Latest from Scripps Research

Just as we can distinguish between the sting of heat and the chill of cold, our immune system is finely tuned to recognize and respond to a wide range of threats, from viruses and bacteria to allergens and injury. This complex sensing relies on communication between diverse cell types, including sensory neurons and immune cells, to ensure responses are tailored to the specific challenge. In this Front Row lecture, Assistant Professor Alejandra Mendoza explored how neuro-immune cellular circuits regulate inflammation, pain, and immunity. By bridging neuroscience and immunology, her research is revealing how our bodies interpret signals from the environment to guide immune decisions, from fighting infections to controlling tumor growth and chronic inflammatory diseases.

How do microbes influence our immune system, and can we leverage this relationship to combat disease? In this Front Row lecture, Scripps Research professor Howard Hang delved into his lab’s innovative work at the intersection of chemistry, microbiology and immunology. By dissecting the molecular dialogues between gut bacteria and human cells, Hang’s research uncovers how microbial enzymes generate small molecules—called microbial metabolites—that can influence immune responses. These insights are paving the way for new treatments against infections, cancer and inflammatory illnesses, highlighting the powerful role that microbes play in shaping human health.

A recent Science study reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 “bird flu” virus could enhance the virus’ ability to attach to human cells. Led by Scripps Research scientists Ian Wilson and James Paulson, the study highlights the need to monitor H5N1’s evolution.

Checkpoint inhibitor therapies can be thought of as the molecular “brake release” for the immune system. These drugs eliminate the protein barriers that impede the immune system from recognizing and targeting cancer cells in the body. While there are multiple checkpoint inhibitors approved to treat different types of cancer, many patients don’t respond or develop resistance to available regiments. A Scripps Research team has now found that ruxolitinib, an approved immunosuppressive drug, supercharged T-cell responses when used alongside checkpoint inhibitors—boosting their effectiveness in fighting cancer. These findings, published in Science on June 21, are supported by a phase I clinical trial of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as preclinical models.