Immune cells could be protected from ‘exhaustion’ by flipping genetic switches
Nature
February 13, 2026
By pinpointing transcription-factor proteins that are selectively engaged when T cells commit to functional or dysfunctional fates, it has been possible to identify regulatory ‘switches’ that drive this decision. Adjusting these switches restored tumour-killing function while preserving memory capacity. Some transcription-factor proteins govern decisions between functional and dysfunctional T-cell states.
Verticals
scienceresearch
Originally published on Nature on 2/13/2026