The Immunology Podcast

Guest: Dr. George Robinson is a Principal Research Fellow at University College London, where his lab focuses on juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. He discusses current approaches to diagnosis and treatment, as well as the role of sex differences in autoimmunity. (31:20) Featured Products and Resources: Stay up-to-date with the latest in immune regulation news. Download a free wallchart on regulatory T cells. The Immunology Round Up Long-Term Allergies: Allergy-associated IgE plasma cells exhibit limited accrual in the bone marrow, and instead reside in other tissues for extended periods. (3:40) Oral Immunotherapy for Peanut Allergy: Peanut oral immunotherapy reshapes T cell responses, suppressing allergy-associated type 2 helper T cells and boosting cytotoxic type 1 helper T cells, offering clues to long-term tolerance. (9:00) Neuroprotective Microglia in Alzheimer’s Disease: The protective function of microglia is governed by the transcription factor PU.1, which becomes downregulated following microglial contact with amyloid plaques. (18:09) Autoimmunity in ALS: Researchers showed that ALS is associated with recognition of the C9orf72 antigen and mapped the specific epitopes that are recognized. (23:20) Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Camila Coelho is a Principal Investigator at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where her lab studies emerging pathogens. She talks about her lab’s work on mpox and other viruses, her approach to mentorship, and how her MBA education helps her in science. (36:00) Featured Products and Resources: Stay up-to-date with the latest in infectious disease news. Learn how to isolate highly pure immune cells with a free, on-demand course. The Immunology Round Up Epigenetic Programming of T Cells – Researchers developed an all-RNA platform for efficient, durable and multiplexed epigenetic programming in primary human T cells. (3:57) Converting Conventional T Cells to Tregs – Using a combination of cytokines and pharmacological approaches, conventional effector T cells can be converted into functional and stable Tregs. (9:40) A Host–Pathogen Arms Race – E. coli uses the effector NleL to suppress epithelial extrusion, which aids in bacterial spread. (23:06) Lactation and Lowered Breast Cancer Risk – Parity induces an accumulation of CD8+ T cells in breast tissue, which reduced tumor growth and increased immune cell infiltration in a mouse model. (28:13) Image courtesy of Dr. Camila Coelho Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

In this episode, Professor Matteo Iannacone, a leading expert in liver immunology from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, dives into the fascinating interplay between viruses and cancer. He discusses how unique liver architecture affects immune responses, especially in chronic hepatitis B. Matteo details how CD4 T cells license Kupffer cells to restore CD8 T cell function, and he explores the mechanisms behind liver zonation and its influence on immune cell behavior. Plus, he shares a personal note about his passion for jazz piano!

Dr. Robin Orozco, an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas, shares insights into how allelic variants like PTPN22 influence immune responses. She explains the benefits of using mouse models to uncover the effects on autoimmunity and cancer. Orozco discusses the nuanced trade-offs between protection against infections and the increased risk of autoimmunity posed by PTPN22. She also highlights her approach to teaching and mentorship, emphasizing a human-centered methodology in scientific practice.

Dr. Harikesh Wong, an Assistant Professor at the Ragon Institute and MIT, dives into the fascinating world of intercellular communication and Treg function in the immune system. He shares insights on how antigen specificity in Tregs can prevent autoimmunity during infections. Dr. Wong also discusses his advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques for visualizing Treg interactions with conventional T cells. Plus, he explores the challenges of translating mouse model insights to human systems, and he even ties in his passion for martial arts as a means to find focus.

Dr. Eric Vivier, a renowned immunology professor at Aix-Marseille Université, discusses the critical need for investing in scientific research. He argues that funding basic science leads to transformative breakthroughs like monoclonal antibodies. The conversation explores differences in research funding between Europe and the US, highlighting the European Research Council's role in fostering scientific freedom. Vivier also emphasizes the importance of science communication and the need to inspire future generations of scientists.

In August 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria. We chat with delegates about their research and impressions of the meeting. They discuss the most memorable research presented and their experiences in Austria. Featured Products and Resources: Prepare for your next conference. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Zwi Berneman, Emeritus Professor of Hematology at the University of Antwerp, discusses the groundbreaking world of mRNA-based dendritic cell cancer vaccines. He explores their historical evolution and the scientific advancements that enhance immune responses against cancer. Funding challenges and regulatory hurdles also take center stage as he emphasizes the need for collaboration and compliance to bring these therapies to patients. With a forward-looking perspective, Berneman envisions the future potential of naked mRNA in vaccination strategies by 2030.

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the final of five special episodes from the meeting, in which Brenda and Jason discuss sessions on AI applications and CAR T therapy progress. Featured Products and Resources: ImmunoCult Mouse T Cell Activator Kit Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the fourth of five special episodes from the meeting, in which Jason and Brenda discuss sessions on cancer immunotherapy and neuroimmunology. Featured Products and Resources: Say goodbye to manual labor and hello to efficiency with RoboSep—your ultimate solution for automated cell isolation. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe