Researchers at the Frazer Institute have uncovered how the gene GFI1 helps control two important branches of the immune system. The gene acts as a key regulator for natural killer cells, which provide rapid defense against infections and tumors, and memory T cells, which create long-lasting protection after exposure to a pathogen. When GFI1 was removed in experiments, natural killer cells failed to mature properly and lost their ability to fight viral infections and cancer effectively. By mapping how this genetic switch controls immune cells, scientists hope to develop more precise therapies that strengthen immune memory, improve vaccines, and enhance the body’s ability to fight chronic infections and cancer.
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