The Immunology Podcast

Dr. Scott Canna discusses auto- and hyperinflammatory diseases, IL-18's role, and adapting therapies. The podcast highlights research on microbial metabolites, T cell tolerance, and microbes in immunotherapy. Dr. Canna delves into HLH, IL-18 in autoinflammatory diseases, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The episode also covers vaccine innovations during the pandemic and scientific achievements.

Dr. Neelika Malavige talks about dengue burden, risk factors for severe disease. Also discusses COVID-19 vaccines, microbiome in colon cancer. Highlights growing research capabilities in Sri Lanka.

Dr. James Allison discusses breakthroughs in T-cell receptors for cancer immunotherapy, antibiotic development for resistance, and the impact of Tregs on metabolic function. The podcast also covers the evolution of immunotherapy, T cell persistence post-smoking cessation, and the intersection of music in the context of immunotherapy.

Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, Francisco Gomez-Rivera, and Dr. Jason Augustine talk about the upcoming IMMUNOLOGY2024 meeting. They discuss key sessions to attend, what they’re looking forward to, and offer advice for attendees. Other topics include streptococcus and gastric cancer, targeting senescent cells to prevent aging, and protein complexes and autoimmunity in mice. They also discuss the shrinking Y chromosome, collaboration in immunology, and insights in managing long COVID.

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.