Tuure Kinnunen
@tuurekinnunen.bsky.social
Professor of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. All things immunology, with a special interest in T cells and autoimmunity. Lab page: https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/translational-immunology-group/
Yes, Tregs finally getting the spotlight they deserve! 🙌
A small primer on the #NobelPrize awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi today. This prize was for combining two separate fields of immunology research - genetic research on IPEX and immunology research of regulatory T cells (#Tregs), with enormous impact on biology/medicine
October 7, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Yes, Tregs finally getting the spotlight they deserve! 🙌
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
“You are here to learn to ride a bicycle, not to invent a bicycle.”
"Now, I’m about to establish my own research group. I feel ready to design and invent my own bicycle. I’ll remind my trainees that their job, first and foremost, is to learn how to ride."
www.science.org/content/arti...
"Now, I’m about to establish my own research group. I feel ready to design and invent my own bicycle. I’ll remind my trainees that their job, first and foremost, is to learn how to ride."
www.science.org/content/arti...
How a Ph.D. is like riding a bike
This researcher struggled in grad school—until he embraced it as a time for learning
www.science.org
August 21, 2025 at 2:56 AM
“You are here to learn to ride a bicycle, not to invent a bicycle.”
"Now, I’m about to establish my own research group. I feel ready to design and invent my own bicycle. I’ll remind my trainees that their job, first and foremost, is to learn how to ride."
www.science.org/content/arti...
"Now, I’m about to establish my own research group. I feel ready to design and invent my own bicycle. I’ll remind my trainees that their job, first and foremost, is to learn how to ride."
www.science.org/content/arti...
Monoclonal antibodies 50 year anniversary!
This discovery by Köhler and Milstein was revolutionary for biomedical research and drug development. Read the @nature.com editorial on the impact of monoclonal antibodies: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Monoclonal antibodies revolutionized biomedical science and health care
The story of the discovery of these molecules 50 years ago shows how the free exchange of ideas can lead to life-changing treatments.
www.nature.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Monoclonal antibodies 50 year anniversary!
New science out from our group! This time on autoantibody specifities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis #JIA #immunosky #medsky. @uniuef.bsky.social
It is well known that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are prevalent in JIA patients, but the actual autoantigen targeted has remained elusive.
It is well known that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are prevalent in JIA patients, but the actual autoantigen targeted has remained elusive.
Plasma samples from untreated patients with active JIA were analyzed for ANA specificities. Results showed chromatin is the main target of autoantibody reactivity in JIA. 20% of JIA patients had reactivity to dsDNA-nucleosome complexes
Arthritis & Rheumatology
doi.org/10.1002/art....
#Medsky
Arthritis & Rheumatology
doi.org/10.1002/art....
#Medsky
August 4, 2025 at 10:42 AM
New science out from our group! This time on autoantibody specifities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis #JIA #immunosky #medsky. @uniuef.bsky.social
It is well known that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are prevalent in JIA patients, but the actual autoantigen targeted has remained elusive.
It is well known that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are prevalent in JIA patients, but the actual autoantigen targeted has remained elusive.
New results on the role of circulating T follicular (cTfh) and T peripheral helper (cTph) cells in type 1 diabetes out at @eurjimmunol.bsky.social: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
#immunosky #T1D #autoimmunity
#immunosky #T1D #autoimmunity
The Frequency but not the Phenotype of Circulating Peripheral T Helper Cells is Increased at Later Stages of Progression to Type 1 Diabetes
Frequencies of circulating T peripheral helper (cTph) and activated T follicular helper (cTfh) cells increase close to the diagnosis of clinical type 1 diabetes, but not at the onset of autoimmunity.....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 24, 2025 at 7:50 AM
New results on the role of circulating T follicular (cTfh) and T peripheral helper (cTph) cells in type 1 diabetes out at @eurjimmunol.bsky.social: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
#immunosky #T1D #autoimmunity
#immunosky #T1D #autoimmunity
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Vaccines are rigorously tested, they are effective, and they save lives. More than 150 million lives have been saved in the past 50 years thanks to vaccines!
But you may be worried about what's in them?
So, let’s break it down ⬇
But you may be worried about what's in them?
So, let’s break it down ⬇
June 10, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Vaccines are rigorously tested, they are effective, and they save lives. More than 150 million lives have been saved in the past 50 years thanks to vaccines!
But you may be worried about what's in them?
So, let’s break it down ⬇
But you may be worried about what's in them?
So, let’s break it down ⬇
Interested in translational human immunology? We are currently recruiting a PhD student or a post-doc to work on an exciting project to to study immune changes leading to the development of type 1 diabetes. #immunosky #sciencejobs uef.varbi.com/en/what:job/...
Postdoctoral Researcher/Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher, Translational Immunology
The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher/Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher (Translational Immunology) position in Kuopio. The position will be fill
uef.varbi.com
May 23, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Interested in translational human immunology? We are currently recruiting a PhD student or a post-doc to work on an exciting project to to study immune changes leading to the development of type 1 diabetes. #immunosky #sciencejobs uef.varbi.com/en/what:job/...
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Multiple recent studies, including 3 impressive natural experiments, consistently show a link between Shingles vaccines and reduced dementia. This week a nationwide S Korea study added a reduction of cardiovascular events
My summary Table. More here on dementia erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
My summary Table. More here on dementia erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
May 11, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Multiple recent studies, including 3 impressive natural experiments, consistently show a link between Shingles vaccines and reduced dementia. This week a nationwide S Korea study added a reduction of cardiovascular events
My summary Table. More here on dementia erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
My summary Table. More here on dementia erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
More data is emerging that one shot of HPV vaccine is already efficient for protection, and boosters would not be needed. This change could both help increase vaccine compliance and reduce costs, both of which could increase HPV vaccine coverage globally.
The real "one and done." Remarkable new data supporting the HPV vaccine prevention of cancer.
www.statnews.com/2025/04/28/h... by @matthewherper.bsky.social @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/04/28/h... by @matthewherper.bsky.social @statnews.com
U.S. government researchers present 'phenomenal' new data on HPV vaccines
A new study seems to confirm that a single dose of the vaccine used to prevent HPV infection is just as effective as two — and, therefore, also helps to prevent cancer.
www.statnews.com
April 30, 2025 at 7:54 AM
More data is emerging that one shot of HPV vaccine is already efficient for protection, and boosters would not be needed. This change could both help increase vaccine compliance and reduce costs, both of which could increase HPV vaccine coverage globally.
CMV infection appears to improve anti-PD1 therapy efficacy and reduce the risk of immune-mediated toxicity of the therapy. CMV may have positive immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced also by previous reports suggesting a protective effect on development of autoimmune diseases like T1D and MS.
Why you should know your viral exposure status (i.e CMV) if you're going to undergo immunotherapy for cancer (but almost no one knows)
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
CMV serostatus is associated with improved survival and delayed toxicity onset following anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade - Nature Medicine
Analysis of multiple cohorts of patients with melanoma demonstrates a positive association between cytomegalovirus serostatus and overall survival in patients treated with monotherapy but not combinat...
www.nature.com
April 24, 2025 at 5:52 AM
CMV infection appears to improve anti-PD1 therapy efficacy and reduce the risk of immune-mediated toxicity of the therapy. CMV may have positive immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced also by previous reports suggesting a protective effect on development of autoimmune diseases like T1D and MS.
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Are you a professor or assistant professor level researcher in the US or elsewhere outside of Finland? Looking for new opportunities in an inspiring and well-connected research environment? Finland might be just the place for you.
Reach out to Finnish universities to explore what’s possible.
Reach out to Finnish universities to explore what’s possible.
Finland invests in research excellence – new funding call by Research Council of Finland to support recruitment of international talents
The Research Council of Finland (RCF) has launched a funding call to improve universities’ ability to recruit international experts to Finland. In line with the RCF’s strategy, the call wi...
www.aka.fi
April 16, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Are you a professor or assistant professor level researcher in the US or elsewhere outside of Finland? Looking for new opportunities in an inspiring and well-connected research environment? Finland might be just the place for you.
Reach out to Finnish universities to explore what’s possible.
Reach out to Finnish universities to explore what’s possible.
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Gather 'round Bluesky, while I tell the hoary tale of epidemic vs. endemic.
How can it be that pandemic interventions that were vitally important in 2020 are marginally effective in 2025?
Science will give us the answers!
Follow me...
1/
How can it be that pandemic interventions that were vitally important in 2020 are marginally effective in 2025?
Science will give us the answers!
Follow me...
1/
COVID doesn’t produce durable immunity which is why it keeps coming in waves.
The public health experts I’ve spoken to about pandemic vs. endemic have basically said it’s a somewhat unhelpful distinction with COVID for that reason.
Also worth noting that there’s broad agreement on indoor air.
The public health experts I’ve spoken to about pandemic vs. endemic have basically said it’s a somewhat unhelpful distinction with COVID for that reason.
Also worth noting that there’s broad agreement on indoor air.
April 17, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Gather 'round Bluesky, while I tell the hoary tale of epidemic vs. endemic.
How can it be that pandemic interventions that were vitally important in 2020 are marginally effective in 2025?
Science will give us the answers!
Follow me...
1/
How can it be that pandemic interventions that were vitally important in 2020 are marginally effective in 2025?
Science will give us the answers!
Follow me...
1/
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
A major paper @nature.com this week found a significant decline in dementia after an outdated Shingles vaccine.
I've reviewed the study and many other relevant ones here
erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
I've reviewed the study and many other relevant ones here
erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
The Shingles Vaccine and Reduction of Dementia
A compelling new study adds to the body of data supporting some protection provided by the vaccine
erictopol.substack.com
April 5, 2025 at 6:06 PM
A major paper @nature.com this week found a significant decline in dementia after an outdated Shingles vaccine.
I've reviewed the study and many other relevant ones here
erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
I've reviewed the study and many other relevant ones here
erictopol.substack.com/p/the-shingl...
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Amazing study showing protective effect of herpes zoster vaccination against dementia with interesting sex differences @sexdiffimmunity.bsky.social
#vaccines work! #immunosky #medsky
#vaccines work! #immunosky #medsky
Vaccination against shingles might also prevent dementia, such as that caused by Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study of health records from around 300,000 people in Wales.
https://go.nature.com/446nriQ
https://go.nature.com/446nriQ
Does shingles vaccination cut dementia risk? Large study hints at a link
Analysis of nearly 300,000 people finds an association between the shingles jab and a lower rate of dementia — but questions linger.
go.nature.com
April 3, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Amazing study showing protective effect of herpes zoster vaccination against dementia with interesting sex differences @sexdiffimmunity.bsky.social
#vaccines work! #immunosky #medsky
#vaccines work! #immunosky #medsky
Highly interesting study, which suggests that Shingles vaccine could reduce dementia risk in the elderly. Possible mechanistic explanations include the role of subclinical VZV reactivations causing neuroinflammation and/or the vaccine having a bystander effect to suppress neuroinflammation.
The vaccine against Shingles helps protect against dementia, results of a natural experiment, adding to prior evidence
"implications are profound"
New @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com/articles/s41...
"implications are profound"
New @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com/articles/s41...
A natural experiment on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia - Nature
Using a natural experiment that avoids common bias concerns, this study finds that the live-attenuated shingles vaccine reduced the probability of a new dementia diagnosis within a follow-up period of...
nature.com
April 3, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Highly interesting study, which suggests that Shingles vaccine could reduce dementia risk in the elderly. Possible mechanistic explanations include the role of subclinical VZV reactivations causing neuroinflammation and/or the vaccine having a bystander effect to suppress neuroinflammation.
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Remember: Finland is the happiest country.
My US-based colleagues, FYI:
Finnish Research Council is about to announce a special call to fund researchers abroad to relocate to Finland.
By all means this is not intended to lure you into moving to Finland, it just happens to be planned right now by pure chance.
Finnish Research Council is about to announce a special call to fund researchers abroad to relocate to Finland.
By all means this is not intended to lure you into moving to Finland, it just happens to be planned right now by pure chance.
March 27, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Remember: Finland is the happiest country.
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Check out our interactive timeline of some of the most devastating infectious diseases in history, alongside major advances in science and medicine that have helped control and prevent them.
In English, Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, German and Spanish.
🦠🧫🔬💉
#CelebrateVaccines
In English, Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, German and Spanish.
🦠🧫🔬💉
#CelebrateVaccines
Timeline 'R' Us — Superbugs - The microbial world in, on and around us
Of superbugs and superheroes. Timeline 'R' Us – Explore devastating infections through the ages, alongside crucial scientific discoveries to help control them.
www.superbugs.online
March 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Check out our interactive timeline of some of the most devastating infectious diseases in history, alongside major advances in science and medicine that have helped control and prevent them.
In English, Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, German and Spanish.
🦠🧫🔬💉
#CelebrateVaccines
In English, Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, German and Spanish.
🦠🧫🔬💉
#CelebrateVaccines
Extremely grateful to @sigridjuselius.bsky.social for continuing support of our research on the #immunology of #type1diabetes!
March 13, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Extremely grateful to @sigridjuselius.bsky.social for continuing support of our research on the #immunology of #type1diabetes!
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
openRxiv has arrived!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of openRxiv as an independent, researcher-led nonprofit to oversee bioRxiv and medRxiv, the world’s leading preprint servers for life and health sciences.
openrxiv.org/introducing-...
#openRxiv #OpenScience #Preprints #bioRxiv #medRxiv
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of openRxiv as an independent, researcher-led nonprofit to oversee bioRxiv and medRxiv, the world’s leading preprint servers for life and health sciences.
openrxiv.org/introducing-...
#openRxiv #OpenScience #Preprints #bioRxiv #medRxiv
March 11, 2025 at 1:18 PM
openRxiv has arrived!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of openRxiv as an independent, researcher-led nonprofit to oversee bioRxiv and medRxiv, the world’s leading preprint servers for life and health sciences.
openrxiv.org/introducing-...
#openRxiv #OpenScience #Preprints #bioRxiv #medRxiv
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of openRxiv as an independent, researcher-led nonprofit to oversee bioRxiv and medRxiv, the world’s leading preprint servers for life and health sciences.
openrxiv.org/introducing-...
#openRxiv #OpenScience #Preprints #bioRxiv #medRxiv
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Big news: we are setting up a new non-profit organization to run bioRxiv and medRxiv. It's called openRxiv [no it's not a new preprint server; it's dedicated organization to oversee the servers] openrxiv.org 1/n
Homepage - openRxiv
openRxiv is an independent non-profit, the new organizational home for bioRxiv and medRxiv, enabling researchers to instantly share groundbreaking findings with the global scientific community.
openrxiv.org
March 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Big news: we are setting up a new non-profit organization to run bioRxiv and medRxiv. It's called openRxiv [no it's not a new preprint server; it's dedicated organization to oversee the servers] openrxiv.org 1/n
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
And these cells are key features in imflammageing. Very cool.
Granzyme K activates the entire complement cascade
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@nature.com @theis182.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
@nature.com @theis182.bsky.social
February 7, 2025 at 6:17 AM
And these cells are key features in imflammageing. Very cool.
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Some learnings about our immune system from Covid @nature.com
—importance of T cells (not just neutralizing antibodies)
—key role of interferons, the first line of defense
—hybrid immunity
—underpinnings of Long Covid
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
—importance of T cells (not just neutralizing antibodies)
—key role of interferons, the first line of defense
—hybrid immunity
—underpinnings of Long Covid
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Four lessons COVID taught us about the immune system
In the midst of pandemic upheaval, researchers have gained fundamental insights about how the body fends off infections.
www.nature.com
January 27, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Some learnings about our immune system from Covid @nature.com
—importance of T cells (not just neutralizing antibodies)
—key role of interferons, the first line of defense
—hybrid immunity
—underpinnings of Long Covid
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
—importance of T cells (not just neutralizing antibodies)
—key role of interferons, the first line of defense
—hybrid immunity
—underpinnings of Long Covid
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Tuure Kinnunen
Another great episode on mythbusting the penicillin allergy! 🦠🧬🧪🧫 #Medsky #ImmunoSky
open.spotify.com/episode/5D5q...
open.spotify.com/episode/5D5q...
617. Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin?
Freakonomics Radio · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 23, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Another great episode on mythbusting the penicillin allergy! 🦠🧬🧪🧫 #Medsky #ImmunoSky
open.spotify.com/episode/5D5q...
open.spotify.com/episode/5D5q...
Starting my transition to the hopefully more rational side of the social media...
January 7, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Starting my transition to the hopefully more rational side of the social media...