Ep. 98: “IUIS 2025: Waltzing into the Future of Immunology” Featuring Drs. Wilfried Ellmeier, Laurence Zitvogel, and Dan Littman
Feb 11, 2025
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Dr. Wilfried Ellmeier, Professor at the Medical University of Vienna, leads the discussion alongside Dr. Laurence Zitvogel from Gustave Roussy and Dr. Dan Littman of NYU Langone. They dive into the upcoming IUIS 2025 Congress in Vienna, teasing highlights of the diverse program that will include groundbreaking topics like gut dysbiosis and cancer treatment. The trio also chat about the importance of inclusivity in immunology research and share exciting insights on T-regulatory cells and their role in cognitive health.
The IUIS 2025 Congress aims to foster global collaboration in immunology with diverse programs and reduced fees for broader participation.
Recent research on the African microbiome highlights significant shifts due to urbanization, underscoring the need for inclusive, geographically diverse studies.
Innovative studies on transplant rejection mechanisms reveal critical interactions within T cells, emphasizing the importance of precise HLA matching for successful grafts.
Deep dives
Insights on the Upcoming IUIS Congress
The IUIS Congress, set to take place in Vienna from August 17th to 22nd, 2025, promises to be a significant gathering for immunologists globally. With roughly 4,000 attendees expected, the congress aims to serve as a melting pot for diverse immunological research. It will feature a comprehensive program with keynote lectures, plenary sessions, and symposia that cover various aspects of immunology, such as cancer immunity and autoimmune diseases. Organizers are making efforts to accommodate participants from lower-income backgrounds, offering reduced registration fees and travel fellowships to foster global representation.
Highlighting Recent Microbiome Research
Recent research has expanded the understanding of the gut microbiome, particularly within African populations, revealing shifts influenced by urbanization and rural lifestyles. A study highlighted the discovery of over a thousand new bacterial genomes from samples in various African regions, showcasing the need for broader microbiome atlases reflective of global diversity. Significantly, HIV infection was found to alter the microbiome in ways previously not documented, reinforcing the importance of inclusive research that accounts for geographic and demographic diversity. This calls for a comprehensive approach in studying microbiomes to ensure effective healthcare adaptations across varied populations.
Understanding Transplant Rejection Mechanisms
Research into transplant rejection mechanisms has unveiled intricate interactions between T cells and donor-specific antigens, shedding light on chronic immune responses. An innovative study focused on indirect recognition of mismatched HLA molecules, identifying certain peptides that prompt antibody production which ultimately leads to transplant failure. Using predictive models, researchers discovered specific hotspots in HLA mismatches that increase the likelihood of antibody generation, providing insights into developing potential interventions to enhance graft acceptance. These findings underscore the necessity of precise matching in organ transplantation to avoid immunological complications.
The Dynamic Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2
A study on SARS-CoV-2 evolution demonstrated the correlation between viral mutations and the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies over time. Researchers constructed predictive models that combined mutation data with immunological responses, allowing them to forecast resurgence waves of COVID-19. The models indicated that viral mutations often arise from immune pressure, suggesting a need for ongoing genomic surveillance in addressing pandemic dynamics. While the findings offer insights into vaccine strategies, the rapid mutational pace of respiratory viruses complicates the challenge of achieving herd immunity through conventional vaccination alone.
Role of Regulatory T Cells in Brain Homeostasis
Research investigating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the meninges revealed their crucial function in maintaining brain health and preventing neuroinflammation. A study identified distinct populations of Tregs that cluster with antigen-presenting cells, suggesting a regulatory mechanism that guards against the damaging effects of inflammatory cytokines like interferon gamma. When Tregs were depleted in mouse models, there was a significant increase in inflammatory responses, negatively affecting cognitive functions associated with the hippocampus. These findings highlight the importance of Tregs in preserving brain homeostasis and suggest potential therapeutic targets for neuroinflammatory diseases.
Dr. Wilfried Ellmeier is a Co-Chair of the Scientific Planning Committee at the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) and Professor of Immunobiology and Head of the Institute of Immunology at the Medical University of Vienna. Dr. Laurence Zitvogel is a Keynote Speaker at IUIS 2025 and a Professor and Group Leader at Gustave Roussy. Dr. Dan Littman is also a Keynote Speaker at IUIS 2025 and Professor of Cell Biology and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Professor of Molecular Immunology at NYU Langone. This episode features a discussion on the upcoming IUIS 2025 Congress taking place August 17-22 in Vienna, Austria. They talk about what to expect at the meeting, highlights from this year’s program, and where to explore in Vienna. (42:25)
, taking place May 3-7 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
