If you think there is nothing new to discover in the human body, the latest finding from the world of science may change your mind once again.
According to Science Alert, scientists discovered a previously unknown immune structure inside the skull. This structure, located right next to the brain and functioning as a center where immune cells are "trained", may be one of the body's first lines of defense, especially against brain tumors.
For the structure detected in mice so far, researchers say that there are signs that similar formations are found in the human skull.
A HIDDEN DEFENSE CENTER INSIDE THE SKULL
In the research conducted by scientists from Washington University School of Medicine, remarkable structures belonging to the immune system were detected inside the skull bone.
Researchers had previously discovered microscopic channels that start from the brain tissues and extend to the skull through the dura mater, the protective membrane outside the brain.
In the new study, scientists traced the molecules passing through these channels and followed the connection extending from the nerve cells to the bone marrow in the skull.
The tracks eventually led to structures that resemble germinal centers normally found in lymph nodes, where immune cells are primed.
IMMUNE CELLS ARE 'TRAINED' HERE
The structures in question work like a "training camp" for the immune system. B cells, which have not yet specialized against a specific threat, proliferate in these centers, become stronger, and are prepared to target specific disease agents.
The fact that these structures are located right next to the brain particularly attracted the attention of researchers.
According to scientists, the brain may be receiving rapid support from these centers located very close to it, instead of calling immune cells from other parts of the body.
Jang Hyun Park, the first author of the study, stated that such structures have not been seen before in healthy bone marrow, and said that the discovery indicates that the brain may have its own immune defense.
EFFECT AGAINST BRAIN CANCER WAS TESTED
To understand the function of the structures they discovered, the researchers conducted experiments on an aggressive type of brain cancer called glioma in mice.
It was observed that tumors progressed faster and survival rates decreased in mice whose immune structures in the skull were disrupted.
However, in mice where three different proteins that strengthen the immune system were used, the result was reversed. It was determined that while the immune structures in the skull responded more strongly, the animals fought tumors more effectively and their lifespan was significantly extended.
This result suggested that the discovered structures are not only part of the immune system but may play a direct role in defense against brain tumors.
IT MAY ALSO BE HIDING IN HUMANS
The most exciting part of the research is whether the discovery extends to humans. Scientists are not yet certain that the structures seen in mice are also found in humans. However, the fact that follicular T cells have previously been detected in the bone marrow of the human skull is considered an important clue that similar immune centers may also be found in humans.
If these structures are confirmed in humans, the discovery could pave the way for a new approach to treating brain cancer.
Researchers think that in the future, treatments that strengthen the immune system can be delivered directly to these structures through a special hydrogel applied under the scalp.
This method can be much less invasive than major surgery performed to treat brain tumors.
HOPE FOR ALZHEIMER AND PARKINSON TOO
The discovery's potential isn't limited to brain cancer. Jonathan Kipnis, senior author of the study, stated that the discovery of these "first responder" centers in the skull that participate in the brain's defense could change the understanding of neuroimmunology.
According to Kipnis, these structures may also create new areas of research in the treatment of neurological diseases related to the immune system, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia and long COVID.
Scientists now have a critical question: Does this structure discovered in mice really exist in the human skull?
If the answer to this question is "yes", not only a new structure will be added to our knowledge of human anatomy, but also a brand new window into how the brain is defended against diseases.
