Long COVID inflicts deep scars on the lungs, but targeting specific immune cells could reverse damage − new research in mice

Researchers developed a new mouse model that replicates long COVID-19 more accurately than current models. Their findings could lead to new treatments.

Harish Narasimhan, Ph.D. Candidate in Immunology, University of Virginia • conversation
Sept. 4, 2024 ~5 min

A new way to miniaturize cell production for cancer treatment

A chip the size of a pack of cards uses fewer resources and a smaller footprint than existing automated manufacturing platforms and could lead to more affordable cell therapy manufacturing.

Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology • mit
July 9, 2024 ~7 min


New Ragon Institute building opens in the heart of Kendall Square

The building will serve as a hub for research on the development of immunology-based treatments.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
June 21, 2024 ~7 min

Boost your immune system with this centuries-old health hack: Vaccines

Even if you’re healthy and fit, you still need vaccines to protect yourself from severe disease.

David Higgins, Research fellow, Instructor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
June 20, 2024 ~6 min

Understanding why autism symptoms sometimes improve amid fever

With support from The Marcus Foundation, an MIT neuroscientist and a Harvard Medical School immunologist will study the “fever effect” in an effort to devise therapies that mimic its beneficial effects.

David Orenstein | The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
May 23, 2024 ~7 min

Iron fuels immune cells – and it could make asthma worse

Asthma attacks can result from immune cells overreacting to a harmless allergen. Tamping down iron levels in certain immune cells can help control their activity.

Omid Akbari, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California • conversation
May 14, 2024 ~5 min

Five MIT faculty members take on Cancer Grand Challenges

Joining three teams backed by a total of $75 million, MIT researchers will tackle some of cancer’s toughest challenges.

Bendta Schroeder | Koch Institute • mit
March 18, 2024 ~4 min

Immune cells can adapt to invading pathogens, deciding whether to fight now or prepare for the next battle

When faced with a threat, T cells have the decision-making flexibility to both clear out the pathogen now and ready themselves for a future encounter.

Hao Yuan Kueh, Associate Professor of Bioengineering, University of Washington • conversation
March 8, 2024 ~6 min


Blood cell family trees trace how production changes with aging

Whitehead Institute Member Jonathan Weissman and collaborators developed a tool to reconstruct human cell family trees, revealing how blood cell production changes in old age.

Greta Friar | Whitehead Institute • mit
Jan. 31, 2024 ~11 min

Simons Center’s collaborative approach propels autism research, at MIT and beyond

Team-based targeted projects, multi-mentor fellowships ensure that scientists studying social cognition, behavior, and autism integrate multiple perspectives and approaches to pressing questions.

David Orenstein | Simons Center for the Social Brain • mit
Jan. 30, 2024 ~12 min

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