immune-health
Immune health in plant science refers to the study of how plants develop, regulate, and maintain their defense systems against pathogens, pests, and environmental stressors. Understanding plant immunity is critical for improving crop resilience and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, as plants rely on sophisticated molecular signaling pathways rather than adaptive immune cells. Research in this area informs the development of disease-resistant cultivars and sustainable agricultural practices.
PubMed · 2026-04-01
A clinical trial found that switching to a high-fiber, plant-based diet improved metabolic health, gut microbiome diversity, and immune function in people at risk of developing multiple myeloma — and mouse studies confirmed that fiber alone (not just weight loss) can slow the disease's progression.
23 participants on a high-fiber, plant-based diet for 12–24 weeks showed improvements in BMI, insulin resistance, gut microbiome diversity, and inflammatory markers.
Disease progression stabilized or improved in all participants, with 2 showing a measurable improvement in their precursor disease trajectory.
In mouse models, a high-fiber diet delayed progression to myeloma independent of calorie restriction or weight loss, acting through increased short-chain fatty acid production that boosted antitumor immunity.