# Discovery of immune structures in skull bone marrow > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-immune-structures-in-skull-bone-marrow > Updated: 2026-09-17T02:57:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified specialized immune structures within the bone marrow of the skull. Published in the journal Nature, the study uses mouse models to demonstrate that these structures function as rapid-response hubs, similar to lymph nodes, containing T follicular helper cells that assist B cells in antibody production. The research indicates that these hubs respond to brain pathologies, such as glioblastoma, more quickly than distant lymph nodes. Scientists observed proteins moving from the brain through physical channels in the dura mater directly into the skull bone marrow, establishing a direct anatomical route for immune cells and cellular waste. While the primary findings were demonstrated in mice, researchers noted preliminary evidence of similar immune cells in human skull bone marrow. This discovery challenges the belief that the central nervous system operates in isolation from the peripheral immune system and may offer new avenues for treating brain tumors and neurological diseases. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Washington University researchers discover immune hubs in skull bone marrow Scientists have identified specialized, lymph node-like immune structures in skull bone marrow that provide a rapid defense mechanism for the brain against diseases like glioblastoma. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-university-researchers-discover-immune-hubs-in-skull-bone-marrow ### 2026-08-24: Washington University researchers discover immune structures in skull bone marrow Scientists have discovered previously unknown immune structures in skull bone marrow that may respond to brain tumors, potentially offering new insights into treating aggressive brain cancers. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/researchers-discover-new-immune-structures-in-the-skull --- Cite as: Discovery of immune structures in skull bone marrow. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-immune-structures-in-skull-bone-marrow