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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H)

@i3h-upenn.bsky.social
448 followers 782 following 94 posts

Transforming routine immune profiling to power the future of medicine. I3H builds on Penn Medicine’s pioneering legacy in immunology to advance discovery across disciplines. Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 🔗 www.med.upenn.edu/i3h

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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A decade of follow-up data from the Abramson Cancer Center: a single dose of CAR T-cell therapy kept about a third of aggressive lymphoma patients, and nearly half w/slower-growing lymphoma, cancer-free. Results from Marco Ruella, Stephen Schuster and colleagues in NEJM: bit.ly/4rcEhpV
forbes.com
The Remarkable Success Of CAR T For Lymphoma 10 Years Later
Ten-year results show a single CAR T infusion can keep many patients with aggressive and slow-growing B-cell lymphomas cancer-free, pointing toward true long-term cures.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Looking back at this past summer's story on cancer interception at Penn Medicine: A new $5M initiative from the Basser Cancer Interception Institute aims to stop cancer before it starts, building on Penn's mRNA and immunology strengths. bit.ly/456wJdX
pennmedicine.org
New frontiers in nipping cancer in the bud
The science of cancer interception is advancing at Penn Medicine with a new platform to develop cancer vaccines piling scientific strength upon strength.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
From a recent @jamadermatology.com research letter: Victoria Werth (Penn) and colleagues find classic dermatomyositis has a stronger-than-known link to POTS — affected patients were younger and all female. Cutaneous lupus showed no such association. bit.ly/4hsQUtt
medpagetoday.com
Uncommon Autonomic Tachycardia Syndrome Linked to Classic Dermatomyositis
Classic DM in about 90% of patients with concurrent POTS, but autoimmune mechanisms unclear
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Nearly a decade after the first CAR T-cell therapy, researchers are tackling its biggest limitations — resistance, slow manufacturing, solid tumors. Penn's Carl June on where the science is headed next: bit.ly/4dDcIAe
bit.ly
Driving CAR T-cell Therapy in New Directions
Carl June offered insights on the ongoing challenges facing CAR T-cell therapy and new strategies to overcome these limitations.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Recent developments in cancer research — a new pancreatic cancer drug and a melanoma vaccine. Penn Medicine's Dr. Robert Vonderheide breaks down what it means for patients on @pbsnews.org: www.pbs.org/newshour/show/groundbre…
pbs.org
Groundbreaking treatments and vaccines offer hope in fight against cancer
There have been several promising developments lately in cancer research and treatment, including a new drug approved by the FDA this week for advanced pancreatic cancer. William Brangham reports.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Big news: Our building has a new name! 3600 Civic Center Blvd — home to Institute for Immunology & Immune Health and @penncoltoncenter.bsky.social — is now the Middleman Center, thanks to a gift from Stanley C. Middleman that will accelerate breakthroughs at Penn Medicine. bit.ly/4AcQ8sb
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Transformational gift from Stanley C. Middleman creates new engine to accelerate breakthroughs at Penn Medicine | Penn Today
The gift creates the Middleman Fund and renames 3600 Civic Center Boulevard as the Middleman Center at Penn Medicine.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
How do you treat a disease with no working gene therapy? Jonathan Miner, MD, PhD, and colleagues built a small-molecule "degrader" that flags malformed TREX1 proteins for the cell's own disposal system. A $10M Clayco Foundation gift will fund safety trials for RVCL, a rare, fatal disease.
pennmedicine.org
Novel medicine for rare disease prompts $10M gift for trials
The Clayco Foundation award will go toward safety trials of a new small molecule drug aimed at treating RVCL, a rare, fatal disease with no cure.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Honored to have Dr. Susan Kaech, EVP of Immunology at the @alleninstitute.org, as our keynote speaker. Internationally recognized for uncovering how T cells form lasting memory — and how tumors exploit metabolism to disable them. Her work is driving new therapies for cancer and infectious disease.
Dr. Susan Kaech stands behind a lectern and presents the keynote talk at the I3H Year in Review. Behind her a slide with the title of her talk, "A Mind Full of Memories, and the T Cells That Remember Them" is projected on a screen.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Congrats to Dr. Terri Laufer, recipient of the Michael Cancro Distinguished Faculty Mentoring Award! 🏆 An Emeritus Professor of Rheumatology, Dr. Laufer has shaped generations of immunologists through her research on autoimmunity, T cell development, and antigen presentation. A well-deserved honor.
Dr. Terri Laufer (center) poses with Dr. E. John Wherry (left) and Dr. Warren Pear (right) witht he Michael P. Cancro Distinguished Faculty Mentoring Award.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Dr. Ellebrecht presented "PIK3CD as a Niche Checkpoint of Human Skin T Cell Residence." The inventor of the CAAR T cell concept, and a @penncoltoncenter.bsky.social pilot awardee, his lab decodes how T cells commit to long- or short-lived fates to engineer precision cellular #immunotherapies.
Dr. Ellebrecht presents from behind a lectern at the I3H Year in Review. A slide on his presentation's conclusions is projected behind him.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Dr. Sara Cherry shared progress from the High-Throughput Center for Autoimmune Therapeutic Discovery (HIT-AI), a Colton Center of Excellence. Working with collaborators, Dr. Fajgenbaum and Dr. Miner, the center combines #AI with high-throughput screening to identify new #autoimmune therapies.
Dr. Sara Cherry delivers a presentation on the HIT-AI Colton Center of Excellence.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Matis Award IFI Investigator Awardee Dr. Sunny Shin presented: "Innate Immune Defense Against Bacterial #Pathogens." Professor of #Microbiology, Burroughs-Wellcome Fund awardee, and dedicated mentor — studying how pathogens like Legionella and Salmonella evade host immunity. #InnateImmunity #I3H
Dr. Sunny Shin stands at a lectern to deliver a talk at the I3H Year in Review.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Roberts Family-Katalin Karikó Fellowship Awardee Dr. Ted Kreider addressed: "Bespoke #mRNA Vaccine Designs for #HIV Prevention and Cure." Penn Measey Scholar + NIAID DP2 New #Innovators awardee, developing mRNA-based approaches to clear latent HIV with Dr. Drew Weissman's lab.
Edward (Ted) Kreider, MD, PhD stands at a podium with Penn medicine branding in front of a slide about mRNA vaccines for diverse strains of HIV.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
IGG Saul Winegrad Awardee Ashwin Skelly presented: "Induction of Broadly Neutralizing #HIV Antibodies by a Two-Step Mechanism Informs #Vaccine Design." MD-PhD student (Immunology Graduate Group), Fulbright fellow, and first-author in Science & PNAS — with dissertation work from Dr. Hahn's lab.
MD-PhD student in the Immunology Graduate Group at the University of Pennsylvania, Ashwin Skelly, presents to a packed auditorium at the I3H Year in Review.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Time for the I3H Year in Review! With ~230 faculty across @pennmedicine.bsky.social, @childrensphila.bsky.social + partner orgs, our community had an extraordinary year: 💰 $104M+ in #research funding 📄 100+ high-impact publications 🤝 10+ training grants 💡 $100M+ philanthropic support (since 2019)
E. John Wherry, PhD standing at a podium with Penn Medicine's logo. Jonathan Epstein, MD addresses an audience of immunologists from behind a podium.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
"We’re thinking of how to find cancers when they’re a single cell—before they really have completed the cancer invasion program—and erase them and reset the clock," says Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center. bit.ly/4sFgmyu
inquirer.com
Penn scientist elected president of top cancer research organization
Penn's Robert Vonderheide spoke with the Inquirer about the future of cancer research and what he hopes to accomplish as president of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
A patient with three rare autoimmune diseases in Germany has been symptom-free for over a year after a single dose of CAR T cell therapy. Avery Posey, PhD addresses risks + new developments for adapting the #immunotherapy as a treatment for autoimmune diseases in The Atlantic: bit.ly/4dG3nIY
bit.ly
A Cancer Treatment That Does More Than Scientists Thought
CAR-T cell therapy, originally developed for cancer, is showing ever more promise as a treatment for autoimmune diseases.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
The Colton Consortium for #Autoimmunity hosts a monthly virtual seminar for the #autoimmune research community. Join next week (4/21, 11AM ET) for Ruslan Medzhitov, PhD (Yale), who will be addressing how environmental factors shape adaptive immunity. Register to reserve your spot: bit.ly/4mo4yyW
bit.ly
Colton Consortium Virtual Speaker Series ft. Ruslan Medzhitov, PhD
https://events.zoom.us
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Reposted by Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H)
The Colton Center for Autoimmunity, University of Pennsylvania @penncoltoncenter.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Today, the 2026 Penn Colton Center for #Autoimmunity Symposium brings together the Penn #autoimmune research community—spanning diverse disease areas and the full continuum of discovery—to share new insights in diagnosing, treating, and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Locci (Penn) addresses a full conference room of researchers from a podium. Slides are projected on screens behind her.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
In 2016, Dennis Massimo consented to having a blood sample banked for future research after having his tonsils removed. In 2025, he received a life changing call from Penn Medicine BioBank after his sample was used in a research study: bit.ly/4c80lKX
pennmedicine.org
Cancer survivor: Learning I had Lynch syndrome ‘saved my life’
Dennis Massimo was only 42 and symptom-free when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer related to an inherited condition he didn’t realize he had.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
New research on cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the skin, may change treatment approaches. Victoria Werth, MD, discussed disease progression and clinical trials of the new therapy Litifilimab. bit.ly/3Q6zGH7
bit.ly
Expert Roundtable: Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease with few treatment options and no approved targeted therapies.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Researchers at @pennmedicine.bsky.social show precancerous pancreatic lesions can be eliminated before tumors form—tripling survival in mice. Published in Science, the study offers early evidence for a “cancer interception” approach. bit.ly/4tp5yoO
insideprecisionmedicine.com
KRAS Inhibitors Intercept Pancreatic Cancer Before It Develops in Mice
Penn Medicine researchers have eliminated precancerous lesions before they become pancreatic cancer, tripling survival in mice.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
A molecule linked to the ketogenic diet may boost cancer #immunotherapy. Researchers found β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) enhances CAR T cell antitumor activity—pointing to a potential strategy to improve treatment effectiveness. www.cell.com/cell/abstrac...
cell.com
β-hydroxybutyrate enhances the metabolic fitness of CAR T cells in cancer
β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the ketone body associated with a ketogenic diet, metabolically reprograms and fuels CAR T cells to achieve proliferation, cytokine production, and superior tumor control. The...
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
GLP-1 drugs have transformed diabetes + obesity care—but injections and cost still limit access. New research led by Henry Daniell, published in Plant Biotechnology Journal, engineers lettuce chloroplasts to produce oral GLP-1 peptides. The goal: No injections. Lower costs. bit.ly/4crZyqm
bit.ly
Novel plant-based approach to a better, cheaper GLP-1 delivery system | Penn Today
Research led by Penn Dental’s Henry Daniell investigates the use of a lettuce-based, plant-encapsulated delivery platform as a new oral delivery of two GLP-1 drugs previously approved by the FDA in in...
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Today's 5th Annual Lynch Syndrome Symposium, hosted by the King Center at @pennmedicine.bsky.social, brings together patients, families, and health care or research professionals interested in learning more about the latest Lynch syndrome research and treatment options. Learn more: bit.ly/4laMCar
Julie Borrelli, Chair of the Abramson Cancer Center Director's Leadership Council, speaks from the podium at the opening of the 5th Annual Lynch Syndrome Symposium.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
A new CRISPR tool used directly in patients’ cancer cells can pinpoint genes driving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — helping identify drug targets and uncover why some cancers resist treatment. Published by Penn Medicine & CHOP in Molecular Cell. bit.ly/4cqeZiB
bit.ly
First CRISPR-based platform to pinpoint leukemia drivers | Penn Today
The new toolkit, developed by Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, allows researchers to test potential cancer targets directly in patient leukemia cells.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
A $10 million gift establishes the King Center for Lynch Syndrome at the Abramson Cancer Center—the first named center of its kind worldwide. Lynch syndrome affects ~1 in 279 people. The new center will expand lifelong care, research, and education. Learn more: bit.ly/4laMCar
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Congratulations to I3H member Nikolaos Sgourakis (University of Pennsylvania & Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) on new funding from the @themarkfdn.bsky.social and a new coalition of leading nonprofits dedicated to advancing early cancer detection. Learn more: bit.ly/3MVytRW
bit.ly
New Coalition of Leading Cancer Research Organizations Launched to Accelerate Early Detection of Deadly Cancers | The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
New York, NY, February 3, 2026 — The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research today announced the launch of a coalition of leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to solving the critical problem of early...
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Recently published in Cell, research led by Michela Locci, PhD, at the Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania) shows that both lipid nanoparticles and the mRNA itself help drive vaccine potency—insights for future vaccine design. bit.ly/3MSLbkq
bit.ly
Distinct components of mRNA vaccines cooperate to instruct efficient germinal center responses
This study dissects the individual contributions of the different components of mRNA vaccines to immune responses. Nucleoside-modified mRNA promotes the production of type I interferons that act on de...
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
A next-gen CAR-T therapy destroys cancer cells in mice without suppressing the immune system. Led by Marco Ruella, MD (Penn Medicine), CART4-34 targets B cell receptors with the IGHV4-34 gene and may offer a safer path for treating autoimmune diseases like lupus. go.nature.com/3ZU9voK
go.nature.com
Innovative CAR-T therapy destroys cancer cells without dangerous side effects
In mice, the treatment selectively targets tumour cells without suppressing the immune system.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Big year for Penn Medicine clinical research: Four federally funded studies led by faculty made the Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards presented by Clinical Research Forum, w/ three more studies in the Top 20—including work by Peter Merkel, MD, MPH and Carl June, MD: bit.ly/4qpNDMU
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Tumors may be hijacking the brain to protect themselves. A new preclinical study shows lung cancer cells in mice signal the brain to suppress anticancer immunity. Knocking out sensory neurons led to a “huge, dramatic reduction” in tumor growth, says Chengcheng Jin, PhD. bit.ly/4rB0c97
scientificamerican.com
Lung cancer hijacks the brain to trick the immune system
Lung cancer tumor cells in mice communicate with the brain, sending signals to deactivate the body's immune response, a study finds
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Congratulations to Carl June, MD named a "Disruptor of the Year" by @thephilacitizen.bsky.social. From pioneering CAR-T therapy to launching Dispatch Bio—rooted in Philly’s “Cellicon Valley"—his research continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. thephiladelphiacitizen.org/meet-the-cit...
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Meet the Citizens of the Year
These local heroes make Philly stronger, wiser, healthier, kinder and more awesome. Help us celebrate them at our April 22 awards dinner
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Reposted by Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H)
The Colton Consortium for Autoimmunity @coltonconsortium.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Are you part of the #autoimmunity or #immunology research community? Join us Feb. 17 at 11 AM ET for a seminar with Yaakov Levine, PhD (SetPoint Medical), a leader in bioelectronic medicine whose work helped advance FDA-approved vagus nerve–based therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. bit.ly/LevineFeb17
bit.ly
Colton Consortium Virtual Speaker Series ft. Yaakov Levine, PhD
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
I3H Deputy Director, Dr. Vahedi (@vahedilab.bsky.social) will be discussing "Multiome Profiling in Human Type 1 Diabetes" at this month's session of the Colton Consortium Virtual Speaker Series (Jan. 20, 11:00am ET). Register to secure your spot: bit.ly/VahediJan20
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
New work from Regina Young, PhD and Carl June, MD shows that adding IL-9 signaling can supercharge CAR-T cells against solid tumors. Engineered IL-9 receptors kept CAR-T cells active and persistent, clearing pancreatic and prostate tumors in mice—even at low doses. bit.ly/4as5Rcf
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Congrats to Marco Ruella, MD, and the viTToria Biotherapeutics team on being named Startup of the Year at the 10th Annual Penn PCI Celebration of Innovation! Their work on cellular therapies for aggressive T-cell lymphoma aims to help more patients. bit.ly/48vHnh0
bit.ly
Startup recognized for milestones in cancer care | Penn Today
During the Penn Center for Innovation’s 10th annual Celebration of Innovation, viTToria Biotherapeutics was presented with the Startup of the Year Award for its remarkable progress in the development ...
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Delayed side effects after CAR T therapy for multiple myeloma—including neurotoxicity and intestinal inflammation—may share a common immune root cause. New Penn Medicine research presented at #ASH25 links them to higher non-relapse mortality. bit.ly/4a5QJ4c
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
On the latest Autoimmune Association podcast, Dr. Nina Luning Prak speaks with 2025 Nobel Laureates in Medicine, Dr. Mary Brunkow and Dr. Fred Ramsdell about the landmark discovery of FOXP3 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the future of autoimmune research. youtu.be/FsFbsnGAqm8?...
youtu.be
Autoimmune Voices Threads of Hope: Episode 4 – The Nobel Prize
YouTube video by Autoimmune Association
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
In the 90s, Dr. Carl June asked a bold question: Can we train the immune system to fight cancer? His work led to CAR-T cell therapy—saving thousands. On The Catalysts, he discusses his career, #immunotherapy, and why fundamental science matters. youtu.be/a3sjJyl98uc?si=rkBwCDcfAvB…
youtu.be
Living Drugs, CAR-T Cells & the Future of Cancer Treatment with Taylor Prize Laureate Dr. Carl June
YouTube video by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
The latest @immunologypodcast.com episode mentions new research from @pennmedicine.bsky.social that leverages CAR T cell therapy—a personalized form of #immunotherapy used in cancer treatment—to treat atherosclerotic plaques in mice.
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Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) @i3h-upenn.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
A preclinical study led by Penn Medicine has shown that CAR T-cell therapy—a personalized form of #immunotherapy used in cancer treatment—could be an effective tool against atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. bit.ly/48oJC5P
bit.ly
New CAR T strategy targets most common form of heart disease | Penn Medicine
CAR T cell therapy could be a highly effective tool against atherosclerosis, a common condition that leads to heart attacks and stroke.
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