The Immunology Podcast

Dr. Dionna Williams, an Acting Associate Professor at Emory University, sheds light on the fascinating link between HIV and its neuropsychiatric effects. She discusses how HIV infection impacts immune cells in the brain, potentially leading to mental health challenges. The conversation also covers the challenges of drug delivery to the brain and innovative therapies. Furthermore, Dr. Williams shares insights about routine lab relocations and the emotional impact on her team, highlighting the personal side of scientific progress.

Dr. Akiko Iwasaki and Dr. Aimee Bernard discuss public outreach in immunology, the importance of communicating science effectively, challenges during the pandemic, and strategies for engaging non-scientists through social media. They touch on topics like new antibiotics for resistant bacteria, T cell suppression in tumors, and the Immunology Explained campaign.

In 2023, we attended the 18th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), in Cape Town, South Africa. We spoke with delegates about their research and impressions of the meeting, including their reasons for attending and the most memorable research presented. They discuss their experiences in South Africa, the meeting’s focus on infectious diseases and equitable science, and sessions by Nobel laureates. Featured Products and Resources: Register for IMMUNOLOGY2024, taking place May 3-7 in Chicago! STEMCELL Technologies is hiring! Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. David Gibb, an Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, specializes in inflammatory mechanisms in sickle cell disease and lupus. He dives into the complexities of blood transfusions, highlighting their immunological challenges, especially for sickle cell patients. The discussion touches on antibody formation and the search for compatible blood. Gibb also addresses the intriguing immune responses triggered by transfusions, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this critical area of transfusion medicine.

The podcast highlights groundbreaking research on integrins and their role in immune recognition. It discusses the intriguing effects of antibiotics in pregnant mice on offspring's immune health and asthma risks. Ethical challenges in vaccine trials, particularly for Ebola and cancer, are also examined, along with insights from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine development. Additionally, the episode reflects on the scheduling strategies for COVID vaccinations and celebrates significant achievements in immunology.

The discussion dives into the ongoing fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, highlighting the importance of activism and equitable treatment access. Gut microbiota's influence on immune responses emerges as a key theme, particularly its role in boosting anti-tumor immunity and affecting immunotherapy outcomes. Innovative strategies in cytokine engineering are explored, linking to pandemic preparedness and the value of pre-approved vaccine platforms. The insights into tissue resident memory cells versus exhausted T cells in tumors offer a fresh take on cancer immunity.

Discover the intriguing research on T-cell exhaustion and its role in chronic infections and cancer therapy. The discussion highlights gender differences in immune responses, revealing women often have stronger immunity but face autoimmunity challenges. Explore how gut health impacts cancer outcomes and the potential benefits of beta blockers. The podcast also dives into new findings about LYVE1 positive macrophages and their importance for vascular health, alongside insights into genetic mutations and their influence on immune conditions.

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.

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.