New research published in Immunity by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that, in mice, the toxic tumor environment causes mitochondria to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that travel to the nucleus and damage telomeres, driving T cells to a dysfunctional state. By preventing damage to telomeres via a targeted antioxidant, scientists hope to rescue T cell function, opening the door to novel therapies to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.

An unusual therapy developed at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) could change the way the world fights influenza, one of the deadliest infectious diseases. In a new study in Science Advances, researchers report that a cocktail of antibodies protected mice—including those with weakened immune systems—from nearly every strain of influenza tested, including avian and swine variants that pose pandemic threats.