Immunology Explained

What makes Ebola so dangerous? From the very beginning, Ebola virus attacks and hijacks the immune system, making it hard for your body to get rid of the virus.

On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The current outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a rarer strain of Ebola virus, so currently available vaccines do not work. Researchers are working hard to develop new vaccines for Bundibugyo virus and to control the outbreak.

To learn more about how the immune system impacts all aspects of health, visit ImmunologyExplained.org

Cell graphics by Amandatomical Art

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON606

Immunotherapy is an exciting area of research that boosts the immune system's ability to fight cancer. It has been a game changer for many different cancers, and researchers are working hard to expand its uses to more cancers.

To learn more about immunotherapy, visit immunologyexplained.org

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that studying melanoma contributed to groundbreaking discoveries in cancer immunotherapy? May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and you can learn more about how research is advancing treatments for melanoma skin cancer and other cancers at https://immunologyexplained.aai.org/topics/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/

: Millions of people live with autoimmune diseases, conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, so we’re shedding light on this autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks gluten as if it were a foreign invader. This can have negative health impacts beyond just the gut and unfortunately many people live with unexplained symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.

To learn more about the immune system’s role in Celiac Disease and how research is making progress, visit the link in bio.

Immunology research for bladder cancer pioneered one of the earliest forms of immunotherapy: BCG treatment. Researchers continue to expand our understanding of bladder cancer with new insights that could improve cancer treatment for all types of cancer.

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, so learn more about how immunology research is improving cancer treatment at: immunologyexplained.aai.org/topics/cancer/bladder-cancer/

May is Lupus Awareness Month and we want to highlight the power of immunology research in uncovering the “why” behind lupus—and moving us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure.

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks tissues throughout the body. By studying what causes the immune system to do this, scientists are unlocking new ways to diagnose lupus, make therapies more precise, and improve quality of life for millions living with lupus.

To learn more about immunology research and lupus, visit ImmunologyExplained.org/topics/autoimmune-disorders/lupus/

Cell graphics by Amandatomical Art