Sign in

Otto Balsiger

@obalsiger.bsky.social
1.8K followers 5.4K following 268 posts

Director of Finance, Membership and Publishing at the British Society for Immunology (BSI), also Treasurer/Trustee of Applied Microbiology International (AMI). Dad who loves science and sports (especially #immunology and #taekwondo) All views are my own.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Organoid co-culture and organ-on-chip systems are transforming how we study immune–epithelial interactions, enabling more precise, patient-relevant models of disease 🧬 🔗 vist.ly/5jth2 #Immunology #Organoids #Microfluidics #PrecisionMedicine
doi.org
Revolutionizing immune research with organoid-based co-culture and chip systems
Potential use and translational applications of patient-derived organoids are very diverse. Such models have revolutionized research in immunological disea
041
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
High‑throughput long‑read sequencing uncovers how chickens diversify their Ig genes: dominant somatic gene conversion, biased pseudogene usage, and focused CDR‑targeted insertions. A look into avian antibody evolution: bit.ly/45wSe95
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Can blood‑based T‑cell markers predict PD‑1 therapy response in melanoma? This study suggests yes, highlighting CD8⁺ proliferation in responders and CTLA‑4⁺ Tregs in non‑responders. Read here📄 bit.ly/4pw1rVL
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
How Streptococcus pneumoniae interacts with innate immunity matters. New open‑access research shows neuraminidase A (NanA) shapes immune sensing and phagocytic clearance in microglia and macrophages, with implications for pneumococcal meningitis. vist.ly/5jtib
doi.org
Neuraminidase A controls pneumococcal recognition and fate: deficiency enhances immune sensing and intracellular survival, while treatment promotes phagocytic clearance.
Abstract. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis worldwide and is associated with cerebrovascular complications
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
How can vaccination during pregnancy protect a baby from RSV? Antibodies can cross the placenta, helping protect babies in their first months. New UKHSA data shows around 50% fewer infants under six months needed intensive care with RSV. Read our blog: vist.ly/5k3wq
Graphic with text about RSV and vaccine protection, featuring a shield.
152
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Just one week left to apply for the BSI Communication & Engagement Grant! Share your passion, improve public understanding & build trust in science through creative engagement projects. Up to £1,000 available. Submit by 1 October to inspire & educate: bit.ly/3Y9j8gm
BSI Communication and Engagement Grant, apply by Thursday 1 October.Text promoting a BSI Communication & Engagement Grant applying by October 1.
023
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
New research shows that adding CD28 signalling motifs to the CD3ζ chain boosts IL‑2 production and expansion of TCR‑engineered T cells, without reducing cytotoxicity. A promising step toward stronger TCR therapies for solid tumours. Read here: vist.ly/5jcu9 #Immunotherapy #TCells
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Measuring immune function in the wild is key to understanding resilience and disease. New open‑access research presents a practical immune toolkit for wild ungulates, revealing variation across individuals, populations and landscapes in bighorn sheep. vist.ly/5jhn6
doi.org
Out of the shed and into the field: an immune toolkit for measuring wild ungulate immune phenotypes at multiple scales
Here we demonstrate the utility of our field-tested “immune toolkit” in describing the immune phenotypic heterogeneity of bighorn sheep (Ovis Canadensis) a
032
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Open‑access review explores how targeting monocyte dynamics could offer new therapeutic approaches for multiple sclerosis, with insights from experimental models highlighting monocyte plasticity and inflammation resolution. vist.ly/5jhn9
022
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Research in Crohn’s disease shows peripheral blood T cells are already less prone to apoptosis before reaching the gut, with reduced catalase activity contributing to this effect 🧬 🔗 vist.ly/5jhn5 #Immunology #CrohnsDisease #Tcells
doi.org
Catalase inhibition can modulate the ability of peripheral blood T cells to undergo apoptosis in Crohn’s disease
Blood T lymphocytes from CD patients are less prone to undergo apoptosis before migrating to the intestinal mucosa. The inhibition of catalase has a direct
023
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
10 days to go until our next Foundations of immunology course takes place! We'll cover the basics of the immune system, including innate and adaptive immunity, health and disease, vaccines and immunotherapies. Book now and get a discount as a BSI member: vist.ly/5jdar
Promotional poster for British Society for Immunology course with an abstract cell image.
022
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Our December run of Omic data analysis and visualisation using R starts on Monday 7 December. Designed for wet-lab scientists with little/no bioinformatics experience, the course runs over 10 mornings (09:30–12:30 GMT). Book your place: vist.ly/5jhcw
Text promoting a bioinformatics training course in omic data analysis and visualization in R.
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We’re getting closer to #BSI26! Join 1,500+ immunologists in Glasgow from 30 November to 3 December for four days of science, discussion and networking, as we celebrate 70 years of the BSI. Early bird registration and late-breaking abstract submission close 21 October: vist.ly/5jnky
BSI Congress 2026, SEC Glasgow, 30 November – 3 December. Celebrating 70 years. Early bird registration closing soon.
041
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
What could an AI research assistant help you with? From finding literature to organising information and supporting your workflow, see some examples below 👇 📅 21 October - only one month to go until our first course! Book here: vist.ly/5j87b
Ad for building an AI research assistant course by British Society for Immunology.Training course AI for immunologists table with challenges and solutions.
042
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A simpler, highly specific way to detect AIH? This study shows that MF-SMA patterns on vascular smooth muscle cells are easy to recognize and match gold-standard specificity, offering a more reliable diagnostic approach. 🧬 vist.ly/5j8gu #Immunology #Autoimmunity #LiverDisease
doi.org
Easy recognition and high autoimmune hepatitis specificity of smooth muscle antibodies giving an actin microfilament immunofluorescent pattern on embryonal vascular smooth muscle cells
(i) The search for smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) is a cornerstone of hepatic autoimmune serology, being one of the diagnostic criteria of autoimmune hepat
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🚀 Building on years of CAR‑T and TCR‑T innovation, this study showcases a sophisticated “all‑in‑one” engineered T‑cell approach for AML, combining antigen specificity, microenvironment responsiveness, bystander recruitment, and a safety switch in a single vector. Read more: vist.ly/5j9yx
Diagram of TCR signaling pathways with GM-CAR, CD3xCD33 BiTE, and tEGFR-cetuximab suicide switch.
032
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Wild mice show large, robust T‑cell receptor repertoires that stay broad across age and sex, while older mice develop more dominant clones, likely from lifelong pathogen exposure. A fascinating look at how immunity adapts in natural environments. vist.ly/5j8gx
162
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Research from Priscilla Y. L. Tng et al. shows how virulent ASFV strains disrupt the innate–adaptive immune axis in vivo, key insight for developing safer, more effective ASF vaccines. Read the article here: vist.ly/5ixap #CelebrateVaccines #Immunology #VaccinesWork
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This study maps the spatial + immune landscape of metastatic dMMR colorectal cancer, revealing why some lesions respond to immunotherapy while others resist. Macrophage polarization and spatial immune architecture emerge as key drivers of outcome. 🔗 vist.ly/5ixaq
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
📢 This open‑access study identifies PSMB8 as a biomarker predicting proton pump inhibitor response in paediatric eosinophilic esophagitis, supporting more personalized treatment decisions. 🔗 vist.ly/5ixam
Infographic on PSMB8 as a therapy response marker in eosinophilic esophagitis with study details.
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Completed our Omics data analysis and visualisation using R course & ready for the next challenge? Learn how to analyse single cell and spatial datasets with our advanced training course - starting Monday 12 October. 50% off for BSI members! Book here: vist.ly/5is56
Promotional banner for single cell and spatial omics course.
031
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
If you'd like to support the BSI by becoming a reviewer for our journals portfolio, you can sign up here: academic.oup.com/cei/pages/reviewer
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It's #PeerReviewWeek and we want to recognise the valuable contributions of peer reviewers for their vital role in ensuring science can be shared in a timely way. Thank you to all who generously give their time and expertise to improve the quality of research published in our journals and beyond!
Thank you to our reviewers poster with immunology journal covers.
124
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Have you submitted to our new Immunometabolism Section yet? Led by Dr Lizzy Rosser (UCL), this is a dedicated home for cutting-edge research exploring how metabolism shapes immune function in health and disease. Learn more: vist.ly/58wxd #Immunometabolism #Immunology
052
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Early splenectomy delays inflammation and reduces joint damage in a mouse model of autoimmune arthritis, highlighting a surprising protective role when done at early stages. 🧬 vist.ly/5gvjy #Immunology #Autoimmunity #Arthritis
doi.org
Splenectomy at early stage of autoimmune arthritis delayed inflammatory response and reduced joint deterioration in mice
We propose that splenectomy in early stages of autoimmune arthritis could be beneficial because it prevents bone and cartilage destruction in the joints. T
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This review explores how long non-coding RNAs influence oral squamous cell carcinoma . The article brings together emerging evidence on the nerve–immune–cancer axis and highlights future directions for identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. 📖 vist.ly/5gyuf #Immunology
doi.org
LncRNAs at the frontline of neuroimmune crosstalk in oral cancer
This review examines the current role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the neuroimmune crosstalk in oral squamous cell carcinoma and specifically their
031
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This open‑access study shows the β‑blocker nebivolol prevents T‑cell exhaustion and boosts cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells via β₂‑adrenergic receptor–dependent signalling, highlighting a potential new immunomodulatory strategy. vist.ly/5h4ta
doi.org
Nebivolol prevents exhausted T cells and enhances cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a β2-adrenergic receptor-dependent manner
Prolonged TCR/CD3 and CD28 stimulation drives sustained NFATc1 signaling and TOX expression, resulting in increased inhibitory receptor expression and redu
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Join us in celebrating 60 years of pioneering clinical and translational immunology research! Explore our special collection showcasing the most-cited and widely-read articles that shaped our legacy: vist.ly/5hjvm #CEIat60
Three different covers of the Clinical and Experimental Immunology journal on a bookshelf.
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Clinical & Experimental Immunology @ceijournal.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🧬 How does ageing with frailty reshape immune responses? This open‑access study links altered neutrophil signalling to impaired chemotaxis and increased ROS/NET production, highlighting key features of inflammageing. 👉 vist.ly/5ihau #ImmuneAgeing26
doi.org
Neutrophil Functional Analysis in Frailty and Health
In this study we have combined RNAseq with functional experiments to describe the phenotype of neutrophils from people with frailty. We found that frailty
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Submissions are still open for our CD40 turns 40 Special Collection, exploring four decades of CD40 biology and its impact on immunotherapy across cancer, autoimmunity, and more 🧬 Learn more about submitting here: vist.ly/5ihwy #Immunology #Immunotherapy
academic.oup.com
Call for Papers
Immunotherapy Advances publishes scientifically rigorous open access research relating to manipulations of the immune system for the benefit of human and a
031
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This review explores the bottom-up development of LGR5-targeting immunotherapeutics, showing how a highly specific α‑LGR5 antibody can be adapted into multiple modalities 📖 Read more: vist.ly/5ihju #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #CARTcells #PrecisionMedicine #OpenAccess
Wnt pathway illustration with modulation by RSPO showing gene expression changes.
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The tetanus vaccine was introduced into the UK’s routine infant immunisation programme in 1961. By the 1970s, tetanus in UK children under 15 had almost disappeared. Between 1985 and 2017, there were no cases in children under five. Read the story: vist.ly/5idxc
Infographic about tetanus vaccine impact with text and shield icon.
142
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Heading to Glasgow for #BSI26? Early bird registration is open, with reduced rates available until 21 October 2026. Join 1,500+ immunologists: vist.ly/5igxk
BSI Congress 2026, SEC Glasgow, 30 November – 3 December. Celebrating 70 years. Early bird registration closing soon.
032
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Have you registered for the BSI West of Scotland Immunology Group showcase 2026? #WSIG26 Only 1 week left to book! Don’t miss out on a fantastic programme, inc Professor Anne O’Garra and a great line-up of speakers. 50% off for members. Sign up here: vist.ly/5imwe
Event details for BSI WSIG Showcase 2026 with Delphine Parrott memorial lecture beside a cathedral.
061
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Registration is open for Incorporating AI into your analysis workflows #AIForBiosciences Join us online 9 February 2027 for practical AI and omics training. Some R experience recommended, but all code is provided. 🎓 BSI member discount available! 🔗 vist.ly/5gtmi
Training course on AI for analysis workflows with geometric design.
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
⏰ 3 days left to submit your #BSI26 abstract. An abstract could mean a new conversation, valuable feedback, a presentation opportunity or recognition for your work. Don't miss your chance to put your research forward! Submit here now: vist.ly/5h9aq
Collage of the BSI Congress 2026 with '3 Days Left to Submit Your Abstract' text.
032
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Register here: www.immunology.org/events/signals-a…
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
BSI Clinical Immunology Professional Network @bsi-cipn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
⏰ 5 days left to submit your abstract for the #BSICIPN26 Conference! Have a clinical case, research finding or service innovation to share? Submit your work and bring your experience to colleagues working across clinical immunology. Deadline: Monday 7 September, submit here: vist.ly/5gzt7
CIPN Conference 2026, 30 November & 1 December, Glasgow. Registration open.
011
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Are you working at the intersection of immunology and ecology? We’d love to hear from you! Join us in exploring how ecological factors shape immune responses in wild animals and humans. 🔬🌳 Find out more and submit: vist.ly/5h6xs
Cover of Discovery Immunology and text about ecoimmunology special collection.
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Do you know if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine this autumn? The 2026/27 programme starts in September - find out if you or someone you care for is eligible. Flu can cause serious illness such as pneumonia and vaccination is the best protection against getting very sick.
Poster describing flu vaccination eligibility and importance with graphics of diverse people and a virus illustration.
144
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Immunotherapy Advances @imtadvances.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Check out this open‑access paper outlines how the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway is accelerating cancer vaccine trials across the NHS, boosting recruitment, streamlining delivery, and supporting equitable access. vist.ly/5gcug
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
🔬 Open‑access research shows how different cytokines trigger distinct gene expression programs in human neutrophils, revealing their flexibility in shaping immune and inflammatory responses, far beyond frontline defence. 👉 vist.ly/5gfpa #Immunology
042
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
🧬 Open‑access study shows spermidine dampens dendritic cell activation via eIF5A hypusination and metabolic adaptation, reducing DC–T cell interactions and shaping immune regulation. 👉 vist.ly/5g6y5 #Immunology #DendriticCells #CellMetabolism #OpenAccess
Diagram showing reduced DC and T cell activation with eIF5a and spermidine.
034
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
BSI Clinical Immunology Professional Network @bsi-cipn.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
How can research change what happens in the lab? Clinical Scientist Trainee Arnold Awuah shares how research can improve diagnostic services for children with rare immunological conditions and bring new approaches into routine practice. Watch the interview - vist.ly/5gfjj
Man facing camera on a clinical research interview graphic background.
111
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
BSI Clinical Immunology Professional Network @bsi-cipn.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
How do you take the first step into research alongside a clinical role? Clinical Nurse Specialist Sary Workman shares practical advice for nurses looking to get involved in research & why every research journey starts with a small idea. Watch the full interview: www.immunology.org/research-cli...
121
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Oxford Academic @academic.oup.com · 21/08/2026
Sustainable Microbiology invites you to explore highly read and cited research papers exploring how microbes can help tackle global environmental, social, and economic challenges. 🔗 oxford.ly/4cLbaDR
Graphic promoting Sustainable Microbiology must-read articles. Applied Microbiology International. Oxford University Press.
221
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How much time do you spend searching the literature, writing grants or analysing complex datasets? Join us 21 October for Building an AI research assistant and learn practical ways to use AI in your research. 🎓 BSI member discount available - vist.ly/5ert8
AI research assistant training course for immunologists, no programming experience required.
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
📢 A recent open-access study shows that individuals with type 2 diabetes develop senescent-like CD4+ EMRA T cells due to elevated glucose levels and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may clarify the reduced effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in T2D patients. 🔗 vist.ly/5f8t5
doi.org
📢 A recent open-access study shows that individuals with type 2 diabetes develop senescent-like CD4+ EMRA T cells due to elevated glucose levels and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may clarify the reduced effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in T2D patients. 🔗 vist.ly/5f8t5
📢 A recent open-access study shows that individuals with type 2 diabetes develop senescent-like CD4+ EMRA T cells due to elevated glucose levels and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may clarify the reduced effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in T2D patients. 🔗 vist.ly/5f8t5
021
Reposted by Otto Balsiger
Discovery Immunology @discovimmunol.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
🐴🔬 New single-cell RNA-seq analysis reveals unexpected diversity among equine blood dendritic cells, including cDC1, cDC2, pDC, tDC and DC3-like populations, providing a valuable resource for equine and comparative immunology. 📖 vist.ly/5essw
Dendritic-cell diversity in equine blood revealed by single-cell transcriptomics
052