Immunology explores the intricate defense systems that keep our bodies safe from infections and disease. This field examines how our immune cells recognize threats, coordinate responses, and maintain a delicate balance between fighting invaders and avoiding self-harm. From understanding vaccine mechanisms to investigating autoimmune disorders, these studies reveal the dynamic biology protecting human health every day.

On Gist.Science, we ensure these critical discoveries remain accessible to everyone. We automatically process every new preprint in this category as it appears on bioRxiv, transforming complex research into both plain-language explanations and detailed technical summaries. This approach allows readers to grasp the core findings without getting lost in dense jargon, while still providing the depth needed for scientific inquiry.

Below are the latest immunology papers from bioRxiv, each accompanied by our curated summaries to help you navigate the newest breakthroughs in the field.

🛡️ immunology

Intrathecal antibodies cross-react with EBV BRRF2 and human antigens in multiple sclerosis

This study identifies a specific intrathecal antibody signature in a subset of multiple sclerosis patients that targets an Epstein-Barr virus BRRF2 motif and cross-reacts with human CNS antigens, suggesting a molecular link between EBV infection and MS pathogenesis while offering a potential biomarker for disease stratification.

Schulte-Frankenfeld, P. M., Decker, T., Buenger, I., Bamberg, S., Thakar, M., Morgenlander, W. R., Schindler, P., Sperbe (…)2026-08-18
🛡️ immunology

Asymmetric Boost Responses to an HIV-1 Vaccine: Boost-site Controls Secondary B-cell Fates

This study demonstrates that the anatomical site of HIV-1 vaccine boosting critically determines secondary B-cell fates, with ipsilateral injections preferentially engaging antigen-specific memory clones for continued affinity maturation while contralateral injections recruit cells with no prior antigen exposure or off-target cells biased toward plasma cell differentiation.

Barber, J. S., Tonouchi, K., Yeh, C.-H., Berry, M., Kirshner, H. F., Wiehe, K., Eaton, A., Montefiori, D., Tian, M., Alt (…)2026-08-17
🛡️ immunology

Endocrine-Adapted Pituitary Macrophages Regulate Gonadotropin Secretion through CXCL5-CXCR2-MAPK Signaling

This study identifies pituitary macrophages as essential endocrine-immune integrators that regulate gonadotropin secretion via a unique CXCL5-CXCR2-MAPK signaling pathway, revealing their critical role in maintaining reproductive health and linking chronic inflammation to reproductive disorders.

Del Mundo, Z., Ha, J., Zhou, L., Zhang, A., De Robles, G., Wiggins, K., Pham, K., Ujagar, N., Angulo, J., Tonsfeldt, K. (…)2026-08-17
🛡️ immunology

TREM2 drives accumulation of pro-scarring monocyte-derived macrophages in the infarcted myocardium

This study demonstrates that TREM2 is essential for the accumulation and pro-fibrotic function of monocyte-derived macrophages in the infarcted myocardium, where it drives scar formation by promoting efferocytosis-induced gene expression and fibroblast activation.

Rizzo, G., Piollet, M., Krammer, T., Sakalli, E. T., Leipold, A. M., Gropper, J., Alayrac, P., Tin-Kim-Wang, A., Gendre (…)2026-08-17
🛡️ immunology

Anti-malaria RTS,S/AS01 vaccine generates a limited pool of memory B cells expressing specificities associated with protection

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine initially induces protective, NANP-repeat-specific memory B cells, but their frequency declines over time as they are replaced by non-protective C-terminus-specific B cells, potentially explaining the vaccine's limited long-term efficacy.

Netland, J., Thouvenel, C. D., Gregory, S., Adams, W. C., Jongert, E., Brunette, N., King, N. P., Kisalu, N. K., King, C (…)2026-08-14
🛡️ immunology

Targeting glucocorticoid signalling in dendritic cells for glioblastoma treatment

This study identifies glucocorticoid signalling via the NR3C1 receptor as a critical barrier to dendritic cell-based immunotherapy in glioblastoma, demonstrating that targeting or deleting NR3C1 restores dendritic cell function and significantly enhances anti-tumour immune responses.

Zhao, Q., Pramanik, J., Jabbar, A., Gui, Y., Chakraborty, S., Fysh, E., Ghosh, S., Puerto-Camacho, P., Santos, M. M., Al (…)2026-08-12
🛡️ immunology

OTUB1 controls marginal zone B-cell development by stabilizing RelA in a CD40-dependent manner

This study demonstrates that the deubiquitinating enzyme OTUB1 maintains splenic B-cell homeostasis and restricts marginal zone B-cell expansion by stabilizing the NF-κB subunit RelA through the inhibition of its K48-linked ubiquitination in a CD40-dependent manner.

Vogt, J. F., Tang, Y., Reissig, S., Karantanou, C., Kumar, S., Stylianakis, E., Schlueter, D., Waisman, A., Hoevelmeyer (…)2026-08-10