Published on Feb. 18, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A groundbreaking study from NYU School of Global Public Health reveals a direct link between everyday discrimination and an accumulation of ‘exhausted’ white blood cells, potentially hindering the body’s ability to fight off illness. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,300 adults and found that individuals reporting higher levels of discrimination had elevated levels of specific types of white blood cells in a state of ‘terminal differentiation,’ meaning they were exhausted from repeated activation and had diminished functionality.
Why it matters
This research highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, as the physiological traces of social disadvantage can accumulate over time and impact long-term well-being. It suggests discrimination doesn’t just trigger a general inflammatory response, but actively impairs the body’s ability to respond effectively to threats.
The details
Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study and found that individuals reporting higher levels of everyday discrimination had elevated levels of CD4+ TEMRA and CD8+ TEMRA T cells, and IgD− memory B cells. These weren’t just more cells, but cells in a state of ‘terminal differentiation,’ meaning they were exhausted from repeated activation and had diminished functionality. Scientists hypothesize that repeated exposure to discriminatory stress activates the body’s stress responses, leading to ‘weathering’ – a gradual deterioration of health that appears to accelerate the aging of immune cells.
The study was published on February 17, 2026.
The players
NYU School of Global Public Health
The institution where the groundbreaking study on the link between discrimination and immune system dysfunction was conducted.
Emiko Kranz
The lead author of the study, who explains the researchers were able to witness the life cycle and level of functionality of the B cells and T cells.
Adolfo Cuevas
A senior author of the study, who notes that the research builds upon previous work linking discrimination to systemic inflammation and reveals another way that psychosocial stressors can contribute to age-related disease processes.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“We weren’t only looking at whether there were more or less of the B cells and T cells; we were also able to witness what period of their life cycle and level of functionality they had based on whether they were naïve or terminally differentiated cells, which gave us additional insight.”
— Emiko Kranz, Lead Author
“This study builds upon well-established research linking experiences of discrimination to systemic inflammation, revealing yet another way that psychosocial stressors become embodied and may contribute to age-related disease processes.”
— Adolfo Cuevas, Senior Author
What’s next
Scientists require to explore how chronic stress impacts white blood cells at a molecular level to develop targeted interventions.
The takeaway
This research underscores the critical need to address systemic inequalities and create a more just and equitable society, as the health consequences of discrimination are not merely psychological, but deeply embedded in our biology.
