The Immunology Podcast

Guest: Dr. Clovis Palmer is an Assistant Professor at Tulane University. He talks about how HIV hijacks metabolic processes and the role of HIF-1α in HIV infection. He also discusses using non-human primates to study SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Featured Products and Resources: IMMUNOLOGY2023 is taking place in Washington, DC from May 11-15th! Download free immunology wallcharts. The Immunology Science Round Up Bacterial Brain Invasion – Researchers identified a neuroimmune axis that exacerbates bacterial meningitis. CAR T Signaling Domains – Scientists engineered a logic-gated intracellular network CAR to prevent on-target, off-tumor toxicity. Cleaning Up After Apoptosis – Tingible body macrophages use cellular processes to search for and capture motile apoptotic cell fragments. Autoimmunity in Down’s Syndrome – Researchers found high levels of cytokines in individuals with Down’s syndrome, which may contribute to autoimmune susceptibility. Image courtesy of Dr. Clovis Palmer Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guests: Dr. Mark Davis is the President of the American Association of Immunologists, and Drs. Shruti Naik and Daniel Mucida are chairing Major Symposia at the upcoming IMMUNOLOGY2023 meeting in Washington, DC, May 11-15. They discuss what to expect at IMMUNOLOGY2023 and the highlights of this year’s program. Featured Products and Resources: Register for IMMUNOLOGY2023 by March 31 for a special discounted rate. Prepare for your next conference with this toolkit. The Immunology Science Round Up Targeting Inflammatory Skin Diseases – Researchers identified IRAK4 as a central player in skin inflammation and demonstrate its inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. CAR T for a Rare Disease – CD19 CAR T therapy successfully treated a patient with refractory antisynthetase syndrome T Cell Receptor Genes from Archaic Humans – A subset of T cell receptors were traced to Neanderthals in Eurasian populations. Self-Reactive T Cell Receptors – Scientists identified a population of CD4+ T cells within the endogenous repertoire that exhibit hallmarks of overt self-reactivity. Image courtesy of Drs. Mark Davis, Shruti Naik, and Daniel Mucida Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Hao Wu, the Asa and Patricia Springer Professor of Structural Biology at Harvard Medical School, delves into the exciting world of innate immunity. She explains how cryo-electron microscopy has revolutionized the study of structures like the NLRP3 inflammasome and Gasdermin D. The conversation also highlights the role of AlphaFold in structural biology, revealing how lipid metabolism influences T cell function. Additionally, they discuss innovative approaches to treating peanut allergies, showcasing cutting-edge research in immunology.

Guest: Dr. Caroline Sokol is a Principal Investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Her lab studies the innate immune control of allergic disease.  She talks about the role of sensory neurons and dendritic cells in allergic responses and insights into allergies from her son’s first bee sting. Featured Products and Resources: Register for IMMUNOLOGY2023! How to Isolate Tregs Using Easy 50 EasySep Magnet The Immunology Science Round Up Microbiome Transmission – Researchers identified microbiome transmission patterns from mother to infant and between cohabitating individuals. Long-Lasting T Cells – By repeatedly immunizing generations of mice, scientists found that functional T cells can proliferate well beyond the lifespan of the organism. Dietary Cholesterol and Humoral Immune Responses – Researchers revealed tissue-restricted modulation of IgA secretion by plasma cells that is centered around dietary cholesterol metabolites. γδ T cells in Immunotherapy – γδ T cells contribute to the response to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with cancers with HLA class I defects. Image courtesy of Dr. Caroline Sokol Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guests: In this special episode, Brenda and Jason chat with Drs. Daylon James and Arun Sharma, the hosts of the Stem Cell Podcast. Recorded in-person and led by Dr. Nicole Quinn from STEMCELL Technologies, the four hosts discuss the impact that podcasting has had on their careers and how it can make science and scientists more accessible. They also talk about the future of science communication and advice for young scientists pursuing careers in academia and industry. Featured Products and Resources: Register for IMMUNOLOGY2023 taking place May 11-15 in Washington, DC. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Miriam Merad is a Professor of Cancer Immunology and Director of the Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her research focuses on dendritic cells and macrophages.  She talks about tissue-resident macrophages in COVID-19 and cancer. She also discusses her new role as President of the International Union of Immunological Societies and bringing the international immunology community together at their upcoming meeting in South Africa. Featured Products and Resources: Early-Bird Registration Is Open for IMMUNOLOGY2023! Free Wallchart: SARS-CoV-2 Structure and Life Cycle The Immunology Science Round Up NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation – Researchers used cryo-EM to identify the structure of the active NLRP3 inflammasome disk. How the BCG Vaccine Induces Trained Immunity – The BCG vaccine triggers epigenetic modifications on alveolar macrophages via an intestinal microbiota-mediated pathway. Immunotherapy for Type 1 Diabetes – Scientists examined the mechanism of action of low-dose interleukin-2 immunotherapy and identified a long-lived gene expression signature associated with potential anti-inflammatory effects. pH Affects Interleukin-2 Anti-Tumor Activity – Researchers identified an interleukin-2 variant that retains its binding affinity in low pH environments. Image courtesy of Dr. Miriam Merad Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Jie Sun, a professor at the University of Virginia specializing in respiratory immunology and long COVID, dives into the intricate world of respiratory viral infections. He compares long COVID with other post-viral conditions while elucidating his lab's groundbreaking research on mucosal immunity from mRNA vaccines. The conversation also highlights emerging strategies for enhancing immunity against evolving strains, alongside the pressing public health implications of recent viral surges, including the complex challenges posed by long-term health effects.

Guest: Dr. Arthur Liesz is a Professor of Experimental Neurology at the University of Munich. The Liesz lab is interested in the interplay between the brain and the immune system after stroke. He talks about the inflammatory response to stroke, including T cell-modulated microglial activation. He also talks about stroke aftermath, including T cells that remain in the brain and the redistribution of function during recovery. Featured Products and Resources: Keep Current with the Latest in Neural Cell News. Explore Free Immunology Wallcharts. The Immunology Science Round Up The Microbiome and Metabolome – Researchers dissected the interplay between the gut microbiome and host genome. Personalized T Cell Therapy – Scientists isolated and cloned multiple T cell receptors recognizing mutational neoantigens. An Ancestral Tuberculosis Effector Promotes Dissemination – Researchers linked an unusual tuberculosis outbreak with high rates of dissemination and skeletal disease to a specific effector. A Broadly Neutralizing Influenza Vaccine – Co-immunization with hemagglutinin stem immunogens derived from influenza A viruses elicited cross-group protection. Image courtesy of Dr. Arthur Liesz Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Vijay Kuchroo, the Samuel L. Wasserstrom Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, delves into the fascinating interplay of autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy. He highlights the essential conditions for differentiating Th17 cells and their critical roles in autoimmune diseases. A significant revelation includes his lab’s discovery of Tim-3, a novel T cell inhibitor receptor now being leveraged for cancer treatments. The conversation is enriched with insights on the impacts of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies on the tumor microenvironment, making it a must-listen for immunology enthusiasts.

Dr. Kristin Patrick, an Assistant Professor studying innate immune regulation, and Dr. Robert Watson, an Associate Professor focused on bacterial infections, delve into the dynamics of immunity and mentorship. They discuss gasdermin D's role in cell death during tuberculosis and how their joint lab enhances collaborative research. Insights on immune gene variations connected to Black Death survival reveal links to modern health. They explore their personal experiences and challenges of balancing life and science, advocating for teamwork in academia.