this post was submitted on 20 Feb 2026
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[–] boydster@sh.itjust.works 48 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (15 children)

The approach described in the journal Science does not train the immune system. Instead it mimics the way immune cells communicate with each other.

It is given as a nasal spray and leaves white blood cells in our lungs – called macrophages – on "amber alert" and ready to jump into action no matter what infection tries to get in.

The effect lasted for around three months in animal experiments.

[–] DaddleDew@lemmy.world 63 points 4 days ago (9 children)

I'm no immunologist, but there has to be a reason why we evolved so our immune system doesn't constantly stay on "amber alert". There has got to be drawbacks.

[–] Kirp123@lemmy.world 39 points 4 days ago (2 children)

So one of the reasons asbestos is so dangerous is that it gets in your lungs where macrophages detect it as being foreign and try to destroy it. The issue is that asbestos is way larger than these cells and it's pretty resilient so they can't break it apart and eat it. The cells "get frustrated " so they start releasing inflammatory substances trying to find a way to neutralize this foreign body. That prolonged inflammation is what eventually leads to mesothelioma and other cancers.

I'm not sure how they plan to avoid the inflammation caused by these cells being in constant fighting infection mode.

[–] UnrepentantAlgebra@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Hold up so I could have as much asbestos as I wanted if it weren't for my stupid immune system?

[–] Witchfire@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

You could lick subway poles too!

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