https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-rss/?title=Latest%20News&orgId=109441 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Human and Translational Immunology Program en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:11:06 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/konnikova-and-taylor-receive-award-to-study-diet-in-preterm-infants/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/konnikova-and-taylor-receive-award-to-study-diet-in-preterm-infants/ Liza Konnikova, MD, PhD (left), and Sarah N. Taylor, MD, recently received a research award from the Binational Science Foundation for a study looking at the influence of diet on the intestinal health and growth of preterm infants. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.survivornet.com/articles/true-breakthrough-experts-say-personalized-mrna-vaccine-could-help-stop-melanoma-from-returning-become-new-standard-of-care/ https://www.survivornet.com/articles/true-breakthrough-experts-say-personalized-mrna-vaccine-could-help-stop-melanoma-from-returning-become-new-standard-of-care/ A new experimental vaccine is showing incredible potential as a treatment option for melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. Compared to other types of skin cancer, melanoma is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not found and treated early. Even when it is surgically removed, melanoma can return, or recur. Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/personalized-cancer-vaccines-just-got-one-step-closer-to-reality/ https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/personalized-cancer-vaccines-just-got-one-step-closer-to-reality/ Adults at high risk of melanoma recurrence and spread were able to stay cancer-free with personalized vaccines made with mRNA technology. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/who-is-most-likely-to-be-diagnosed-with-kidney-cancer/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/who-is-most-likely-to-be-diagnosed-with-kidney-cancer/ David Braum, MD, joined WTNH's Health Headlines segment to bring awareness about kidney cancer. Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.z5mhpv4 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.z5mhpv4 Expected to wrap up later this year, the trial is “intended to probe a plausible hypothesis” rather than find treatment at this stage, says Yale University immunologist Akiko Iwasaki, who is helping run it. “That would require a much larger study.” Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/bayer-wildberger-receives-2026-american-brain-foundation-next-generation-research-grant/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/bayer-wildberger-receives-2026-american-brain-foundation-next-generation-research-grant/ A Q&A with Alexandra Bayer Wildberger, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Kevin O’Connor, PhD, who was selected to receive a 2026 American Brain Foundation Next Generation Research Grant in the area of myasthenia gravis for her project, “Investigating the Role of the Immune System’s First Responders in Myasthenia Gravis.” Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/06/25/paradigm-shifting-treatment-pediatric-diabetes-cleared-fda https://news.yale.edu/2026/06/25/paradigm-shifting-treatment-pediatric-diabetes-cleared-fda Yale’s Kevan Herold was the senior investigator on a clinical trial which showed that the drug teplizumab—recently approved for pediatric patients with Stage III type 1 diabetes—delays the progression of the disease. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/06/24/gut-punch-new-study-knocks-out-norovirus-where-it-strikes https://news.yale.edu/2026/06/24/gut-punch-new-study-knocks-out-norovirus-where-it-strikes Gut-homing antibodies provide powerful protection against norovirus, a new Yale study finds, revealing a potential new path for developing vaccines and therapies. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-to-know-about-genital-herpes-and-how-common-is-it/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-to-know-about-genital-herpes-and-how-common-is-it/ In today’s health headlines, what to know about genital herpes – how common is it and why there is a stigma around it, a new vaccine to prevent herpes is in the works, and how the specialized approach for this vaccine might lead the way against other viruses. Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, Sterling Professor of immunobiology at Yale University School of Medicine, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to discuss. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/yale-school-of-medicine-gifted-dollar25-million-to-advance-autoimmune-research-and-strengthen-global-consortium/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/yale-school-of-medicine-gifted-dollar25-million-to-advance-autoimmune-research-and-strengthen-global-consortium/ Yale School of Medicine received a $2.5 million gift from the Colton Foundation to advance the work of the Colton Center for Autoimmunity at Yale and the Colton Consortium for Autoimmunity. The consortium is a global partnership among the four Colton Centers at Yale, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), New York University (NYU), and Tel Aviv University (TAU). Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/yale-medicine-magazine/article/a-program-with-heart-and-many-vessels/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/yale-medicine-magazine/article/a-program-with-heart-and-many-vessels/ Researchers in the Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program are working to address chronic inflammation, heart disease, and more. Mon, 25 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/05/06/true-exemplars-faculty-honored-support-graduate-students https://news.yale.edu/2026/05/06/true-exemplars-faculty-honored-support-graduate-students Each spring, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences recognizes professors from each of four divisions for their advising and mentoring of Yale students. Wed, 06 May 2026 19:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/t-cells-are-culprit-of-kidney-damage-in-lupus/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/t-cells-are-culprit-of-kidney-damage-in-lupus/ Scientists uncovered self-renewing immune cells that continually supply T cells that damage the kidneys in lupus patients. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:00 Z https://www.realsimple.com/why-some-people-get-worse-colds-than-others-11921111 https://www.realsimple.com/why-some-people-get-worse-colds-than-others-11921111 A new study explains why certain people experience worse colds than others, along with a few ways to manage symptoms. To conduct the study, researchers created a laboratory model of the lining of the human nasal passages, says Ellen F. Foxman, MD, PhD, associate professor of laboratory medicine and immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine and senior author of the article. Using this model, they examined how this community of cells in the nose responds to rhinovirus infection. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:00:00 Z https://time.com/7382892/universal-vaccine-respiratory-illnesses-research/ https://time.com/7382892/universal-vaccine-respiratory-illnesses-research/ Akiko Iwasaki, a professor of immunology at Yale School of Medicine who was not involved in the study but calls it “very interesting.” “In humans, there are different structures in the nose and the throat and the deeper lung,” she says. “Whether or not this type of vaccination can induce similar structures in humans is something that needs to be tested.” Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/establish-yale-transketolase-deficiency-program-advance-rare-disease-resesarch/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/establish-yale-transketolase-deficiency-program-advance-rare-disease-resesarch/ The gift will support groundbreaking studies, the development of new therapies, and comprehensive clinical care initiatives focused on TKT deficiency. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:00:00 Z https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/nose-dish-scientists-recreate-common-cold-culture https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/nose-dish-scientists-recreate-common-cold-culture Interview from the BBC Naked Scientist show/podcast about recent Yale study in which researchers studied how thousands of nasal cells interact to cause (or stop) symptoms of common cold infections. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/01/19/why-same-cold-can-be-sniffle-some-and-crisis-others https://news.yale.edu/2026/01/19/why-same-cold-can-be-sniffle-some-and-crisis-others It’s not the rhinovirus itself but the body’s early immune response that determines whether the common cold stays mild or flares into something more dangerous, a new study finds. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/researchers-uncover-a-backup-defense-system-in-the-gut/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/researchers-uncover-a-backup-defense-system-in-the-gut/ Scientists discovered an unusual method of antibody production in the gut that may help future mucosal vaccine design. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:00:00 Z https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-epstein-barr-virus-may-cause-lupus/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-epstein-barr-virus-may-cause-lupus/ Early findings indicate that Epstein-Barr Virus may also cause the autoimmune disease lupus. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/10/28/humidifier-humidity-viruses-cold-flu/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/10/28/humidifier-humidity-viruses-cold-flu/ The question: Can humidifiers help prevent the spread of viruses that can cause colds, flu and other illnesses? Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/gut-to-brain-signaling-restricts-post-illness-protein-appetite/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/gut-to-brain-signaling-restricts-post-illness-protein-appetite/ A new study finds ammonia production in the gut drives a reduced appetite for protein when recovering from acute illness. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:00:00 Z https://au.news.yahoo.com/norovirus-outbreak-sickens-at-least-75-people-on-cruise-ship-traveling-to-the-us-180336942.html https://au.news.yahoo.com/norovirus-outbreak-sickens-at-least-75-people-on-cruise-ship-traveling-to-the-us-180336942.html A norovirus outbreak has sickened at least 75 people on board a cruise ship. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.wwno.org/npr-news/2025-10-23/research-shows-social-emotional-learning-can-boost-grades-and-test-scores https://www.wwno.org/npr-news/2025-10-23/research-shows-social-emotional-learning-can-boost-grades-and-test-scores A new peer-reviewed analysis shows K-12 students who got regular access to social and emotional learning had better test scores and better grades. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/transforming-kidney-care-through-tissue-engineering/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/transforming-kidney-care-through-tissue-engineering/ Yale School of Medicine’s William Chang, MD, PhD, explores how tissue engineering — using stem cells, organ-on-a-chip devices, and engineered microvasculature — might one day offer new alternatives. In a Q&A, the assistant professor of medicine (nephrology), reflects on his journey into the field and his recent breakthroughs. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:37:00 Z https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/embracing-the-complexity-of-somatic-alterations-in-kidney-cancer-care https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/embracing-the-complexity-of-somatic-alterations-in-kidney-cancer-care In a conversation with CancerNetwork® during a visit to Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, Connecticut, David A. Braun, MD, PhD, detailed his group’s work in understanding how somatic alterations may impact responses or resistance to treatment among patients with kidney cancer. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/two-immunobiology-phd-students-have-been-awarded-the-ruth-l-kirschstein-predoctoral-individual-national-research-service-awards-f31/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/two-immunobiology-phd-students-have-been-awarded-the-ruth-l-kirschstein-predoctoral-individual-national-research-service-awards-f31/ Two Immunobiology PhD students, Sasha Tabachnikova, BA, and Lena Wirth, BS, have been awarded the prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Awards (F31) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). F31 funding awards from the NIH are designed to help promising predoctoral students develop into productive, independent research scientists through mentored research training while conducting dissertation research. Fri, 19 Sep 2025 21:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/department-of-neurology-annual-report-spring-2025/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/department-of-neurology-annual-report-spring-2025/ Discover the latest updates in patient care, research, education, and more from Yale School of Medicine's Department of Neurology in its spring 2025 annual report. YSM Neurology is a clinical, research, and education hub, advancing cutting-edge research and treatments of neurologic diseases and disorders, and training the next generation of neurologists. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/navigating-immune-related-adverse-effects-during-kidney-cancer-therapy https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/navigating-immune-related-adverse-effects-during-kidney-cancer-therapy In a visit to Yale Cancer Center, CancerNetwork® spoke with Yale Cancer Center physician scientist Dr. David Braun about strategies for overcoming immune-related toxicities among patients undergoing treatment for renal cell carcinoma, and how these events may show prognostic potential in this population. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/07/01/great-immigrants-great-americans-award-honors-yales-natarajan-and-iwasaki https://news.yale.edu/2025/07/01/great-immigrants-great-americans-award-honors-yales-natarajan-and-iwasaki Akiko Iwasaki and Priyamvada Natarajan have been named to the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s “Great Immigrants, Great Americans” list for 2025. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/how-immune-checkpoint-inhibitors-can-induce-diabetes/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/how-immune-checkpoint-inhibitors-can-induce-diabetes/ In a Q&A, Yale School of Medicine's Ana Luisa Perdigoto discusses how immune checkpoint inhibitors can induce diabetes, which patients may be more susceptible, and how her research seeks to prevent and treat this life-altering condition. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:28:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/05/13/new-study-offers-insights-designing-safe-effective-nasal-vaccines https://news.yale.edu/2025/05/13/new-study-offers-insights-designing-safe-effective-nasal-vaccines A new Yale study shows that nasal boosters can create strong local immune protection in the lungs and airways for respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Wed, 14 May 2025 13:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/05/06/faculty-honored-superb-teaching-and-mentorship-graduate-students https://news.yale.edu/2025/05/06/faculty-honored-superb-teaching-and-mentorship-graduate-students Each spring the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences recognizes professors from each of four divisions who provide “superb teaching, advising, and mentoring” to Yale students.  Wed, 07 May 2025 14:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/immunotherapy-balancing-cancer-treatment-benefits-and-risks/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/immunotherapy-balancing-cancer-treatment-benefits-and-risks/ Addressing serious side effects that can derail immunotherapy cancer treatments is the focus of research work at the Yale Cancer Center as well as clinical programs at Smilow Cancer Hospitals. Fri, 02 May 2025 11:00:00 Z https://research.google/blog/teaching-machines-the-language-of-biology-scaling-large-language-models-for-next-generation-single-cell-analysis/ https://research.google/blog/teaching-machines-the-language-of-biology-scaling-large-language-models-for-next-generation-single-cell-analysis/ C2S-Scale looks deep into how to best represent cells and biological information as text, opening up exciting applications for language-driven single-cell analysis with large language models. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/does-paxlovid-reduce-long-covid-symptoms-yale-led-trial-finds-out/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/does-paxlovid-reduce-long-covid-symptoms-yale-led-trial-finds-out/ A novel decentralized clinical trial found that Paxlovid was ineffective in alleviating Long COVID symptoms but underscored the importance of a patient-centered approach. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:30:00 Z https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2105216/ https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2105216/ Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology and Professor of Dermatology and of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases), has devoted her career to studying vaccines, to ward off infectious diseases. In this video, Dr. Iwasaki shares insight about breakthroughs in understanding Long COVID, and the importance of diverse voices in science. Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/03/06/why-nih-support-matters-yale-md-explains https://news.yale.edu/2025/03/06/why-nih-support-matters-yale-md-explains Breakthroughs in medicine start with research — and lead to better lives. Hear from Yale doctor Kevan Herold about the critical role of NIH funding in enabling his team’s successful efforts to help delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes.  Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/inflammation-how-protect-body-against-chronic-disease-rcna193856 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/inflammation-how-protect-body-against-chronic-disease-rcna193856 Longevity experts see fighting chronic inflammation as key to healthier aging. Dr. David Hafler discusses inflammation as a "double-edge sword." Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ventures.yale.edu/news/blavatnik-fund-innovation-yale-support-15-breakthrough-interventions-cardiometabolic https://ventures.yale.edu/news/blavatnik-fund-innovation-yale-support-15-breakthrough-interventions-cardiometabolic This year’s awardees are tackling some of the most urgent life science challenges with projects spanning novel therapeutics to AI-powered medical solutions. Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/the-rules-of-immunity-what-decides-t-cell-fate/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/the-rules-of-immunity-what-decides-t-cell-fate/ Yale researchers have identified a lever that determines the fate of T cells, influencing whether they become killer cells or exhausted cells during an immune response. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/02/20/women-long-covid-higher-risk-estrogen/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/02/20/women-long-covid-higher-risk-estrogen/ Akiko Iwasaki, a professor of immunobiology at the Yale School of Medicine, said the findings suggest that hormones play a key role in long covid, and hormone-replacement treatments may be beneficial for long-covid patients. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/02/19/immune-markers-post-vaccination-syndrome-indicate-future-research-directions https://news.yale.edu/2025/02/19/immune-markers-post-vaccination-syndrome-indicate-future-research-directions A small number of people report chronic symptoms after receiving COVID-19 shots. A new study provides clues for further research. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.yahoo.com/news/covid-trigger-type-1-diabetes-190207314.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/covid-trigger-type-1-diabetes-190207314.html The virus can trick your body into attacking itself. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2024/11/08/antibodies-keep-ancient-viral-dna-check-may-inform-new-treatments?utm_source=beatrix_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=YSM_News_and_Recognition_11-13-24 https://news.yale.edu/2024/11/08/antibodies-keep-ancient-viral-dna-check-may-inform-new-treatments?utm_source=beatrix_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=YSM_News_and_Recognition_11-13-24 B-1 immune cells can recognize all sorts of viruses, Yale researchers find. Mimicking them may enable a pan-virus treatment that can address many virus types. Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/parkinsons-disease-associated-with-neuroinflammation-in-the-brain-new-analyses-reveal/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/parkinsons-disease-associated-with-neuroinflammation-in-the-brain-new-analyses-reveal/ Using single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics, Yale researchers have created a detailed cell atlas of brains affected by Parkinson’s disease. Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2024/07/29/what-shapes-viruss-pandemic-potential-sars-cov-2-relatives-yield-clues https://news.yale.edu/2024/07/29/what-shapes-viruss-pandemic-potential-sars-cov-2-relatives-yield-clues Two close relatives of SARS-CoV-2 have reduced transmission potential, a new study finds. Understanding why could help identify future pandemic threats. Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/innovations-in-immunology/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/innovations-in-immunology/ This April, Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology and Professor of Dermatology and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and of Epidemiology at Yale, was named to the TIME100 by TIME Magazine. Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/new-evidence-supports-autoimmunity-as-one-of-long-covids-underlying-drivers/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/new-evidence-supports-autoimmunity-as-one-of-long-covids-underlying-drivers/ Mice that received antibodies from Long COVID patients showed symptoms including pain and dizziness, a Yale-led study has found. Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/new-immunology-research-reveals-potential-target-for-immune-diseases/ https://medicine.yale.edu/immuno/news-article/new-immunology-research-reveals-potential-target-for-immune-diseases/ A gene mutation that causes human immune defects reveals new biology of antibody responses and may open the door to new autoimmune disease treatments, a Yale-led study has found. Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:00:00 Z