Researchers have shown how images of infection activate the immune system

• Virtual avatars with infection markers triggered the immune system's response.
• The study involved 248 participants using VR technology.
• Activation of immune cells was detected in the blood of participants.

Researchers from the University of Lausanne and the University of Geneva conducted an experiment in which 248 participants wore virtual reality (VR) helmets to observe avatars that displayed infection markers. The study showed that even virtual representations of infected individuals triggered the immune system's response.

Participants observed three avatars, which initially had a neutral appearance, but then some of them showed signs of infection, such as rashes on the skin. The results indicated that when the avatars appeared infected, participants reacted more quickly to them, even if the avatars had returned to a neutral state.

The research also included measuring the brain activity of participants. It was found that the brain's reaction to infected avatars activates zones that respond to identified threats. In this case, in the blood of participants, there was an increased activity of cells known as natural lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are early responders in the immune response.

According to Professor Kamilla Janus, the activation of these cells indicates that the brain can react to virtual infection patterns and initiate a systemic immune response. Researchers believe that these results could be utilized for developing new therapeutic approaches, including in vaccination and allergy treatment.

Tags: Research