Experiencing everyday discrimination is linked to a weakening of the immune system, according to a new study published February 17, 2026, by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,300 adults, found that individuals reporting higher levels of discrimination exhibited elevated levels of “exhausted” white blood cells, potentially hindering their ability to fight off illness.
Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study tracking the health of U.S. Adults aged 50 and older. Participants reported on instances of “everyday discrimination,” defined as routine unfair treatment based on factors like race, gender, or economic status. Examples included being treated with less respect, being perceived as unintelligent, or receiving poorer service in settings like restaurants or medical offices.
The study identified significantly higher counts of specific types of T cells – CD4+ TEMRA and CD8+ TEMRA – and B cells – IgD− memory cells – in individuals who reported experiencing more frequent discrimination. Crucially, these elevated levels were observed in cells already in a “terminally differentiated” state. These cells, having been repeatedly activated, exhibit diminished functionality and a reduced capacity to respond effectively to new threats.
“We weren’t only looking at whether there were more or less of the B cells and T cells; we were likewise able to observe 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,” explained Emiko Kranz, a PhD student at NYU School of Global Public Health and the study’s lead author.
The findings build upon existing research connecting discrimination to systemic inflammation, as indicated by biomarkers like C-reactive protein. However, this study specifically focuses on the impact of discriminatory stress on the adaptive immune system – the part of the immune system responsible for fighting off specific infections through T and B cells.
Scientists hypothesize that repeated exposure to discriminatory experiences activates the body’s stress responses, leading to a process known as “weathering,” a gradual deterioration of health that appears to accelerate the aging of immune cells. This chronic stress, the researchers suggest, leaves “physiological traces that accumulate over time,” impacting long-term well-being.
“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,” said Adolfo Cuevas, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health and the study’s senior author.
The research was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Further research is planned to explore the long-term health consequences of these immune system changes and to identify potential interventions to mitigate the effects of discrimination on immune function.
