Health

Scientists Identify Key Immune “Exhaustion Switch,” Opening New Path for Powerful Cancer Treatments

Published

2 months ago

December 6, 2025

Scientists Identify Key Immune “Exhaustion Switch,” Opening New Path for Powerful Cancer Treatments

In a major scientific breakthrough that could transform cancer care, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have uncovered how tumours weaken the body’s immune defences—and how blocking that process can supercharge treatment. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, reveal a critical pathway that drives T cell exhaustion, a major obstacle in modern cancer immunotherapy.

According to the study, cancer cells exploit a molecular signal to drain T cells of their strength, reducing their ability to attack tumours. By blocking this signal, scientists were able to keep T cells active and dramatically enhance their tumour-fighting capacity.

“Our dream is to revive exhausted T cells so the immune system itself can defeat cancer. This discovery brings that future closer,” said co-senior author Dr. Taha Merghoub, noting that T cell exhaustion limits the long-term success of immunotherapies even in patients who initially respond well.

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The researchers focused on CD47, a protein known as the immune-evading “don’t eat me” signal used by cancer cells. Unexpectedly, the team discovered that T cells also produce CD47—and its levels surge when T cells become exhausted. Tests in mice revealed that animals lacking CD47 developed slower-growing tumours, showing the protein plays a powerful internal role in immune suppression.

Tumours appear to worsen this phenomenon by releasing thrombospondin-1, a protein that binds to CD47 and further weakens T cells. “Remove CD47 or thrombospondin-1, and T cells stay strong,” Merghoub said.

To counter this mechanism, researchers tested TAX2, a peptide that prevents CD47 and thrombospondin-1 from interacting. Mice treated with TAX2 displayed slower growth of melanoma and colorectal tumours, more active T cells, and stronger immune responses. TAX2 also significantly enhanced the effectiveness of PD1 immunotherapy, one of the most widely used cancer treatments.

Lead author Dr. Chien-Huan Weng described TAX2 as a “proof-of-concept,” adding that further work is underway to create safe and targeted ways to block this newly identified exhaustion pathway in human patients.

Scientists say the approach could form a powerful standalone therapy or boost existing immunotherapies, marking one of the most promising advances yet in the fight against cancer.

Scientists Identify Key Immune “Exhaustion Switch,” Opening New Path for Powerful Cancer Treatments

Related Topics:cancer Exhaustion Switch scientists

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Health

China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility

Published

5 days ago

January 19, 2026

Trends Admin

China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility

Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking blink-powered eye-tracking device designed to help paralysed patients regain control over wheelchairs and assistive devices. The innovation captures energy generated by blinking to operate devices, offering new independence for individuals with ALS, spinal injuries, and severe mobility impairments.

The device, named ET‑TENG, uses a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to convert eyelid movements into electrical signals, allowing users to navigate wheelchairs or communicate with technology without external batteries. Unlike traditional camera-based eye-tracking systems, ET‑TENG functions even in total darkness, making it more reliable for daily use.

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Developed through collaboration between Qingdao University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, ET‑TENG demonstrated 99% accuracy in detecting eye movements as small as 2 degrees, ensuring precise control for patients. Experts say this technology could significantly improve quality of life and autonomy for people living with paralysis.

This innovation is part of a growing wave of assistive technologies and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) in China and globally, aimed at translating neuroscience breakthroughs into practical tools for patients with severe disabilities. Researchers hope ET‑TENG and similar devices will soon allow users to communicate, move independently, and interact with the world in ways that were previously impossible.

China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility

Health

Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation

Published

1 week ago

January 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation

A grieving father has accused a Lagos health centre of negligence following the death of his nine-month-old twin boys, who reportedly died hours after receiving routine vaccination at a government-owned facility in the state.

The father, Samuel Alozie, said he took the twins to the Ajangbadi Primary Health Centre in Ojo Local Government Area for their scheduled immunisation. According to him, the babies were healthy and active before the visit but developed severe reactions shortly after the injections.

He alleged that the twins became unusually weak, stopped feeding properly and failed to respond to treatment given at home based on advice from health workers. Tragically, both children reportedly died within 24 hours of receiving the vaccines.

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The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, has raised fresh concerns about vaccine safety, medical negligence, and standards of care at public health facilities in Lagos State. In emotional online videos, the father questioned the drugs administered to his children and called for a transparent investigation, insisting that the deaths were preventable.

Reacting to public pressure, the Lagos State Government ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Officials said the autopsy would establish whether the fatalities were linked to the vaccination, medical error, or other underlying health conditions.

Health authorities have urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue, noting that routine childhood immunisation remains safe and critical in preventing deadly diseases. However, rights groups and concerned parents are demanding accountability, insisting that any form of medical malpractice uncovered must be prosecuted.

The tragic deaths have reignited national debate on healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in primary health centres, with many Nigerians calling for better training, monitoring and equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation

Health

NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians as Nestlé Recalls SMA Infant Formula in 50 Countries

Published

2 weeks ago

January 14, 2026

Trends Admin

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians as Nestlé Recalls SMA Infant Formula in 50 Countries

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that Nestlé infant formula products approved for sale in Nigeria are safe, following public concern over a voluntary global recall of SMA Infant Formula in more than 50 countries.

In a statement issued by the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency clarified that the recall by Nestlé UK was limited to specific batches overseas and does not affect products available in the Nigerian market.

According to NAFDAC, the recall was prompted by the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting, in some UK-manufactured batches. Cereulide is described as a heat-resistant toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

“The Agency wishes to reassure the public, healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders, particularly parents, guardians and caregivers, that all Nestlé infant formulae currently approved for marketing in Nigeria are safe for consumption and are not part of the recall,” the statement said.

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NAFDAC explained that the SMA infant formula sold in Nigeria is manufactured at the Nestlé Tuas Factory in Singapore and is fully registered and approved by the agency. It further confirmed that both the SMA and NAN ranges produced for the Nigerian market are not among the affected batches involved in the voluntary recall abroad.

The agency noted that the public advisory was issued purely as a precautionary public health measure, in line with NAFDAC’s mandate to keep Nigerians informed of global food safety developments, even where the risk of local exposure is low.

However, NAFDAC warned that potential risks could still arise through unauthorised importation, online purchases, or personal carriage of recalled products during international travel.

The agency assured Nigerians that it remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of food and pharmaceutical products in Nigeria, while continuing to monitor global developments related to infant nutrition and food safety.