In this podcast, Brenda and Jason discuss research on the microbiome, sepsis, and the aging immune system. They also explore mRNA vaccines for COVID and cancer, the long-term effects of sepsis on monocyte function in children, the impact of aging on T cells after vaccination, unpublished data on BAC-2 protein, and the discovery of Galactin tin crystals associated with asthma.
Ocelum Turiji discusses the development of mRNA vaccines for cancer and the potential of non-immunogenic mRNA versions to ameliorate diseases like EAE.
John Frick presents research on the long-term effects of sepsis on monocyte function in children, revealing persistent alterations and downregulation of the HLA-DR gene.
Deep dives
The Importance of mRNA Vaccines for Cancer
The podcast episode discusses a presentation by Ocelum Turiji, co-founder and CMO of Biantech, about the original mission of the company to develop mRNA vaccines for cancer. Turiji explains the design and modifications made to generate lipoparticles with mRNA, as well as the results of studies on vaccinating against new antigens from tumors. The effectiveness of intra nodal injections of naked mRNA in eliciting antigen-specific responses is highlighted, along with the combination of CAR T cells and vaccinations to target tumor-associated antigens such as Clodin 6. The potential of non-immunogenic mRNA versions to induce tolerance and ameliorate diseases like EAE is also mentioned.
Long-Term Effects of Sepsis on Monocyte Function
In a talk by John Frick, the long-term effects of sepsis and ICU stays on monocyte function, specifically in children, are discussed. It is revealed that six months after the sepsis event, monocyte function remains altered, and HLA-DR gene downregulation persists. The speaker aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these long-term effects and the impact on quality of life. Additionally, Marion Doreen's group identifies a unique subset of B cells, called NB regs, found only in newborns. These innate-like B cells produce IL-10 and play a crucial role in gut colonization during maternal transfer.
Insights into T17 Cells and Immune Aging
Pierre Moisek presents a history of IL-17 and T17 cells, highlighting the discovery of their association with rheumatoid arthritis and their differentiation process using IL-6, TGF-beta, and IL-23. He also discusses the distinction between pathogenic and homeostatic subtypes of T17 cells and introduces the concept of gut-originating pathogenic T17 cells migrating to the brain. Stuart Tangier discusses various inborn errors of immunity related to T17 pathways and their implications in chronic candidiasis. The impact of aging on T cell responses after vaccination is explained by Michelle Linterman, who focuses on the role of T follicular helper cells in altering germinal centers and their distribution within the center.
In 2023, we attended the 18th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Cape Town, South Africa, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the second of five special episodes from the meeting, in which Brenda and Jason discuss research on the microbiome, sepsis, and the aging immune system.
Magnet.
