Scientists discover the body’s hidden “off switch” for inflammation
Science Daily
February 19, 2026
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Scientists have discovered a natural mechanism in the body that acts as an "off switch" for inflammation, offering new hope for treating chronic diseases. The study, conducted by researchers at University College London and published in *Nature Communications*, identified small fat-based molecules called epoxy-oxylipins as key regulators of the immune response. These molecules help prevent the buildup of harmful immune cells associated with chronic inflammation, which can lead to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
The research involved a carefully designed experiment with healthy volunteers. Participants received a controlled inflammatory stimulus using UV-killed E. coli bacteria, triggering pain, redness, heat, and swelling. The study tested a drug called GSK2256294, which blocks an enzyme that breaks down epoxy-oxylipins, thereby boosting their levels in the body. Two groups were studied: one receiving the drug before inflammation started (prophylactic arm) and another after inflammation began (therapeutic arm). Results showed that blocking this enzyme increased epoxy-oxylipin levels, leading to faster pain resolution and significantly lower levels of intermediate monocytes—immune cells linked to chronic inflammation.
The study revealed that a specific epoxy-oxylipin called 12,13-EpOME works by suppressing the p38
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/19/2026