The Immunology Podcast

Guest: Dr. Monika Wolkers is a Group Leader at the Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation and an Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on RNA-binding proteins and how they affect T cell function. She talks about  γδ T cells in immunotherapy, targeting pediatric tumors, and how a sabbatical led her to study RNA-binding proteins. (46:50) Featured Products and Resources: Register now for IMMUNOLOGY2025, taking place May 3-7 in Honolulu, Hawaii. IUIS 2025 is taking place August 17-22 in Vienna, Austria. The Immunology Science Round Up Macrophages in Liver Regeneration – Glutamate supports liver regeneration by stabilizing HIF1α in bone-marrow-derived macrophages. (4:33) A High-Salt Diet and Depression – A high-salt diet induces depression-like behavior symptoms in mice. (15:30) A New Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic – The lasso peptide antibiotic lariocidin inhibits the bacterial ribosome. (29:10) Boosting Antigen Cross-Presentation with STING – Researchers developed a new vaccine technology that stimulates CD8+ T cells and shows promise in mouse models of cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infection. (36:45) Image courtesy of Dr. Monika Wolkers Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guests: Dr. Stephen Jameson is the President of the American Association of Immunologists, and LMP Professor and Harry Kay Chairman’s Fund Professor in Experimental Pathology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Dr. Bonnie Dittel is the Dr. Gilbert C. White II Endowed Faculty Chair at Versiti Blood Research Institute and Editor-in-Chief of ImmunoHorizons. In this episode, they talk about the upcoming IMMUNOLOGY2025 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii from May 3-7, 2025. They discuss the highlights of the program, including the President’s Symposium and special sessions for new members. (36:07) Featured Products and Resources: Register now for IMMUNOLOGY2025, taking place May 3-7 in Honolulu, Hawaii. IUIS 2025 is taking place August 17-22 in Vienna, Austria. The Immunology Science Round Up H5N1 Antibody Responses – Older adults have partial immunity to H5N1 due to exposure to similar influenza strains earlier in life. (4:00) Macrophages in Kidney Disease – Macrophage RGMb promotes kidney disease by increasing macrophage infiltration. (8:50) Spatial Transcriptomics of Liver Cancer – A new spatial immune scoring system predicts the risk of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. (18:20) Neutrophils in the Skin – A population of neutrophils build extracellular matrix rings around wounds. (25:10) Image courtesy of Drs. Stephen Jameson and Bonnie Dittel Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Peter Doherty, a Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne and a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work on T cells, recounts his fascinating journey from veterinary medicine to immunology. He shares insights into viral immunity and the complexities of T-cell antigen recognition. Additionally, he discusses the importance of science communication and reflects on his experiences post-Nobel Prize. The conversation also touches on the impact of nutrition on immune response and the evolution of immunology through collaborative research.

Dr. Luke O’Neill, a biochemistry professor at Trinity College Dublin, dives deep into the world of inflammation and innate immunity. He explores how macrophages influence inflammatory responses and their potential role in treating nerve damage. The conversation includes exciting findings about T-cells in asthma and novel anti-inflammatory therapies being developed. O'Neill also discusses the burgeoning field of immunometabolism, where metabolism intersects with immune functionality, shedding light on future treatments for various diseases.

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.

Dr. Erica Saphire, President and CEO of the La Jolla Institute, specializes in viral immunity and pathogenesis. She shares insights on the groundbreaking capabilities of cryo-electron microscopy, revealing how it can illuminate viral fusion processes like those of the measles virus. Saphire also discusses her leadership role and highlights the importance of research in combating viral diseases. The conversation spotlights the evolution of antibody responses and the innovative use of AI in structural biology to tackle complex viral challenges.

Dr. Nicole Quinn, Director of Brand and Scientific Communications at STEMCELL Technologies and co-host of Lab Coats & Life Podcast, discusses vital elements of mentorship in science. She shares insights from her journey into podcasting, emphasizing the significance of soft skills and trends in the scientific community. Their conversation also highlights the importance of professional visibility and diverse career paths for scientists. Listeners can look forward to the second season, focusing on fostering mentorship and staying informed in the ever-evolving scientific landscape.

Dr. Gail Bishop, a Professor at the University of Iowa and Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Immunology, dives into the fascinating world of lymphocyte signaling. She discusses the intricacies of TRAF signaling and the NFκB pathway's effects on B and T lymphocytes, shedding light on their roles in immunity. Additionally, the podcast touches on innovative T-cell receptor engineering and the surprising functions of macrophages in muscle interactions. Gail's insights into her editorial role reveal the evolving landscape of scientific publishing.

Dr. Lili Yang, a renowned professor at UCLA specializing in immunotherapy for cancer, dives into her innovative research on engineering off-the-shelf treatments. She discusses the exciting potential of CAR-NKT cells derived from stem cells, highlighting advancements in accessibility to therapies. Lili also explores the surprising link between serotonin, SSRIs, and their impact on cancer treatment efficacy. Her insights challenge traditional views, merging the realms of mental health and immunology in groundbreaking ways.

Dr. Rahul Roychoudhuri, a Professor of Cancer Immunology at the University of Cambridge, shares insights on groundbreaking research in cancer treatment. He discusses enhancing cancer cell targeting through innovative cell therapies and the role of immunomodulators like aspirin in preventing metastasis. The conversation also delves into the complexities of immune regulation in cardiac health and how recent discoveries in synthetic immunology could transform patient outcomes. This blend of cutting-edge research and practical applications makes for an intriguing listen!