Our Research Centers

La Jolla Institute is home to three research centers that focus the efforts of collaborative groups of researchers on defined areas of inquiry, to accelerate progress toward the development of new treatments and vaccines to prevent and cure autoimmune conditions, cancer and infectious disease.

Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation

Research into different autoimmune diseases can inform the development of new treatments that teach the immune system to tolerate the body’s own cells.

Center for Cancer Immunotherapy

The Center is at the forefront of exploring new and sometimes unexpected avenues for novel immune-based cancer treatments.

Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LJI infectious disease experts quickly mobilized a task force to respond to the current crisis.

Our Impact

LJI Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Cecilia Lindestam Arlehamn, investigates how the immune system’s T cells may contribute to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and even long COVID. Her research has revealed how T cells can target vulnerable neurons in patients with Parkinson’s disease, potentially driving disease onset. Her recent work centers on the question: Could inflammatory T cells lead to ALS and long COVID symptoms as well? Dr. Lindestam Arlehamn will share her findings so far and the next steps in her quest to help patients with these diseases.


Live from the Lab

During the February 2, 2023 Live from the Lab webinar, world-renowned immunologist and La Jolla Institute for Immunology Chief Scientific Officer and Professor Mitchell “Mitch” Kronenberg, Ph.D. discussed the immune cells on the front lines of infection and their role in disease, highlighting inflammatory bowel disease. Technical expertise was shared during the laboratory component of the presentation by Microscopy Core Director Zbigniew Mikulski, Ph.D.

COVID-19 Research at La Jolla Institute

Capitalizing on their unique skills in immunology and infectious disease, La Jolla Institute scientists have launched a multi-lab Coronavirus Taskforce to respond to the ongoing crisis and prepare for future emerging diseases.

Sex-based Differences in the Immune System

On this year’s Women’s Health Research Day, LJI and Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) co-hosted an expert panel interactive discussion exploring sex-based differences in the immune system and autoimmune disease.

Visionaries

The Visionaries, an award-winning public television series hosted by Sam Waterston has recently launched its 24th season which includes a half-hour documentary film entitled, Life Without Disease. The film showcases the critical work of La Jolla Institute for Immunology scientists working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Melanie McCauley

Dr. Melanie McCauley is on a mission to create a world where people live life without disease.

Immune Matters Magazine

Learning from men. Learning from women.

Men and women have different immune systems. With a better understanding of sex-specific immune differences, scientists can more effectively fight infections, cancers, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications.

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Seminars

09 Jun, 2023
12:30 pm
Visualizing histone modification and transcription dynamics in living cells

Speaker: Hiroshi Kimura - Cell Biology Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology

La Jolla Institute - Seminar Room

09 Jun, 2023
12:30 pm
Unraveling the dynamic 3D genome architecture through DNA replication profiling

Speaker: Ichiro Hiratani - Team Leader, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research

La Jolla Institute - Seminar Room

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