Cancer Biologists Call in B Cell Reinforcements
A study from the Salk Institute reveals that B cells play a critical role in enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer by organizing and boosting T cell activity. This discovery provides a mechanistic explanation for why B cell responses are linked to better cancer outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of B cells in immunotherapy could lead to more effective cancer treatments for patients who do not respond to standard T cell therapies.
LA JOLLA (September 16, 2026) - Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to a 2026 Cancer Research Institute report. Cancer biologists are keenly aware of this statistic, as it drives them to innovations that revolutionize cancer care - innovations like immunotherapy. Immunotherapy fights cancer using the body's own immune system, and often by boosting the performance of specialized adaptive immune cells called T cells.
Yet not all patients benefit from standard-of-care T cell immunotherapies. Salk Institute scientist Daniel Hollern, PhD , wants to change that - and he thinks B cells offer new pathways to enhance the immune system's attack on cancer cells. Hollern's lab is working to close the research gap that has shrouded B cells in mystery and prevented them from reaching their full clinical potential.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in