03.09.2026 15:40
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in the U.S. have identified organ-like structures in the bone marrow of the skull where brain-specific immune cells are trained. These structures, determined to function like a 'security center' against threats in the brain, were enhanced in mice, resulting in a more effective immune response against the deadly brain tumor glioblastoma and an extended survival time.
A striking discovery has been made about how the immune system protects the brain in the human skull. Researchers have revealed that the bone marrow of the skull is not only a region where blood cells are produced, but can also undertake a role in a special defense mechanism directed at the brain.
WORKS LIKE A "SECURITY CENTER" IN THE SKULL
According to the study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the bone marrow of the skull contains organ-like structures where brain-specific immune cells are trained. In experiments, it was observed that immune cells prepared in these centers could act directly against threats in the brain without needing other parts of the body. For this reason, researchers consider these structures to serve as a kind of "security center" that protects the brain against threats.
TRIED AGAINST A DEADLY BRAIN TUMOR
One of the most striking results of the discovery came from experiments on glioblastoma, which is quite difficult to treat. It was determined that mice whose immune foci under the skull were strengthened fought more effectively against brain tumors. It was reported that the survival times of these mice in the experiments were also significantly extended. The findings raised the possibility that these structures could be used in the future for new immunotherapies against brain tumors.
"COULD OPEN COMPLETELY NEW DOORS IN THE TREATMENT OF BRAIN TUMORS"
Prof. Dr. Jonathan Kipnis, the lead author of the study, stated that the discovery is of a nature that could change existing knowledge about the function of the skull bone marrow. Kipnis said, "The skull bone marrow is not just a protective skeleton; it hosts previously unknown centers where brain-specific immune responses are managed. The existence of these structures could open completely new doors in the treatment of neurological diseases and brain tumors."
It is noted that the potential area of use of the discovery is not limited only to brain cancer. Experts think that examining these structures in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia, where the immune system plays a role, could contribute to the development of new treatment methods.