Human Leukocyte Antigen News and Research

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New breast cancer classification system predicts immunotherapy response success

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has marked a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, yet a significant portion of breast cancer patients fail to respond to these therapies.

3 Jul 2026

A breakthrough molecular discovery could neutralize gluten and protect coeliac patients

A research project led by the Institute for Research in Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA) and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences at the University of Barcelona, together with the Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB) of the CSIC (which stands for Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), has successfully designed and tested a gluten-degrading molecule that is a promising ally in the management of coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease whose symptoms are triggered by the consumption of gluten and other prolamins found in cereals.

14 May 2026

Engineered regulatory T cells offer a path toward immunosuppression-free transplants

Organ transplantation remains the cornerstone treatment for end-stage organ failure. While conventional broad-spectrum immunosuppression effectively controls acute rejection, it fails to address chronic rejection and carries long-term side effects including infection, malignancy, and metabolic disorders.

8 May 2026

USF researchers develop AI framework to predict immune system responses

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to help scientists accelerate drug discovery and search for new treatments.

6 May 2026

New genomic study tracks rare blood disease in children

Aplastic anemia is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder where patients are unable to make enough blood cells due to the immune system's attack on blood stem cells. The condition can progress to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemia. A study led by scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with multiple collaborating institutions, used state-of-the-art genomic techniques to profile 619 children and adults with aplastic anemia.

4 May 2026

Genetic mismatch identified as major risk factor in cord blood transplantation

A Japanese study of more than 7,400 patients has identified a genetic mismatch that sharply increases the risk of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following umbilical cord blood transplantation.

20 Feb 2026

Precision mRNA vaccine strategy shows early promise for improving TNBC relapse risk

An individualized neoantigen mRNA vaccine was tested in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer and showed feasibility, safety, and strong T cell immune responses. Long-term follow-up suggested durable immune memory with encouraging relapse-free outcomes, though controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical benefit.

19 Feb 2026

Specific foods linked to autism risk via immune pathways

Genetic and clinical data suggest dietary factors may influence autism risk via immune pathways, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

14 Jan 2026

Novel cryo-EM findings could revolutionize T cell immunotherapy design

One of the most exciting advances in cancer treatments in the past decade is the development of T cell immunotherapies, in which a patient's own immune system is trained to recognize and attack dangerous cells. Yet a full understanding of how they actually work has eluded researchers.

16 Dec 2025

Blood group A linked to a higher risk of primary biliary cholangitis

Findings indicate blood group A elevates the risk of primary biliary cholangitis, suggesting ABO group analysis could aid in autoimmune liver disease diagnosis.

19 Nov 2025

Scientists outline how future therapies could change type 1 diabetes care

Researchers writing in The Lancet review breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes treatment, from immunotherapies that delay onset to stem-cell β-cell replacement and automated insulin delivery. They stress that equitable access, validated surrogate endpoints, and scalable technologies are crucial for lasting impact.

24 Sep 2025

Study reveals how centenarians preserve youthful immune defenses

Researchers mapped immune cells from centenarians, their offspring, and younger controls across three cohorts using multi-omics single-cell profiling. They found that centenarians retain leaner helper pools but have enhanced cytotoxic and NK cell programs, along with reinforced NK–T communication networks.

15 Sep 2025

Genetically-engineered immune cells show promise for preventing organ rejection

A Medical University of South Carolina team reports in Frontiers in Immunology that it has engineered a new type of genetically modified immune cell that can precisely target and neutralize antibody-producing cells complicit in organ rejection.

17 Aug 2025

Blocking a single gene disrupts vitamin D metabolism and cancer pathways in new cell study

Researchers identified SDR42E1 as a key regulator of vitamin D absorption and sterol metabolism in colorectal cancer cells. Disruption of this enzyme altered cancer-related pathways and cell viability, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

21 Jul 2025

NMDP and CIBMTR release updated guidelines to improve donor selection for transplants

NMDPSM, a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, and its collaborative research program, CIBMTR (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research), have released revised donor and cord blood selection guidelines to enhance transplant outcomes for patients.

10 Jul 2025

Researchers explore new therapies to prevent organ rejection without immunosuppressive drugs

While immunosuppressive medications are critical to prevent rejection of transplant organs, they also come with plenty of downsides.

7 Jul 2025

Study reveals 15 hidden genetic risk factors for celiac disease

This comprehensive GWAS reveals 15 new genetic variants linked to celiac disease, offering insights for earlier detection and tailored treatment strategies.

9 Jun 2025

Review sheds light on the mechanistic role of long non-coding RNAs in liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a global health challenge, affecting nearly 30% of adults worldwide.

28 Feb 2025

New AI tool promises faster vaccine development by predicting T cell epitopes

An exciting collaboration between the Ragon Institute and the Jameel Clinic at MIT has achieved a significant milestone in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to aid the development of T cell vaccine candidates.

29 Jan 2025

Heart attack recovery enhanced by human stem cell spheroids, study shows

In a large-animal model study, researchers have found that heart attack recovery is aided by injection of heart muscle cell spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, or hiPSCs, that overexpress cyclin D2 and are knocked out for human leukocyte antigen classes I and II.

7 Jan 2025