#Immunology

A growing body of research reveals that vaccines may deliver far more than protection against specific infectious diseases; they can also trigger broader immune system responses that benefit general health and survival, especially among children. These “non-specific effects”—sometimes called “bonus shots”—recently made headlines in a detailed feature on Salon.com, which highlighted a wave of new scientific findings and renewed international debate. For Thailand, where high childhood immunisation rates have underpinned rising life expectancies for decades, these revelations add new urgency and context to national vaccine policy.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed the essential role of an immune molecule, interleukin 34 (IL34), in fine-tuning brain development—a discovery that could reshape understanding of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Conducted by researchers at Duke University and published in the journal Immunity on July 2, 2025, the study finds that IL34 acts as a key messenger, directing the brain’s own immune cells, known as microglia, on when and how to “prune” connections between neurons in early life. This process of synaptic pruning is fundamental, as it creates stronger, more efficient neural pathways underlying emotion, decision-making, and learning abilities (Duke University Medical School).

A groundbreaking study published in Nature reveals that psychedelics such as psilocybin may do far more than alter perception or mood—they fundamentally rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of psychiatric and inflammatory conditions worldwide. This research, led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggests a paradigm shift for mental health therapies, moving beyond neurotransmitter-focused interventions to include neuroimmune pathways as central targets for future drugs and treatments (Neuroscience News; Nature).

A major scientific breakthrough has revealed the potential for food allergies—an increasingly common and sometimes life-threatening health issue in Thailand and around the world—to be reversed, thanks to the discovery of a key group of immune cells in the gut. The findings, published on April 16, 2025 in the prestigious journal Nature, have the potential to transform how we prevent, treat, and perhaps even cure food allergies, which have long plagued Thai families and stressed our healthcare system [source].

Recent cutting-edge research from MIT and Harvard Medical School reveals that cytokines, immune molecules that play a crucial role in fighting infections, also affect brain functions, inducing profound behavioral changes such as anxiety or increased sociability. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems and illuminates potential pathways for treating neurological conditions like autism and depression.

Cytokines, including a variety named IL-17, have been the focus of these transformative studies. Researchers discovered that IL-17 operates in the brain’s distinct regions—the amygdala and the somatosensory cortex—eliciting contrasting effects. Within the amygdala, IL-17 induces anxiety, while in the cortex, it promotes sociability. These dual roles underscore a complex interaction between the brain and immune system, suggesting that behavioral changes during illness are not solely due to physical fatigue but also to brain functions being directly modulated by immune activity.

Recent groundbreaking research from MIT and Harvard University reveals a fascinating intersection between the immune and nervous systems that may redefine our understanding of illness and behavior. Immune molecules, known as cytokines, have long been recognized for their role in fighting infections; however, these studies unveiled their significant impact on the brain, influencing emotions such as anxiety and sociability. This new insight could have profound implications for treating a range of neurological conditions, including autism and depression.