Nature Neuroscience · 8 September 2026 · From issue 34
Intestinal infections establish antigen-specific, long-lived memory CD4+ T cells in the brain and meninges
In mice, gut infections leave long-lasting immune memory cells stationed around the brain's protective lining.
Aaron Fleming, Karen Neish et al.
Gut infections can leave a lasting mark on immune cells living around the brain. In mice, gut bacteria and parasites sent special immune cells called T cells traveling from the intestines to the brain's outer lining. These cells settled near blood vessel channels in that lining and stayed there long term. When the same germ showed up again in the blood, these settled cells reacted fast, multiplying and releasing defense signals.
Shown in mice: gut-primed immune cells settle near brain blood vessels and react fast to repeat exposure.
Mouse study only, no human data yet.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 6 October 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Nature Neuroscience). Read the source
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