La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)
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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)
@lji.org
1K followers 110 following 150 posts
A world leading biomedical research institute focused on finding cures faster for cancers, infectious and immune system diseases. Learn more: lji.org
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lji.org
Seven LJI researchers are on the #Clarivate #HighlyCited2025 list this year! clarivate.com/highly-cited...

Congratulations to Shane Crotty, Ph.D., Jason Greenbaum, Ph.D., Alba Grifoni, Ph.D., Bjoern Peters, Ph.D., Alessandro Sette, Dr.Biol.Sci., John Sidney, Ph.D., and Daniela Weiskopf, Ph.D.!
Graphic with the logo for La Jolla Institute for Immunology. Large banner displays the text "Home to Highly Cited Researchers 2025. Clarivate." Graphic includes headshot photos for seven researchers. Names listed: Shane Crotty, Ph.D., Jason Greenbaum, Ph.D., Alba Grifoni, Ph.D., Bjoern Peters, Ph.D., Alessandro Sette, Dr.Biol.Sci., John Sidney, Ph.D., and Daniela Weiskopf, Ph.D.
November 14, 2025 at 6:15 PM
lji.org
LJI scientists are leaders in #Immunology. Their work fuels #Health and #Medical advances around the world! 🌎

Learn more about recent LJI breakthroughs: bit.ly/4oHodKE #HighlyCited #SanDiego #LaJolla
November 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
lji.org
This is a defining moment for women’s #health research —

Join Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) for "Women’s Health Research: The Silent Gap, The Loud Opportunity," a virtual forum with leaders in the field.

📍 Virtual | November 18 | 2:30–5:00 PM ET | FREE

Register: bit.ly/4qLqWEu
Graphic for an event held by Womens Health Access Matters (WHAM). Graphic includes photos of a scientist holding a test tube full of fluid. Text reads: Women's Health Research: The Silent Gap, the Loud Opportunity. Virtual: The WHAM Fall Forum and Edge Awards presentation. November 18th, 2:30 to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time. Register now — link in caption
November 3, 2025 at 7:23 PM
lji.org
Happening today @ 4:30 pm —

Join Dr. Daniela Weiskopf for a fascinating "Life Without Disease" event at La Jolla Institute!

Dr. Weiskopf will share research on "The Immunity Puzzle: What Drives Recovery or Chronic Disease?" Then we'll enjoy a lively reception! Register: bit.ly/47nEXPF #SanDiego
Graphic advertising the "Life Without Disease" Event Series. Graphic shows a portrait photo of Dr. Daniela Weiskopf. The event date is Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
October 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
lji.org
We are pleased to announce that LJI has ranked #5 in the San Diego Business Journal #BestPlacesToWork!

This honor is only possible thanks to the wonderful LJI employees who have committed themselves to scientific discovery and the betterment of human health 🙌 🔬 bit.ly/4nMRJ17 #SanDiego #Science
Graphic for the San Diego Business Journal Best Places to Work 2025
October 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
lji.org
Fighting an infection? Your T regulatory cells (Tregs) keep infection-fighting CD8+ “killer” T cells from accidentally harming too many healthy cells: bit.ly/4nZnXWs

#NobelPrize #HeartDisease #Medicine #Health #InfectiousDisease #ImmuneSystem #Immunology
Graphic for an "Immune Cell Spotlight." Text reads: During an infection, your body’s T regulatory cells (Tregs) keep other T cells from accidentally harming too many healthy cells. Includes logo for La Jolla Institute for Immunology and tagline: "Life Without Disease"
October 8, 2025 at 8:02 PM
lji.org
What happens if T regulatory cells (Tregs) go bad?

Scientists have linked "deprogrammed" Tregs to dangerous inflammation and cardiovascular disease: bit.ly/3Ww1hRX #NobelPrize #HeartDisease #Medicine #Health
Graphic titled "Immune cell spotlight." Shows a cartoon version of a T cell. Text reads: "Deprogrammed" T regulatory cells (Tregs) may drive dangerous inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Includes logo for La Jolla Institute for Immunology and the tagline: "Life Without Disease"
October 7, 2025 at 3:45 PM
lji.org
#NobelPrize research led by Drs. Brunkow, Ramsdell, and Sakaguchi revealed the workings of T regulatory cells (Tregs) and opened the door to new therapies for autoimmune disease!

Tregs are major players in the immune system, and they may be critical in ALS: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Graphic with the title "Immune Cell Spotlight." Depicts a cartoon version of a T cell. Text reads: Protective T regulatory cell (Treg) activity may be linked to longer survival times for people with ALS. With logo for La Jolla Institute for Immunology and tagline "Life Without Disease."
October 7, 2025 at 12:33 AM
lji.org
Exciting "Live from the Lab" webinar coming up TOMORROW, Oct. 1, at 12 PM Pacific!

Join Dr. Sonia Sharma, Dr. Amparo Martínez Pérez and Laura Hinojosa for a fascinating discussion on sex-based differences, #immunology, #endometriosis, hormonal contraceptives + more bit.ly/42PtR4o #Health #Medicine
Please join us on October 1, 2025, for La Jolla Institute for Immunology’s most recent installment of Live from the Lab, moderated by Associate Professor Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., and featuring 2025 Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards for Innovations in Immunology winners Amparo Martínez Pérez, Ph.D., and Laura Hinojosa. Their conversation will explore how sex-based differences shape immune responses, with a spotlight on two fully philanthropy-funded research projects: Dr. Martínez Pérez’s investigation of specialized immune cells in menstrual blood as a novel window into endometriosis, and Hinojosa’s work mapping how hormonal contraceptives may reshape immune cell function. Together, their studies represent bold steps toward a more complete and equitable understanding of the female immune system.
September 30, 2025 at 7:24 PM
lji.org
The new study is #OpenAccess — and there are great videos of the #SARSCoV2 structure solved thanks to LJI's cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy facility!
September 2, 2025 at 6:51 PM
lji.org
Congratulations to LJI Professor, President & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA!

Dr. Saphire has been named the 2025 Mainly Mozart #SanDiego Genius Award Honoree in recognition of her groundbreaking #immunology research and leadership in the scientific community! 🔬

www.mainlymozart.org/genius
Portrait image of Dr. Saphire. Text reads: Congratulations 2025 San Diego Genius Honoree Dr. Erica Ollmannn Saphire, President and CEO of LJI. Graphic includes the logo for Mainly Mozart
August 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
lji.org
Congratulations to the talented group of LJI summer interns who presented their work on Friday! 🔬😀

These interns got hands-on experience with immune system research this summer — and gained great career experience! #SanDiego #STEM #Immunology
Photo of a speaker at a lectern at the front of the Seminar Room. Photo of a speaker at a lectern at the front of the Seminar Room. Photo of a speaker at a lectern at the front of the Seminar Room.
August 5, 2025 at 5:50 PM
lji.org
Cheers for the LJI scientists and staff who walked, spun, ran, and rode in the Curebound #Cancer Challenge, held yesterday at @ucsandiego.bsky.social!

This awesome team braved the heat and even exceeded their fundraising goal for #CancerResearch! Way to go! 🎉 #SanDiego #LaJolla #health
Group photo of La Jolla Institute employees in front of a banner for the Curebound Cancer Challenge. There are 23 people in the photo. Most of them are wearing matching blue LJI shirts. They are outside. They are smiling at the camera. A selfie-style photo of six LJI employees at the Curebound Cancer Challenge. They are pedaling on stationary bikes as they smile at the camera.
August 4, 2025 at 6:53 PM
lji.org
Cockroach allergies are surprisingly common, especially in kids!

Learn more about cockroach allergies -- and the fascinating science of #allergy shots: bit.ly/3Uq3Hkp

#biology #health #immunology #ImmuneSystem #SanDiego
Graphic on The Basics of: Cockroach Allergies. Facts: - Between 17% and 41% of Americans have cockroach allergies. - Symptoms include year-round congestion, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and rashes. - An allergist can perform a blood test or skin test to detect a cockroach allergy. - Cockroach saliva, droppings, and shedded body parts are common triggers for allergies and allergic asthma. - The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is the most common species of cockroach found in the United States. SOURCES: American College of allergy, asthma and immunology Cleveland Clinic
August 1, 2025 at 4:45 PM
lji.org
Welcome, LJI summer interns! We hope you learn, grow, and make strong connections this summer as you explore #STEM careers and more at La Jolla Institute for Immunology! 🔬🎉
Group photo taken outside La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI). Interns are wearing white lab coats. They are joined by their mentors and program donors and supporters.
June 24, 2025 at 9:38 PM
lji.org
📆 Coming up Thursday, Apr. 16 at LJI:

LJI Assistant Professor Miguel Reina-Campos, Ph.D., shares fascinating research on "Cracking Cancer's Code: How Specialized T Cells Patrol and Protect." Register today:
bit.ly/4cg71GO

#STEM #SanDiego #Health #Medicine #Cancer
Graphic for the "Life Without Disease: Event Series." There is a profile photo of Dr. Reina-Campos. The date listed is Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025. Featuring Miguel Reina-Campos, Ph.D.
April 1, 2025 at 6:36 PM
lji.org
For our final #PathogenOfTheWeek post, we've imagined "Virus X." This pathogen represents a future threat to global health.

LJI scientists know that the next pandemic threat may come from a newly emerged or evolved pathogen—one we've never faced. 1/2 🧵 #GlobalHealth #immunology
Art by @patriciapauchnick for LJI's Immune Matters Magazine #Immunology Alt text: An illustration of a hypothetical virus termed "Virus X." It is illustrated in shades of red, green and blue. It has a mix of surface proteins and a question mark in the center.
March 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM
lji.org
Coming up Apr. 9 @ 12 PM - from the LJI & UC San Diego Program in Immunology:

Dr. Judith Agudo of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute presents research on "Dissecting Immune Evasion: How heterogeneous phenotypes protect targeted cells"

More info: bit.ly/41N1T9B #Immunology @ucsdhealthsci.bsky.social
Graphic with text and a photo of the seminar speaker. Text reads: Program in Immunology Seminar. Dr. Judith Agudo of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Wednesday, Apr. 9th, 2025, 12:00 PM, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Ishizaka Seminar Room. Seminar title: "Dissecting Immune Evasion: How heterogeneous phenotypes protect targeted cells"
March 26, 2025 at 8:39 PM
lji.org
#PathogenOfTheWeek: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is probably the most recognizable pathogen of our time.

LJI scientists have been at the forefront of #COVID19 vaccine research, and they've made critical discoveries. 1/2 🧵

#virology #InfectiousDisease #SARSCoV2 #pandemic
Art by @patriciapauchnick #Immunology #Science #STEM #Biology #Health #Medicine #SanDiego #Microbiology #SciComm #SciArt #Virology #COVID #Coronavirus #COVIDVaccine #VaccineResearch #GlobalHealth Alt text: Illustration of SARS-CoV-2 with description. The virus is illustrated in shades of pink and yellow. Large "Spike" proteins stick out of its surface, and genetic material is packed into the center of the circle. This virus causes COVID-19. It is known for evolving rapidly into new “variants of concern”—such as the Omicron variant. Vaccines and therapies are effective for many people.
March 21, 2025 at 6:02 PM
lji.org
Curebound supporters have fueled critical #cancer research here at LJI!

This spring, Elton John will join Curebound for the 2025 Concert for Cures on May 9 @ Petco Park. As a beneficiary, LJI is offering our community a 10% discount on tix with the code CBSPONSOR www.curebound.org/concert-for-...
Graphic for the "Curebound: Concert for Cures." Featuring Elton John. Taking place, Friday, May 9. A photo on the graphic shows Elton John at a black grand piano. He is performing for a large stadium audience
March 19, 2025 at 11:14 PM
lji.org
New in @elife.bsky.social:

LJI Instructor Dawid Zyla (@dzyla.bsky.social) highlights recent research into how herpes simplex virus type 1 assembles within infected cells — revealing the roles of essential viral proteins in viral assembly and exit.

elifesciences.org/articles/106... #virology
The key stages of Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) assembly and the roles of specific viral proteins, based on advanced imaging data. (A; lower left) In the host cell nucleus, HSV-1 DNA is replicated, and a protein capsid that encloses the viral genome is assembled. These capsids (purple hexagons) bind to pUL34, a component of the nuclear egress complex (NEC) and move towards the inner nuclear membrane of the host cell (INM). The capsid-protein complexes then bud into the perinuclear space (PNS) between the inner and outer membrane of the cell nucleus, where they acquire a temporary envelope from the INM (depicted as a circle around the hexagon). (B) The viral complexes then fuse with the outer nuclear membrane (ONM), where they shed their temporary envelope and are released into the cytoplasm. The viral kinase pUS3 regulates the NEC and thus influences the efficiency of the capsids transit through the nuclear envelope. (C) Once in the cytoplasm, VP16 binds to the capsid to stabilize it for further maturation. Then, pUL16 starts to form the tegument (gray dotted circle), a protein-rich layer that surrounds the capsid and connects it to the outer layer, the envelope, with pUL21 assisting in cytoplasmic transport of molecules between the two layers (D) VP16 delivers the capsids to the envelopment compartment (EC), where they associate with cytoplasmic vesicles (CV, gray circles) to form secondary envelopes with the help of pUL11, pUL51, gK and gE. (E) Finally, the mature virus particle is transported within the vesicle originating from the envelopment compartment, which then fuses with the cell membrane (CM) to release the mature virion with viral glycoproteins (GP) into the extracellular space.
March 18, 2025 at 8:40 PM
lji.org
Happening tomorrow, Mar. 19 @ 12pm PT!

LJI's Dr. Sonia Sharma will share fascinating new research on how non-immune cells act as the unheralded "first responders" that set the stage for autoimmune reactions and inflammatory processes.

Register now: bit.ly/3FMZF14

#Immunology #Health #Medicine
Graphic for the "Live from the Lab" event -- Text reads: La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Webinar and Discussion. "The Autoimmune Framework: Decoding Early Immune Signals," sponsored by the Global Autoimmune Institute, featuring Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., Wednesday, March 19, 2024, 12 PM to 1 PM Pacific Time Graphic for the "Live from the Lab" event -- Text reads: La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Webinar and Discussion. "The Autoimmune Framework: Decoding Early Immune Signals," sponsored by the Global Autoimmune Institute, featuring Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., Wednesday, March 19, 2024, 12 PM to 1 PM Pacific Time
March 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
lji.org
#PathogenOfTheWeek: Dengue virus, Zika virus, Powassan virus, and chikungunya are all "arboviruses" spread by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks.

These viruses are a growing concern for #GlobalHealth as mosquitoes and other animals migrate to new regions. 1/3 🧵

#Zika #Powassan #Chikungunya
Infographic with illustrations of dengue virus, Zika virus, Powassan virus, and Chikungunya virus. These viruses are illustrated in shades of green and yellow. The viruses resemble golf balls with textured surfaces. Three of the viruses are flaviviruses. Dengue virus - Spread by mosquitoes. There are four types of dengue virus—and we have no effective vaccines for any of them. Zika virus- Spread by mosquitoes. Can cause flu-like symptoms in adults and microcephaly in newborns who were infected in the womb. Vaccines are in development. Powassan virus Spread by ticks. Causes severe disease. A rising number of cases have been reported in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the United States. No vaccines exist We also see that Chikungunya is a related virus but not a flavivirus. Instead, it is also an arbovirus. Chikungunya - Spread by mosquitoes. Can cause fever and chronic joint pain. One vaccine exists— but there is no treatment for the disease. This section reads: Arboviruses: Hiding in nature Scientists call any virus spread by arthropods (such as mosquitos and ticks) an “arbovirus.” These viruses use arthropods as vectors to jump between animals and humans. Arboviruses are especially important to monitor because they can evolve in wildlife populations for years before spilling over to infect humans.
March 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
lji.org
Join LJI's Dr. Sonia Sharma as she unpacks the world of innate immunity at our next "Live from the Lab" webinar —Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (PT)

Register: lji-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #autoimmunity #health #medicine
Graphic for the "Live from the Lab" event -- Text reads: La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Webinar and Discussion. "The Autoimmune Framework: Decoding Early Immune Signals," sponsored by the Global Autoimmune Institute, featuring Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., Wednesday, March 19, 2024, 12 PM to 1 PM Pacific Time
March 12, 2025 at 11:11 PM
lji.org
Coming up Apr. 4: LJI will co-host "Qs & As on the Mesa" — Queer Scientists & Allies Symposium.

This free event at @sbpdiscovery.bsky.social will highlight new research and community-building efforts from #LGBTQIA+ scientists here in #SanDiego!

Register today: sbpdiscovery.org/events/qs-an...
Banner text reads: "Qs & As on the Mesa" - Queer Scientists and Allies Symposium. Creating Community & Highlighting the Work of LGBTQIA+ Researchers on the Torrey Pines Mesa. There is a banner image showing paragliders in the sky over La Jolla Shores
March 12, 2025 at 5:16 PM