Dive into the vibrant opening of a major immunology congress in Cape Town, showcasing landmark speeches and milestones. Discover groundbreaking research on tuberculosis, highlighting how animal models improve vaccine efficacy. Get inspired by leaders in cancer immunotherapy, sharing personal journeys and the latest advancements in vaccines and immune responses. Finally, explore how hormonal treatments, like testosterone, impact immune systems during gender affirmation. Join the conversation as they uncover the future of immunology!

Dr. Anjali Kusumbe, Group Leader and Director of the Tissue Imaging Centre at Oxford University, discusses light sheet microscopy, aging immune systems, and the discovery of lymphatic vessels in bone.

Dr. Sophia Liu discusses her research on immune cell interactions, T-cell receptors mapping, and thymus aging.

Dr. Siobhan Burns, a Professor of Translational Immunology, discusses primary immunodeficiency disorders and genetic mutations affecting immune function. Topics include inborn errors of immunity, a cryptic antigen in influenza, drug-resistant malaria parasites, transplanting genetically modified pig kidneys, reducing immunosuppression after liver transplant, and mechanisms of inborn errors of immunity.

Dr. Peter Fecci, a Professor of Neurosurgery at Duke University, specializes in brain tumor immunology and immunotherapy. He discusses groundbreaking strategies for activating T cells to target brain tumors, particularly focusing on glioblastoma. Insights into targeting MHC-I-negative tumor cells reveal promising avenues for treatment. The conversation also covers the complexities of brain cancer therapies and the immune dynamics affecting outcomes. With a balance of scientific rigor and personal anecdotes, the talk offers a hopeful look at advancements in brain tumor treatment.

Dr. Alice Long, a Principal Investigator at Benaroya Research Institute, discusses topics such as B cell selection, IBD management, neuropeptides in type 2 immunity, and intestinal antigen recognition. She also explores T cell tolerance in type 1 diabetes, T cell exhaustion in therapy, and the challenges of checkpoint blockade. The hosts and guest also chat about hobbies, scuba diving, and upcoming meetings.

Dr. Kristin Anderson, Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, discusses engineering T cells to overcome immune suppression in tumors. Topics include strategies for targeting ovarian cancer, translational challenges in immunotherapy, and tips for postdocs transitioning to faculty positions.

Discover the revolutionary mRNA vaccination approach for pancreatic cancer by Dr. Vinod Balachandran, highlighting potential benefits for patients. Dive into the interaction between the immune system and gut microbiome, along with the rejuvenating effects of young blood components on aging. Explore the significance of T cell immunity in preventing influenza infections and the role of mentorship in a surgeon-scientist's career journey.

Dr. Greg Delgoffe, an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh studying metabolism and immunity in cancer, discusses the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and the effects of nutrients in the tumor microenvironment. Topics include the role of immunometabolism in autoimmunity, CD8 T cells killing MHC one negative tumor cells, and the Warburg effect in tumor metabolism.

Dr. Daniel Streicker, a Professor of Viral Ecology, discusses vampire bats as reservoirs for rabies and approaches to vaccination for preventing transmission. Topics include: sleep disturbance in cardiac disease, influenza vaccine responses, multipronged T cells, γδ T cells in solid tumors, collaboration in immunology, vampire bats and rabies transmission, and fieldwork experiences in South America.