Ep. 91: “Immune Regulation and Inflammation” Featuring Dr. Marcelo Hill
Oct 29, 2024
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Dr. Marcelo Hill, head of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Inflammation at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, discusses enhancing immunotherapy for cancer through inflammasome activation. He emphasizes collaboration with industry to advance research. Joining him, Marion Brunck and María Julia Lamberti share insights on the Latin American immunology community, addressing challenges and opportunities for early-career researchers. They highlight the importance of the upcoming conference aimed at fostering collaboration and amplifying research visibility in the region.
Dr. Marcelo Hill emphasizes the potential of targeting immune regulatory molecules to enhance immunotherapy efficacy against cancer through innovative approaches.
The podcast discusses the importance of collaborations in overcoming challenges faced by the Latin American immunology community in securing research funding and resources.
Upcoming immunology conferences are highlighted as vital platforms for networking and empowering early-career researchers to tackle pressing issues in the field.
Deep dives
Advancements in Immunotherapy Research
Dr. Marcelo Hill discusses his research on immunotherapeutic targets in cancer, focusing on a specific molecule associated with immune tolerance. Through studies involving human samples and mouse models, the research demonstrates that blocking this target can enhance anti-tumoral immune responses. The lab integrates various methodologies, including transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing, to assess the molecule's effectiveness in improving existing immunotherapy strategies like checkpoint inhibition. The goal is to advance this research toward clinical trials, emphasizing the potential of targeting immune regulatory players in cancer treatment.
Challenges and Opportunities in Latin American Research
The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by immunologists in Latin America, particularly regarding funding and resource accessibility. While financial support for research lags behind that in other regions, several scientists emerge as world leaders in their fields. Dr. Hill emphasizes the importance of maintaining collaborations with both Northern countries and regional partners to foster scientific development. Despite limitations, there is optimism among researchers about the feasibility of conducting high-quality science in Latin America.
Networking at the Upcoming ALASI Conference
The upcoming Latin American and Caribbean Association of Immunology Congress is framed as a critical opportunity for researchers in the region to network and discuss pressing immunological issues. This conference will feature various experts, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaborations across Latin America. The guests, Marion Brunk and Maria Julia Lamberti, mention their initiative aimed at establishing a network for early-career researchers to discuss challenges and opportunities in immunology. They plan to formalize their program during the ALASI conference, illustrating the importance of community in scientific advancement.
Neuropeptide Influence on Immune Response
A recent study examined the role of neuropeptides in regulating T-cell differentiation, particularly the interaction between the nervous and immune systems. The research highlights the importance of a neuropeptide receptor, RAMP3, in guiding T-cell polarization, with direct implications for developing more effective immune responses. This connection reveals how immune signaling is influenced not only by classical immune pathways but also through neuro-immunological interactions. The findings underscore the ever-evolving understanding of how different biological systems can communicate and impact immune function.
The Role of Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer's Disease
A ground-breaking study tracks the aggregation of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) in microglia and its potential role in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The research utilizes advanced labeling techniques to visualize APOE and its relationship with amyloid-beta plaques, contributing to the understanding of plaque formation in Alzheimer's pathology. Importantly, the study suggests that the aggregation of APOE can initiate the seeding of amyloid plaques, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. This insight into the relationship between APOE, microglial function, and amyloid deposition could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's.
Dr. Marcelo Hill is the Head of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Inflammation at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo. He is also the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ARDAN ImmunoPharma. His research focuses on immune regulation in cancer, and how T cells respond to immunotherapy in melanoma. He talks about improving immunotherapy efficacy by activating the inflammasome, and how he is pushing this research towards the clinic by collaborating with industry and creating a spin-off company.
He is then joined by Drs. Marion Brunck and María Julia Lamberti, who discuss the upcoming meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Immunology, taking place November 4-8 in Buenos Aires. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Latin American immunology community, and how this conference aims to promote collaborations and empower early-career researchers.
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