Washington University researchers find hidden skull immune organ that fights brain cancer
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis identified a hidden immune organ inside the skull of mice on September 16, 2026.
New immune hubs found in bone
Researchers discovered lymph node-like structures within the skull bone marrow of mice. These immune hubs can react to brain cancer before distant lymph nodes receive signals. Evidence suggests similar cells exist in human skull bone marrow as well.
Local defense improves tumor rejection
Strengthening this local immune response led to better tumor rejection and longer survival times for the animals. The study indicates that the brain communicates with these nearby specialized immune stations. This finding challenges the older view that the brain is isolated from the immune system.
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