La Jolla Institute for Immunology

Our focus is immunology, because we believe that no other biomedical discipline has greater implications for human health than immunology. By unraveling the complexities of the immune system, LJI researchers are directly tackling an extraordinarily diverse array of diseases, which together account for more than two-thirds of all deaths in the U.S. each year. Such diseases include type 1 diabetes, cancer, COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, allergies, influenza, dengue fever, and many other illnesses. La Jolla Institute is home to four research centers that focus the efforts of collaborative groups of researchers on defined areas of inquiry, to accelerate progress toward the development of new treatments and vaccines to prevent and cure autoimmune conditions, cancer, and infectious disease, and to uncover the largely unexplored sex-specific variables in immune responses. LJI is host to three national databases that give biomedical researchers free access to the world’s largest collection of epitopes and related scientific data and provide insights into how genes act within the immune system to set it in motion. Life without Disease is a pursuit that requires a continually expanding understanding of the immune system, and the ability to translate knowledge and discoveries developed in scientific research into technologies that improve life and health. Learn more at https://www.lji.org

In this short film, made in collaboration with the Global Autoimmune Institute,?we spotlight Dr. Sam Myers' career and research achievements, and the potential impact of his research on autoimmune disease and other disease research. Through Sam’s story, we learn about the support provided by the Global Autoimmune Institute (GAI), illustrating how a funder's holistic investment approach has supported his career, research, and leadership. From a 1-year professorship to equipment support and a seminar series that Sam leads, GAI’s impact has touched every corner of his work, all with the aim of advancing autoimmune disease research. This is how philanthropy can fuel scientific breakthroughs. https://lnkd.in/dvmVqcP7

New discoveries in immune defense: LJI researchers reveal how T cells in the gut respond to infections, paving the way for better treatments for intestinal diseases. The new findings add to the growing body of evidence that immune cells adapt to protect specific tissues, helping us harness the immune system to fight chronic gut infections and inflammation. Read more about this exciting step forward in immunology! #GutHealth #Immunology #Research https://lnkd.in/g58crvFf

???? Important progress in the fight against dengue: LJI researchers have uncovered how the dengue virus exploits a protein called RIG-I to suppress the body’s immune response. By targeting this interaction, scientists could develop treatments that restore the immune system’s ability to fight back against this potentially deadly virus. With dengue cases on the rise globally—infecting up to 400 million people each year with few vaccines and no approved therapies available for any of the four serotypes of the virus—researchers hope their findings can inform the development of a dengue virus vaccine that prompts a similarly strong T cell response. This discovery offers a critical path forward. #DengueResearch #GlobalHealth #Immunology Study leader and LJI Assistant Professor Daniela Weiskopf, Ph.D. https://lnkd.in/gwPJ6dVG

???? Why are men more twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease? LJI researchers have identified immune cells in the brain that may drive this increased risk by promoting inflammation linked to the disease. This work sheds light on the immune pathways behind Parkinson’s and could guide the development of sex-specific treatments. Learn more about this groundbreaking research and its potential impact: https://lnkd.in/g6DaC8x4 LJI Professor Alessandro Sette, Dr.Biol.Sci., Senior author Cecilia Lindestam Arlehamn #ParkinsonsDisease #Neuroimmunology #LJI #immunology

???? LJI researchers are uncovering how antibodies block the Ebola virus, providing a blueprint for improved vaccines and treatments. Their study reveals how certain antibodies neutralize the virus by targeting its critical surface proteins. This breakthrough strengthens our ability to combat not only Ebola but also emerging viral threats. Learn more about this vital step in global health security: https://lnkd.in/gwPMySZQ Erica Ollmann Saphire #Ebola #PandemicPreparedness #Immunology

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the costs of federally sponsored research, specifically indirect costs (IDC). A common misconception is that IDC is the same as traditional administrative overhead—it is not. So what is IDC? Federal grants from the NIH fund the?direct costs?of a project—such as lab materials, equipment, and researcher salaries—but?indirect costs (IDC)?keep the research enterprise running?by supporting essential infrastructure, including: - State-of-the-Art Lab Space & Equipment: Research at LJI depends on specialized facilities and cutting-edge tools that must be maintained, upgraded, and operated. IDC also supports the highly trained staff needed to run shared core facilities. - Advanced Data & Technology Support: Immunology research relies on secure data storage, high-powered computing, and IT infrastructure—all made possible by IDC. - Research Compliance & Safety: IDC ensures that LJI upholds the highest standards of safety and research integrity. - Training & Mentorship: LJI’s mission includes fostering the next generation of scientists who will continue the fight against devastating diseases. IDC rates are?not arbitrary—they are carefully negotiated?with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), tailored to each organization’s specific circumstances (location, specialized facilities, etc.), strictly regulated, and subject to regular audits. IDC is what makes research possible—they are the backbone of scientific progress and medical breakthroughs.?Here's an infographic that illustrates the impact of IDC:

??? Science meets art in LJI's first floor atrium! Our new jewel, the "Immune Landscape" gallery, showcases stunning, high-powered microscopy images that reveal the hidden beauty of immune cells at work—like B cells honing their virus-fighting skills and vibrant cellular landscapes of the small intestine. The gallery, made possible by LJI Board Director Barbara Donnell, MA, and the advanced imaging expertise of Dr. Zbigniew Mikulski’s team, this gallery highlights the harmony and structure within our tissues. Visit us to explore the awe-inspiring intersection of art and science! #ScienceAndArt #Immunology #Microscopy #SciComm https://lnkd.in/dzANqE-4

??? New insights into asthma: Researchers have pinpointed how tissue-resident memory T cells in the lungs drive airway inflammation during asthma attacks. By targeting specific molecular pathways activated by these cells, this work could lead to therapies that prevent asthma symptoms before they start. “If we can target these molecules in human patients, they might be able to develop long-lasting tolerance to allergens,” says study first author LJI Instructor Gurupreet S Sethi, Ph.D., who led the study. Learn more about this groundbreaking step toward stopping asthma in its tracks: https://lnkd.in/gTvfn49i #AsthmaResearch #Immunology #LJI #research #cells

Next week, join LJI in the conversation on groundbreaking autoimmune research with?TIME100 Health Pioneer Dr. Georg Schett, a leader in CAR T-cell therapy for autoimmune diseases.?Generously sponsored by the Global Autoimmune Institute, this gathering offers a rare opportunity for patients, stakeholders, and leading scientists to connect and explore the future of autoimmune treatment.?Space is limited—register now. https://lnkd.in/gfc8y8xD