Ep. 81: “Respiratory Immunology” Featuring Dr. Priya Devarajan
Jun 18, 2024
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Dr. Priya Devarajan, an Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University, specializes in immune memory and respiratory immunology. She discusses how aging impacts the immune system and promotes strategies for enhancing immune responses in the lungs and nose. The conversation also dives into improving influenza vaccine efficacy and the potential of nasal vaccines for combating respiratory infections. With insights into academic career paths, she emphasizes individual journeys in science and the importance of representation, especially for women in academia.
The maturation dynamics of gamma delta T cells highlight a shift in immune response capabilities from childhood to adulthood.
Lower blood glucose levels during viral infections can enhance antiviral responses via gamma delta T cells, indicating metabolic influence on immunity.
Research on nasal immunity post-COVID-19 emphasizes the need for improved vaccine development targeting respiratory infections and upper respiratory defenses.
Deep dives
Research on Gamma Delta T Cells
Recent research highlights the role of gamma delta T cells across various tissues and their maturation dynamics as individuals age. The study indicates a notable shift in the functional properties of these cells from infancy through adulthood, showcasing increased clonal diversity in children’s blood compared to adults. As individuals mature, these gamma delta T cells transition from a more versatile state in children to a specialized, effector-like state in adults. This shift suggests that the immune system's ability to repair tissues and respond effectively changes throughout the lifespan, emphasizing the importance of understanding age-related immune dynamics.
Impact of Blood Glucose on Viral Immunity
Another study investigates the relationship between blood glucose levels and the innate antiviral immune response, particularly during viral infections. Researchers found that lower glucose concentrations during infections could enhance the body’s antiviral response, an outcome linked to gamma delta T cells' activity. Mice studies revealed that a reduction in glucose during viral exposure resulted in improved production of interferon beta, a key component of the antiviral immune response. This suggests that glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in modulating immune effectiveness during infections, which could have significant implications for patients with diabetes who often experience heightened susceptibility to infections.
Autoinflammatory Disease and Gene Regulation
A significant paper discusses the association of a specific genetic region with various autoinflammatory diseases, identifying ETS2 as a master regulator of macrophage functionality. Researchers employed sophisticated genomic techniques to establish that this genetic region affects transcription factor activity, resulting in changes in macrophage responses linked to inflammation. Further investigation showed that manipulating ETS2 expression directly impacted macrophage inflammation, suggesting it plays a pivotal role in inflammatory diseases. This work helps illuminate potential pathways for therapeutic intervention in autoinflammatory conditions by targeting gene regulatory factors.
Cellular Architecture and T Cell Activation
A study delves into how the physical structure of naive T cells can influence their activation and differentiation during immune responses. The researchers identified distinctive cellular architectures, notably a 'stripy' structure in some naive T cells, which correlated with better readiness to differentiate into effector cells. This architectural feature was associated with enhanced calcium signaling, providing these cells with a functional advantage during activation. This suggests that cell morphology could be an overlooked aspect of T cell immunology that affects outcomes in adaptive immunity.
Exploring Nasal Immunity and its Significance
The conversation also highlighted the emerging importance of nasal immunity in combating respiratory infections, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding how immune responses in the nasal passages operate could transform vaccine development and enhance our defenses against respiratory pathogens. Current research aims to bridge gaps in knowledge regarding nasal immune responses, which differ significantly from those in the lungs. By studying these mechanisms and their implications on vaccines, researchers hope to capitalize on the natural defenses of the upper respiratory tract to improve overall immunity in populations, particularly the aging demographic.
Dr. Priya Devarajan is an Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University. Her work focuses on immune memory and respiratory immunology. She talks about how aging affects the immune system and strategies to promote immune responses in the nose and lungs. She also discusses improving influenza vaccine responses and her experience interviewing for faculty positions.
γδ T Cells Across the Life Span – Antigenic exposures over childhood drive the functional evolution and tissue compartmentalization of γδ T cells.
Glucose Restriction and Viral Response – Glucose restriction is a physiological mechanism to bring the body into a heightened state of responsiveness to viral pathogens.
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