Immune System
Medical illustration of an X-chromosome in blue in the foreground with another X chromosome behind against a blurred background

Women have 4 times men's rate of autoimmune disease. The X chromosome may be to blame.

By Emily Cooke published

A "complex" that regulates gene activity in people with two X chromosomes may predispose them to autoimmune disease, a new study hints.

Immune System
a grandmother smiles as she pinches a tissue over her young grandchild's nose; both are standing in what looks like a store with posters on the walls

Why is snot sticky?

By Anna Gora published

The glue-like mucus in your nose plays an important role in your immune system.

Immune System
Illustration of a macrophage (in pink) releasing cytokines (in white) against a dark purple background

Inflammation is a 'mismatch between our evolutionary history and modern environment,' says immunologist Ruslan Medzhitov

By Emily Cooke published

In this interview, immunologist Ruslan Medzhitov explains how fundamental inflammation is, why it often goes wrong, and whether there's anything we can do about chronic inflammation.

Immune System
Artwork displaying the figure of a woman (in orange) with four flames coming from her body against a blue background

'If you don't have inflammation, then you'll die': How scientists are reprogramming the body's natural superpower

By Emily Cooke published

Inflammation can be both a superhero and a villain, depending on the context. Rather than eliminating it completely, new treatments are trying to redirect it.

Immune System
close up illustration of a dark blue immune cell

An immunologist explains why the immune system works best when balanced, not 'boosted'

By Aimee Pugh Bernard published

Disease can arise both when immune cells are too active and when they're not active enough.

Immune System
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