#Immunology

A new line of research suggests that regular endurance exercise does more than strengthen the heart and lungs. It can also “train” the immune system, sharpening the performance of natural killer cells that patrol the body for viruses and diseased cells. The lead researchers say that older adults with a long history of endurance training show immune cells that are more adaptable, less inflamed, and metabolically efficient when confronted with immune stress. In other words, decades of cycling, running, swimming, or similar activity may leave behind a subtle, beneficial blueprint for aging immune defenses.

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.

Vaccines could do more than protect against a single infection. Recent research suggests some vaccines may strengthen overall immune health, potentially benefiting children beyond the targeted diseases. In Thailand, this idea is reshaping discussions about child-immunization programs and how schedules might adapt in the future.

Live vaccines, including BCG for tuberculosis and the measles vaccine, have shown associations with lower mortality from a variety of causes not limited to the diseases they prevent. Researchers emphasize that these broader benefits may stem from how vaccines train the immune system. Thai health professionals are exploring what this could mean for vaccination timing, policy decisions, and parental choices.

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 new study identifies interleukin-34 (IL-34) as a critical cue that guides early brain development by directing microglia, the brain’s immune cells, on when to prune synapses. Proper IL-34 timing helps build resilient neural networks and supports later emotional health, learning, and cognition. Researchers describe IL-34 as a signal that tells microglia when to start and stop pruning during infancy.

Traditionally, microglia were seen mainly as defenders against infection. The findings now show they actively shape brain architecture as well. Supported by national health research funding and dementia-focused philanthropic support, the work demonstrates that normal IL-34 signaling enables microglia to engage at the right moments. When IL-34 functions correctly, pruning proceeds in a balanced, developmentally appropriate way.

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 new study published in Nature suggests psychedelics like psilocybin may do more than alter mood. They could rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, offering a potential path to treating psychiatric and inflammatory conditions. Led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the research points to a shift in mental health therapy—targeting neuroimmune pathways alongside traditional neurotransmitter-focused approaches. In Thailand, this emerging field resonates with efforts to bridge neuroscience and holistic health practices, while underscoring the need for rigorous safety and efficacy data.

A major scientific breakthrough suggests food allergies could be reversed, thanks to a key group of immune cells in the gut. Published in Nature on April 16, 2025, the findings could transform how we prevent, treat, and potentially cure food allergies that affect Thai families and strain the health system. Research by a team led by Dr. Dan Littman at NYU Langone Health identifies tolerogenic dendritic cells in the intestines as critical for teaching the immune system to tolerate food proteins rather than attack them.

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].

New research from MIT and Harvard Medical School shows that cytokines—immune molecules that battle infections—also influence brain function and behavior. The findings suggest that illness can alter mood and social interactions not only through fatigue but via direct immune-brain connections. This could help explain aspects of conditions such as autism and depression.

Among the cytokines studied, IL-17 appears to have region-specific effects in the brain. In the amygdala, IL-17 heightens anxiety, while in the somatosensory cortex it seems to increase sociability. The results highlight a complex dialogue between the immune system and neural circuits, pointing to new avenues for understanding how immune activity shapes behavior during illness.

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.

A new wave of research from MIT and Harvard shows that immune molecules, specifically cytokines, influence the brain as well as defending the body against infection. Infections trigger cytokine responses, but these molecules can also affect emotions like anxiety and sociability. The findings open pathways for treating neurological conditions such as autism and depression, with potential relevance for Thai patients and caregivers.

Cytokines such as Interleukin-17 (IL-17) drive inflammation and coordinate immune cells. Earlier work noted IL-17’s ability to lessen autism-like symptoms during fever, prompting deeper questions about its brain actions. In studies led by researchers including Gloria Choi of MIT and Jun Huh of Harvard, IL-17’s effects were mapped to brain regions controlling fear and social behavior. Published in Cell, the research shows IL-17 can heighten anxiety in the amygdala while promoting sociability in the cortex, depending on the receptor pair it engages.

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.