{
  "id": 14441075,
  "title": "Immune system discoveries reveal how body balances defense, protection and repair",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/immune-system-discoveries-reveal-how-body-balances-defense-protection",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-14T12:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-immune-discoveries-reveal-body-defense.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent immune system discoveries have shed light on the intricate balance between defense, protection, and repair mechanisms within the body. Immune cells such as T cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and microglia work collectively to combat viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, cancer cells, and toxins. Some immune cells produce antibodies while others engage in defense mechanisms or perform tasks like devouring, cleansing, and disposing of waste. Certain immune cells even enter a state of shock-induced paralysis.\n\nHowever, the conditions that trigger the immune system's reactions remain unclear. This is where UZH immunologist Nicole Joller comes in, focusing on the regulation of the immune system. The key to maintaining this equilibrium lies in the \"brakes\" of the immune system, specifically regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs balance the body's defenses against infections with its self-protection mechanisms by halting improperly trained T cells that mistakenly attack the body's own cells in tissues.\n\nThe discovery of Tregs took decades and faced significant controversy, earning researchers a Nobel Prize in 2025. Tregs can regulate immune responses, making targeted immunotherapies possible. These therapies can switch off certain immune functions while leaving others active, a concept that has transformed cancer treatment. Neurologist Roland Martin and immunologist Mireia Sospedra have been collaborating for 20 years on MS research, where misdirected T and B cells target the central nervous system and cause inflammation. Modern treatments have helped stabilize newly diagnosed MS patients, preventing severe disability.\n\nMartin and Sospedra are now exploring the connections between the immune system and other bodily functions, including the brain, skin, and gut. They recognize that the gut houses about 80% of the body's immune cells, making it a vital area of study. Their research aims to achieve a balance between the body's defenses and self-protection mechanisms, ultimately promoting overall health.",
  "summary": "In the past, immune cells were all simply known as white blood cells. Nowadays, we know that there are T cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, autoreactive T helper cells, microglia, Tregs and others. Together, they form a team that patrols the body like a health police force. Their targets include viruses, harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites, cancer cells and toxins.",
  "key_points": [
    "Immune system balances defense, protection, and repair mechanisms",
    "Regulatory T cells (Tregs) halt improperly trained T cells",
    "Tregs enable targeted immunotherapies for cancer and MS treatment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}