Study Shows Virtual Signs of Illness Can Trigger Human Immune Response

Study Shows Virtual Signs of Illness Can Trigger Human Immune Response
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A new study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that merely seeing a virtual person showing signs of illness can activate the human immune system. Researchers from the University of Geneva fitted 248 healthy participants with virtual reality headsets and conducted five experiments to explore how the brain and body respond to simulated contagious individuals.

Participants viewed avatars bearing either neutral expressions, visible signs of viral infection (such as rashes), or expressions of fear. The study found that participants reacted more quickly to mild facial touches when sick avatars were shown, even if those avatars appeared further away—suggesting an increased sensitivity to perceived infection threats.

EEG and fMRI scans confirmed that the brain’s threat-detection areas, including those responsible for spatial awareness and bodily protection, were more active when observing sick avatars. Moreover, blood tests showed increased activity in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), immune cells that play a key role in early immune response, similar to reactions seen after influenza vaccination.

Lead researcher Prof. Camilla Jandus described the results as consistent with the body’s evolutionary “smoke detector” system. While the findings highlight a preemptive biological response to perceived contagion, experts note further research is needed to determine if such activation improves actual disease resistance.