Center Events

Jennifer Nayak, MD - Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases

 Apr 26, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Felix Yarovinsky, MD - Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology

 Apr 19, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Joon Seok Park, Ph.D. - Instructor in Immunology, Harvard University

It has become clear that commensal microbes play important roles in maintaining immune homeostasis while responding robustly to foreign insults. A fascinating illustration of this process is the impact of gut microbes on the body’s immune defense against tumors located beyond the intestinal tract. My recent research revealed a novel underlying immune mechanism by which gut microbes promote anti-tumor immunity and opened novel research avenues for the exploration of cancer therapies. However, it remains enigmatic how gut-confined microbes can impact immune responses to distal tumors. Additionally, the precise context in which the gut microbe-mediated immune modulation become crucial in governing systemic immunity is poorly understood. My laboratory will determine 1) the immunomodulatory mechanisms mediated by commensal microbes in cancer and chronic viral infection 2) the roles of microbial lipids in innate signaling in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and 3) the mechanisms of crosstalk between the TME and gut microbiota. My research program will clarify the promise and limitations of cancer immunotherapy using gut microbiota and address why some cancers depend on gut microbiota and others do not. In addition, this work will tackle how specific gut microbes modulate systemic antiviral immunity leveraging our extensive information obtained from tumor studies, providing a unique direction to find the underlying mechanisms. This will guide the development of novel cancer immunotherapies and new approaches to improve vaccines.

 Apr 18, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3.9624

Paul Bohjanen, MD, PhD - Professor, Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases

 Apr 12, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Shawn Murphy, PhD - Associate Professor, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Microbiology & Immunology

 Apr 05, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Yunlong Zhao, PhD - Assistant Project Scientist, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego

Cancer immunotherapy is revolutionizing the way we fight disease, but many patients don't reap its full benefits. My research focuses on understanding how immune cells called T cells communicate with cancer cells and other immune cells. Typically, studies have focused on how receptor signals pass directly between cells. However, I also study how signals are exchanged in the same cell. These "internal conversations" can powerfully shape how T cells fight tumors. My work has shown that they can make T cells more effective against cancer. By carefully mapping how T cells talk to themselves, especially in cutting-edge therapies like adoptive cell therapy, I aim to uncover hidden targets for improvement. This knowledge could usher in a new era of immunotherapy where these incredible treatments work for even more patients.

 Mar 28, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3.9624

Clive Zent, MD - Professor, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology

 Mar 22, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Kristin Scheible, MD - Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology & Microbiology and Immunology

 Mar 15, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, MD, PhD - Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Allergy/Immunology

 Mar 08, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Joshua Anzinger, PhD - Senior Lecturer, Department of Microbiology
The University of the West Indies
Head of Virology, Consultant Virologist and
Director of Jamaica Affiliate Global Virus Network

Viral epidemics have become increasingly common worldwide. In Jamaica, viral epidemics have occurred every 2-3 years over the past decade, all on the backdrop of existing retrovirus epidemics. This seminar will provide a research-driven overview of recent viral epidemics in Jamaica and describe the capacity building approach to facilitate more effective research responses to future viral epidemics.

 Feb 29, 2024 @ 1:15 p.m.

 Medical Center | Lower Adolph Aud. (1-7619)

Host: Jacques Robert, PhD

Minsoo Kim, PhD - Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology

 Feb 23, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Brian Altman, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Genetics

 Feb 16, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Craig Morrell, DVM, PhD - Professor, Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute

 Feb 09, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Ruchira Singh, PhD - Associate Professor, Dean's Proffesor of Ophthalmology, Biomedical Genetics, Center for Visual Science, and member of UR Batten Center

 Jan 31, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | G.11211 (CVRI Conf. Rm)

Host: Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) University of Rochester CVRI Seminar Series

Jacques Robert, PhD - Chair, Microbiology & Immunology

 Jan 26, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624

Angela Branche, MD - Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases

 Jan 19, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

 Kornberg Medical Research Building | 3-9624