iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 28/09/2026

LJI's Haoyang Li on starting his own lab: "Scientific research is not easy...I want to build a supportive and fair environment that keeps everyone enjoying science." www.lji.org/news-events/...

lji.org

Q&A: Haoyang Li on immunotherapeutic breakthroughs, cutting-edge tech, and what he wants to give the world

Li launches new lab at an exciting time for novel immunotherapeutics and vaccine innovations

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 28/09/2026

Stronger, broader immunity could help people in regular contact with animals, such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, as well as the billions of people who may accidentally come in contact with a rabid animal. Read more about LJI findings: www.lji.org/news-events/... #WorldRabiesDay #rabies

lji.org

Rethinking the rabies vaccine

LJI scientists, in collaboration with researchers from the Institut Pasteur in France, capture new high-resolution view of rabies virus, revealing potential vaccine targets

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 28/09/2026

Current #rabies vaccines require regular boosters. Why? A big part of the problem is that rabies shape-shifts to avoid the immune system. With a clearer view of the rabies viral structure, scientists can design vaccines that tell the body how to make more durable, neutralizing antibodies. #vaccines

Graphic with a background photo of a female LJI scientist in a lab setting. She is sitting next to a microscope and looking at the camera. Text reads: Rabies vaccines don't provide lifelong protection. You have to get your pets boosted every year to three years. Right now, rabies vaccines for humans and domestic animals are made from killed virus. But this process can cause the molecules to become misshapen—so these vaccines aren't showing the right form to the immune system." The speaker is LJI President, Professor & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 28/09/2026

For #WorldRabiesDay, we're share some surprising facts and research updates from LJI's #virology experts. Why rabies? Rabies treatments save lives. They're also inaccessible for most people around the world. LJI scientists are working to change this through new #rabies vaccine research. 1/🧵

Graphic with a background photo of a fox. Text reads: "We have a rabies vaccine. Why are scientists still studying it?"

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 24/09/2026

Your B cells wait, watch, and LEARN. These cells go on an amazing journey to give you the molecular weapons to fight infection! Go inside the fascinating world of #antibodies with new LJI Research Assistant Professor Parham Ramezani-Rad: bit.ly/4hpKr1g #ImmuneSystem #Health #Medicine #Immunology

lji.org

Parham Ramezani-Rad is decoding how B cells learn

The new Rad Lab at LJI studies the cells behind our antibodies—and aims to guide the development of better vaccines, tests, and treatments.

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 22/09/2026

We’re proud to see the work of LJI scientists recognized among the world’s most highly cited researchers and to celebrate their continued contributions to #immunology! ✨ @settelab.bsky.social @profshanecrotty.bsky.social @bjoernpeters.bsky.social @weiskopflab.bsky.social

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 22/09/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate four LJI researchers named 2026 Scilit Top Cited Scholars: Alessandro Sette, Dr. Biol. Sci., Shane Crotty, Ph.D., Daniela Weiskopf, Ph.D., and Bjoern Peters, Ph.D.! #Immunology #SanDiego #ImmuneSystem #Health #Medicine

Collage with portraits of four scientists: Alex Sette, Shane Crotty, Daniela Weiskopf, and Bjoern Peters. Text reads: FOUR LJI scientists named 2026 Scilit Top Cited Scholars

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

Prof. Shane Crotty @profshanecrotty.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

How durable is T cell memory in the human upper airway? Our new preprint directly tracks virus-specific CD8 & CD4 T cells in human nasal tissues for >18 months—using nearly 900 monthly nasal samples. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 17/09/2026

How small do you have to be to count as a "microbe?" And do viruses count at all? 🦠 👀 Don't skip this article from @asm.org 👇 #WorldMicrobeDay #Microbiology #Biology #Health #Medicine

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 17/09/2026

Fascinating new LJI review article — "...Emerging evidence suggests that these immune cell doublets reflect biologically meaningful interactions, offering critical insights into immune communication during health and disease." onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #Immunology #FlowCytometry

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Decoding Immune Cell Doublets in Humans: From Artifacts to Insights

Although routinely detected in human blood and tissue samples, immune cell doublets are typically discarded during data acquisition or analysis, often dismissed as technical artifacts arising from ex...

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

As the panel wraps up — thank you to all who attended and asked questions today! We are also grateful to GAI (@autoimmunegai.bsky.social) for generous support of LEAD Day! The LEAD Day program will continue this afternoon with a keynote address from Eric Topol, MD, Vice President at @scripps.edu

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

When it comes to datasets, panel moderator LJI Prof. Shane Crotty (@profshanecrotty.bsky.social) emphasizes that we can learn A LOT by looking beyond blood samples. 🩸 "We've found a lot of power in solving immunological mysteries by actually looking in the site, like a lymphoid node."

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

When it comes to big "blue sky" ideas, Dr. Myers imagines we could learn a lot from routine RNA sequencing of patients, maybe twice a month. "We could ask 'what's the pattern?' and 'does that pattern change?'"

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

Stopping #AutoimmuneDisease means we need to look at patient data differently. Dr. Ay says the future may rest in continuous health monitoring and AI tools that make it simple to compare a person's health changes over time. "We all need our own baseline."

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

Dr. Topol shares his perspective as a cardiologist — He says it's extraordinary that doctors don't have a way to properly understand a patient's immune system function right there at the bedside. #AI tools might help gather valuable patient data, such as a "thymic health score."

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

So what do immunologists still need from the AI world? Dr. Ay investigates how changes at the molecular level affect disease progression. For this, he needs to pair AI tools with longitudinal data sets. "We need to see if what we predict can hold, and that is difficult to do."

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

Dr. Myers says he's been cautious about using #AI tools, but he's seeing more and more evidence that AI can handle the data sets coming out of his lab. "Seeing what it can do now with these deep data sets — it's making more sense to lean in to what it can do."

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

Where is #AI proving most useful in the biomedical sciences? Dr. Topol shares how AI tools recently analyzed single cell-level data to reveal unexpected monocyte activity in the brain. "This is amazing, and we wouldn't have known without these kinds of tools," says Dr. Topol.

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

We've kicked off the 2026 LEAD Day program! This afternoon features a panel with: 👉 Eric Topol, MD, Scripps Research VP @erictopol.bsky.social 👉 LJI Associate Prof. Ferhat Ay, Ph.D. @ferhatay.bsky.social 👉 Global Autoimmune Disease Assistant Prof. Sam Myers, Ph.D. @samyers-lab.bsky.social 1/🧵

Photo of a conference room with people looking at a speaker at a lecturn

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

As LJI Professor, President & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire explains, it's time to "examine the tools that are changing how we look at disease itself." #AI #Multiomics #Biomed #Biotech @autoimmunegai.bsky.social

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

Our 2026 LEAD Day scientific panel explores how AI, multi-omics, and increasingly data-rich approaches are changing the way we understand and treat #autoimmune and chronic disease. #Immunology #Autoimmunity #Health #Medicine #DataScience #CompBio #AI

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 15/09/2026

Starting at 1:30pm Pacific today — We'll be live-posting from the LEAD Day scientific panel at Scripps Seaside Forum. ☀️ Stay tuned for #AutoimmuneDisease insights from LJI experts and Dr. Eric Topol (@erictopol.bsky.social)! Made possible by @autoimmunegai.bsky.social

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iedb.bsky.social @iedb.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 IEDB Virtual User Workshop! Join us Oct 20–22 (8 AM–12 PM PT). This annual workshop is designed with all users in mind - from those new to the IEDB to those with extensive experience wanting to enhance their research skills. discuss.iedb.org/t/iedb-user-...

discuss.iedb.org

IEDB User Workshop - October 2026

Following the success of the 2020-2025 IEDB Virtual User Workshops, we will once again be bringing the workshop to you, online! In 2026, the IEDB team will be hosting one virtual user workshop over th...

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

Cancer Epitope Database & Analysis Resource @cedar-epitopes.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 IEDB Virtual User Workshop! Join us Oct 20–22 (8 AM–12 PM PT) to master epitope prediction & analysis. Don't miss Day 3 (Oct 22) featuring CEDAR tools for cancer immunology! discuss.iedb.org/t/iedb-user-... #CancerResearch #Immunology #Bioinformatics

discuss.iedb.org

IEDB User Workshop - October 2026

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 09/09/2026

The Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards for Innovations in Immunology fuel a remarkable range of research projects! This year, our SPARK finalists aim to explore new ways to combat viral threats, cancers, and even autoimmune disease. 📽️ Learn more youtu.be/a4k9ZKi_HfQ?... #SanDiego #ImmuneSystem

youtu.be

A bold idea could SPARK the next biomedical breakthrough | 2026 SPARK Awards Finalists

YouTube video by La Jolla Institute for Immunology

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

Samuel A. Myers' lab @samyers-lab.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

With the sensitivity of modern LC-MS, analyzing changes in protein complexes across differing biological systems will lead to false positives from the background proteomes. We provide some work arounds This also allowed us to identify interesting biology concerning OGT-protein complexes #glycotime

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 01/09/2026

Ehinger’s work recently won top honors in the Nucleate San Diego Activator Program. These award winnings will help his company, Bendu Therapeutics, move forward with a new drug approach for #cancer immunotherapy patients. 💡 Read more about his work bit.ly/4h7rTD5 #SanDiego #Health #Medicine

bit.ly

Experimental LJI cancer strategy wins top honors from Nucleate San Diego

Team leader Erik Ehinger, Ph.D., is on a mission to help more patients benefit from cancer immunotherapies.

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 01/09/2026

LJI Postdoc Erik Ehinger, Ph.D., is working to give T cells a boost. 💪 If his strategy succeeds, he could help the immune system fight cancer in an entirely new way. #SanDiego #biotech #biomed #CancerResearch #Health #Medicine

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

A Zika virus vaccine with E protein fusion loop mutations protects via CD8+ T cells @natmicrobiol.nature.com www.nature.com/articles/s41... @lji.org

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 26/08/2026

So what can we do to stop #Zika virus? LJI Professor Sujan Shresta and her colleagues have discovered that antibodies and T cells can pair up to fight infection. These LJI scientists are leading the way in #Zika vaccine research. Learn more www.lji.org/news-events/... #health #medicine #SanDiego

lji.org

T cells are a powerful force against Zika virus

LJI scientists tested two Zika vaccines, both designed to work through antibodies. One protected through T cells instead—but only the vaccine that mustered both held off the virus for the long haul.

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 26/08/2026

Thousands of people are infected with #Zika virus each year — and MANY more are at risk as Zika-carrying mosquitoes move into new regions 🌎 🦟 Here's a look at Zika by-the-numbers. #Health #Medicine #InfectiousDisease #Viruses #Immunology

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 26/08/2026

New #Zika study opens the door to defeating a broad family of viruses 🦠 "The virus belongs to the same mosquito-borne family as dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses, and it is especially similar to #dengue, which spreads in many of the same regions." bit.ly/4hVoQQn

bit.ly

New Zika Virus Vaccine Approach Harnesses the Power of T Cells in Mice

An experimental Zika vaccine protected mice through CD8+ T cells, offering a possible way to avoid worsening infection caused by antibody-dependent enhancement.

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

CNAG @cnag-eu.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

🚨Don't miss one of the leading events in Spatial Biology! 3rd Conference of the European Society for Spatial Biology 🗓️September 28 – October 1, 2026 📍Sitges (Spain) With the support of CNAG, @ibecbarcelona.eu, @carrerasijc.bsky.social & @lji.org spatialbiologysociety.eu #SpatialBiology #ESSB2026

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

There are no approved vaccines for dengue or Zika virus, but Dr. Shresta is working to change that. Her lab is developing tools to help us fight many mosquito-borne viruses at once. These vaccines would bring us closer to LJI’s mission: Life Without Disease. #WorldMosquitoDay #Health #Medicine

Photo of Dr. Shresta looking into a microscope. She has medium-length brown hair and is wearing a white lab coat. Includes a quote from Dr. Shresta. Quote reads: “If we can pair the most promising vaccine candidates with the optimal vaccine platforms, we’ll have the pieces in place to rapidly combat future outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.”

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

Dr. Shresta’s research is more urgent than ever. #Dengue virus takes thousands of lives every year around the world + the first-ever locally transmitted dengue cases were reported in #SanDiego County in 2024. #WorldMosquitoDay #Viruses #ImmuneSystem #Immunology

World Map showing the Atlantic Ocean, parts of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. A news headline is highlighted from the San Diego Union-Tribune. Headline reads: “San Diego County detects its second locally acquired dengue case.” Includes a quote from LJI Professor Sujan Shresta. Quote reads: “Areas once free of dengue are seeing sporadic cases, and sporadic transmission eventually gives way to recurring outbreaks.”

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

Mosquitoes are moving into new habitats, and #SanDiego scientists are looking for ways to fight back 🚫🦟 LJI Professor Sujan Shresta, Ph.D., is investigating vaccine strategies to prevent severe cases of mosquito-borne #dengue, #Zika, and related viruses. #WorldMosquitoDay #Health #Medicine 🧵1/3

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Gavi @gavi.org · 20/08/2026

Mosquitoes spread some of the world’s deadliest diseases. Now researchers are testing whether they could be turned into vaccine delivery systems for wild bats. For #WorldMosquitoDay, explore how “flying vaccines” could deliver protection against diseases like rabies and Nipah: bit.ly/4gH8MjV

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious threat in #SanDiego and around the world. Here at LJI, top scientists are working toward life-saving vaccines and therapies against #Zika, #dengue, and their viral relatives. Our goal? Life Without Disease #WorldMosquitoDay #Health #Medicine #Immunology

Photo of mosquito landing on a green leaf. Text reads: LJI scientists are guiding the development of vaccines that can fight many mosquito-borne diseases at once. #WorldMosquitoDay

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

# 3: San Diego County is home to invasive mosquitoes (from the Aedes genus) that have the ability to carry #dengue virus, #Zika virus, and even Japanese encephalitis virus. These viruses aren’t spreading here—yet. But our climate may be the perfect environment for outbreaks. #WorldMosquitoDay 🦟

Photo of mosquito landing on human skin. The mosquito has black-and-white striped limbs and a red abdomen. Text reads: Dengue fever is sometimes called “breakbone fever” because it can cause severe joint and muscle pain. #WorldMosquitoDay

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

#2: Salt marsh mosquito numbers are booming this summer, thanks to San Diego County’s humid weather and high tides, which have filled our marshes. These mosquitoes are a problem because they can carry heartworm + two types of equine encephalitis viruses.🦠#WorldMosquitoDay #virology #PublicHealth

Photo of many mosquitoes landing on white netting. Text reads: Salt marsh mosquitoes are common along the coast of San Diego, and they can ride strong winds into new habitats. #WorldMosquitoDay

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La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) @lji.org · 20/08/2026

Mosquitoes matter in #SanDiego County. Here are three reasons we’re on high alert 🧵 #1: San Diego mosquitoes can carry devastating diseases, such as West Nile virus (which sickens humans) and heartworm parasites (which sickens dogs, cats + other mammals). #WorldMosquitoDay #health #medicine 🦟

Photo of mosquito landing on human skin. Text reads: More than 8,000 West Nile virus cases and over 400 deaths have been reported in California since 2003. #WorldMosquitoDay

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

Cancer Epitope Database & Analysis Resource @cedar-epitopes.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Check out our new review on the Cancer Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (CEDAR)! doi.org/10.3389/fonc... We discuss current capabilities, recent curation progress, and future directions for advancing cancer immunotherapy. #CancerResearch #Immunology #Bioinformatics

doi.org

Frontiers | The Cancer Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (CEDAR): current capabilities and future directions

Cancer epitopes, the molecular structures recognized by T and B cells at the tumor interface, are central to understanding antitumor immunity and developing ...

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Reposted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

Priya Devarajan @priyadevarajan.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

People always ask us nasal immunologists: Why doesn't FluMist work as well in adults as kids?@hannahdstacey.bsky.social @profshanecrotty.bsky.social @lji.org show adults can respond locally! Read our highlight: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... & the full paper: doi.org/10.1126/scit... @science.org

science.org

Mist-ical memory: The airway defenses induced by FluMist vaccination in adults

Longitudinal nasopharyngeal swabs sample and reveal upper airway humoral memory generated after intranasal FluMist vaccination.

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