Washington University researchers discover new immune organ in skull

Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine have identified a previously unknown immune organ located within the bone marrow of the skull. The study, published in the journal Nature, describes this structure as an “immune security station” situated close to the brain.

For years, the scientific community believed the brain's immune system was largely isolated from the rest of the body. However, this research demonstrates that small channels allow molecules from the brain to reach the skull's bone marrow. In these areas, researchers found structures similar to germinal centers in lymph nodes, where immune cells are trained to fight diseases.

In studies involving mice with glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, the researchers found that inhibiting these skull-based immune structures led to faster tumor progression and lower survival rates. Conversely, using specific proteins to strengthen the immune response enhanced the effectiveness of these structures in fighting tumors. While currently observed in mice, scientists believe similar structures likely exist in humans.