Immunology and Immunopaedia news

September 2019 Newsletter

Dear <<First Name>>,

Join us in September for breaking news, interviews and events. Complete one of our case studies and the corresponding MCQ’s and you can earn you 1 HPCSA CPD point and 0.25 SACNASP CPD point.

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BREAKING NEWS

The Immune Function of Osteoclasts - READ MORE
Does S. mansoni treatment affect HIV susceptibility?- READ MORE

TAK-003 induces functional DENV cross-reactive cellular immmunity - READ MORE
Are MAIT cells detectable in lymph? - READ MORE

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know neutrophils can help to form gallstones? Gallstones are hard masses of cholesterol and calcium crystals that get lodged in the gall bladder and can cause extreme pain. A recent paper states that gallstones contain extracellular DNA and neutrophil-derived granular enzymes.

The research group showed that gallstone formation requires neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and provided evidence for the presence of NETs in human and murine gallstones. They also stated that the assembly and growth of gallstones requires an immune-mediated process requiring activation of the innate immune system.

The researchers inhibited gallstone formation in vivo by targeting NET formation via inhibition of peptidyl arginine deiminase type 4 or abrogation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and damping of neutrophils by metoprolol.

The group states that after crystal formation, NETS foster their assembly into larger aggregates and finally gallstones. The discovery of NETs role in gallstone formation may offer areas of treatment and prevention of gallstones.

Source: Muñoz, L.E. et al - Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Initiate Gallstone Formation

IUIS-FAIS IMMUNO-ETHIOPIA 2020

Are you from Africa or Germany? Then apply for the Immuno-Ethiopia 2020 course which will take place 23rd-29th February 2020 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The course will focus on the immunology of leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, malaria and fungal infections in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. Follow Immunopaedia on social media to find out when the application form becomes available.

KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA CONFERENCES

Apply for the Keystone Symposia conference on Helminths: New Insights from Immunity to Global Health in Cape Town, South Africa from 8-12 December 2019. Submit your abstract by 10 September.

REGISTER NOW

Apply for the Tuberculosis: Immunity and Immune Evasion Keystone Symposia conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA from 16-20 January 2020. Scholarship Deadline & Discounted Abstract Deadline 24 September.

REGISTER NOW

IMMUNOLOGIST OF THE MONTH

Our September immunologist of the month is Professor Dennis Burton, Chair and Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, USA). His research is focused on infectious disease, in particular the interplay of antibodies and highly mutable viruses, notably HIV. He is interested in the potential of broadly neutralizing antibodies to inform vaccine design.

The immunopaedia team conducted a written interview of Prof. Burton, discussing his research and achievements.

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VIDEO OF THE MONTH

Rushikesh Patil, an Immuopaedia Ambassador, was given the opportunity to record a virtual talk for Keystone Symposia Sci-Talks. Rushikesh presented his talk on his PhD project “Exploring the pro-tumor role of IL17 producing γδT (Tγδ17) cells in gallbladder cancer”. Rushikesh is from ACTREC – Tata Memorial Centre, India.

WATCH NOW

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

Our Ambassador of the month is Bryan Gascon. Bryan become an Immunopaedia ambassador last year while he was a visiting student at the University of Cape Town. He has contributed to the online platform by developing MCQs for various immunology topics, assisted with content for the Immuno-Kenya course as well as written numerous news articles.

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