Description:

Title:

Gut IgA Beyond Microbes: How is IgA to Food Antigens Regulated?

Speaker:

Stephanie C. Eisenbarth, MD, PhD

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine 

Director, Center for Human Immunobiology 

Chief, Allergy & Immunology (Medicine)

Professor, Department of Pathology

Topic:

Despite being the most abundant antibody isotype in the body, how IgA is induced to a wide variety of antigens at mucosal surfaces remains largely a mystery. IgA antibodies in the gut are thought to shape the microbiome, prevent infection with pathogens and neutralize toxins. We discovered that humans make gut IgA to food antigens as well; however, what this IgA does and how it is induced is not known. Our studies mouse and human studies focus on identifying the innate immune triggers inducing this T-dependent antibody response and discovering the physiologic role of food-specific IgA. 

Host: Laimonis Laimins, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Microbiology-Immunology