Description:

Seminar Title: Improving Adaptive Immunity During Viral Infection and Vaccination

Speaker: Pablo Penaloza-MacMaster, PhD/ Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology-Immunology

Topic:

Type I interferons (IFN-I) are a major antiviral defense and are critical for the activation of the adaptive immune system. However, early viral clearance by IFN-I could limit antigen availability, which could in turn impinge upon the priming of the adaptive immune system. In this study, we hypothesized that transient IFN-I blockade could increase antigen presentation after acute viral infection or vaccination. To test this hypothesis, we immunized mice with viruses coadministered with a low dose of IFN-I receptor–blocking antibody to induce a short-term blockade of the IFN-I pathway. This induced a long-lasting enhancement of immunological memory and conferred improved protection upon subsequent reinfections. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which IFN-I regulate immunological memory and provide insights for rational vaccine design. Lastly, we will show new data on novel strategies to improve immunotherapy for chronic viral infection and cancer.

Host: Chyung-Ru Wang, Professor, Dept. of Microbiology-Immunology

Zoom Link:

https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/98408739107

Meeting ID: 984 0873 9107