THE LAB
The Laboratory of Immune Longevity (LIL) has just opened its doors! Situated in the Department of Immunology & Microbiology at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA, LIL is immersed in a highly dynamic and inspiring scientific atmosphere. The lab is gearing up to tackle important questions related to the durability of immune responses, as its name suggests. At LIL, we focus on a crucial component of the immune system: long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs), the key antibody-producing “machines” of the body. LLPCs and their antibodies protect us against a wide range of infectious diseases, and their induction and maintenance are the primary objectives of nearly every vaccination strategy.
We combine transgenic mouse models with infection and immunization strategies to uncover the mechanisms that drive durable and efficient humoral immune responses.
Understanding how to harness PC longevity could ultimately enable their manipulation not only to develop better vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases, but also to prevent excessive inflammation and promote homeostasis when they become pathogenic, as observed in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Scripps Research Institute is one of the most influential institutions in the world for its impact on innovation, advancing bioscience knowledge to create medical solutions that improve wellbeing. Its researchers are dedicated to addressing critical health challenges, driving discoveries that have a meaningful impact on global health. Through its educational programs, Scripps prepares the next generation of scientists to make a lasting difference. The institution is committed to accelerating the development of medical breakthroughs that will improve health worldwide.