Dr. Cecilia Lindestam Arlehamn and Dr. Alessandro Sette shared their latest research progress on the role of the immune system in Parkinson’s Disease and COVID-19, as well as, a possible unexpected link between the two diseases.
Live From the Lab
The Live from the Lab webinar series takes viewers inside LJI’s labs and introduces them to the Institute’s distinguished scientists and their cutting-edge research. During the hour-long webinars, viewers receive a virtual behind-the-scenes look as LJI scientists and leadership dive into the immune system and its role in fighting global health challenges such as cancer and autoimmune disease.
Scroll down to watch the most recent Live from the Lab webinar recording, as well as past recordings.
Upcoming
A fresh look at viruses
Please join us on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm (PT) for La Jolla Institute for Immunology’s (LJI) next installment of Live from the Lab, moderated by world-renowned virologist and immunologist Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA, Professor, President, and CEO, and featuring 2025 Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards for Innovations in Immunology winner Kelly Shaffer and Onyeka Chukwudozie.
Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how scientists at LJI are working to combat some of the world’s most dangerous viruses from some of the most remote regions. LJI researchers Kelly Shaffer and Onyeka Chukwudozie, Ph.D., will share their latest on-the-ground efforts to fight Ebola and Lassa viruses, and discuss how fieldwork in African countries is driving new discoveries.
Past Webinars
Live from the Lab with LJI's Saphire Lab
May 20, 2026
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) hosted a “Live from the Lab” webinar moderated by Professor, President, and CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA, an international leader in pandemic and emerging viruses and a pioneer in structural immunology. The discussion also featured the Saphire Lab’s Kelly Shaffer and Onyeka Chukwudozie. Kelly and Onyeka shared more about their latest on-the-ground efforts to fight Ebola and Lassa viruses, and discussed how fieldwork in African countries is driving new discoveries.
The presentation concluded with an interactive Q&A, inviting attendees to engage with these scientific advancements.
Again and again, history has shown us that the ability to respond to outbreaks depends on research that begins years earlier. It depends on sustained investment in immunology, antibody discovery, vaccine development, field partnerships, and the infrastructure that allows scientists across continents to work together long before headlines emerge.
Live from the Lab moderated by LJI’s Sonia Sharma featuring the 2025 Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards Winners
Oct 1, 2025
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) hosted the latest installment of Live from the Lab, moderated by Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., Director of LJI’s Center for Sex-based Differences in the Immune System. The program featured the 2025 Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards for Innovations in Immunology recipients, Amparo Martínez Pérez, Ph.D., and Laura Hinojosa.
The discussion focused on how sex-based differences shape the way our immune systems respond to health challenges—an area of research that has too often been overlooked. Highlights included Dr. Martínez Pérez’s work using menstrual blood as a novel window into endometriosis and Laura Hinojosa’s study on how hormonal contraceptives may alter immune cell function. These fully philanthropy-funded projects represent bold steps toward a more complete and equitable understanding of the immune system, underscoring the importance of supporting innovative research that can transform health worldwide.
Live from the Lab with LJI's Sharma Lab and GAI's Sandy Boek Werness
Mar 19, 2025
Dr. Sonia Sharma, Associate Professor at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Director of the Center for Sex-based Differences in the Immune System, unpacked the provocative world of innate immunity in this foundational framework for autoimmune disease and inflammation. This session was generously underwritten by the Global Autoimmune Institute (GAI) and originally aired as part of LJI’s Live from the Lab webinar series on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. In this talk, viewers discovered how non-immune cells—from skin to blood vessels—serve as the unheralded first responders that set the stage for autoimmune reactions and inflammatory processes. Through groundbreaking genome-scale approaches and state-of-the-art techniques like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9, and mass spectrometry metabolomics, Dr. Sharma revealed how the earliest immune signals can shape disease outcomes. Whether aiming to better understand their own health or that of a loved one, attendees experienced an intellectually stimulating journey that bridged cutting-edge science with practical insights for managing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Following Dr. Sharma’s presentation, a lively Q&A was moderated by Sandy Boek Werness, J.D., the Executive Director of GAI.
Live from the Lab with LJI's Saphire Lab
Sep 26, 2024
On September 26, 2024, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) Professor, President and CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA, alongside LJI postdoctoral fellows Dawid Zyla, Ph.D., and Marissa Acciani, Ph.D., led a compelling “Live from the Lab” webinar focusing on the resurgence of measles and the groundbreaking research efforts at LJI to combat this highly contagious virus. Dr. Zyla shared his pioneering work utilizing LJI’s Titan Krios cryo-electron microscope to capture the fusion process of the measles virus and how antibodies can halt the virus before it infiltrates host cells. Dr. Acciani followed with insights into the Coit Antibody Discovery Center’s Beacon platform, a cutting-edge tool accelerating the development of lifesaving therapeutics. This collaborative approach may not only lead to new measles treatments but could also hold the key to battling other deadly viruses within the paramyxovirus family, such as Nipah. The presentation concluded with an interactive Q&A, inviting attendees to engage with these scientific advancements.
Live from the Lab | Vaccination against heart disease with Felix Nettersheim, M.D.
Jan 25, 2024
La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) ’23 SPARK winner Felix Nettersheim, M.D., discusses how he is deploying novel therapeutic strategies to develop a clinically effective heart disease vaccine. Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States since the 1950s. A major cause of cardiovascular disease is an uncontrolled autoimmune attack against blood vessels. Accumulating evidence suggests that a vaccine with cholesterol particles can dampen this autoimmune process. However, such vaccines elicit a considerably weaker response compared to vaccines against bacteria or viruses. In this Live from the Lab discussion, Dr. Nettersheim will explore how his research may dampen the misguided immune response that is responsible for cardiovascular disease, and could lead to important vaccine discoveries – ultimately working towards Life Without Disease®. La Jolla Institute for Immunology is dedicated to understanding the intricacies and power of the immune system so that we may apply that knowledge to promote human health and prevent a wide range of diseases. We look forward to having you join us and welcome you to share this opportunity with family and friends that may be interested in learning more about LJI. Additional information on Dr. Nettersheim’s research can be found at lji.org/spark23-felix. LJI’s Live from the Lab webinar series gives viewers an opportunity to receive a virtual behind-the-scenes look as LJI scientists and leadership dive into the immune system and its role in fighting COVID-19 and other global health challenges such as cancer and autoimmune disease.
Live from the Lab with Professor Christopher Benedict, Ph.D.
Jun 20, 2023
On June 20, 2023 La Jolla Institute for Immunology Associate Professor Christopher Benedict, Ph.D., discussed the surprising ways that viruses escape detection by our immune system and the exciting research underway that could help the body hunt down invaders. Dr. Benedict’s work has shed light on how viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr (Mono), and chicken pox/shingles (Varicella Zoster) viruses put up “smokescreens” to trick human immune cells. These strategies facilitate viral replication, and in some cases help them establish lifelong infections that we can never clear. Most people get infected with Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives and more than half of the U.S. population will be infected with CMV, the most common infectious cause of birth defects, by the time they hit 40. In this Live from the Lab discussion, Dr. Benedict described how he and his team are building an understanding of the viral strategies that allow these diseases to evade detection by our immune system, which could lead to important vaccine discoveries – and ultimately work towards Life Without Disease®. Expert insights during the virtual discussion were also provided by the Institute’s Chief Scientific Officer Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D. Technical expertise was shared during the laboratory component of the presentation by Benedict Lab Manager Eduardo Lucero Meza. The presentation ended with a live Q&A, with questions from participants.
Live from the Lab with LJI Chief Scientific Officer Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D.
Feb 2, 2023
On February 2, 2023, world-renowned immunologist and La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) 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. Expert insights during the virtual discussion were also provided by the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer and President Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. Technical expertise was shared during the laboratory component of the presentation by Microscopy Core Director Zbigniew Mikulski, Ph.D. Microscopy is a critical tool for understanding how cells, proteins, and pathogens interact. Through this tool, LJI scientists harness the latest advances in optics and chemistry to track shifts in cell behavior and movement through the body. Dr. Mitch Kronenberg highlighted how he and his team use these tools to ultimately achieve Life Without Disease® by investigating how immune cells at border sites—including our skin and intestines—protect us from infections and what goes wrong when chronic inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, take hold.
Live from the Lab with LJI Professor &T1D Expert Matthias von Herrath, M.D.
Mar 3, 2022
On March 3, 2022, La Jolla Institute for Immunology Professor Matthias von Herrath, M.D., shared current theories on the leading causes of type 1 diabetes, as well as his latest research findings, which point in a promising new direction for the future of disease treatment. Expert insights during the virtual discussion were also provided by the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer and President Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. Technical expertise was shared during the laboratory component of the presentation by von Herrath Laboratory Postdoctoral Researcher Estefania Quesada-Masachs, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. von Herrath’s discussion focused on the hypothesis that there’s something in the pancreas driving its own destruction in type 1 diabetes, as scientists have found that beta cells draw harmful T cells to the pancreas prior to the onset of clinical signs of diabetes. His laboratory is testing the theory that there’s something wrong with the beta cells themselves. In this Live from the Lab discussion, Dr. von Herrath also described how he and his team are attempting to unlock the root of many autoimmune diseases, particularly type 1 diabetes – to ultimately achieve Life Without Disease®. The presentation ended with a live Q&A, with questions from participants.
Live from the Lab with LJI’s New President & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D.
Sept 21, 2021
On September 21, 2021, La Jolla Institute for Immunology’s (LJI’s) newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire shared her vision for the Institute’s future and provided her perspective on where the world stands with COVID-19. Expert insights during the virtual discussion were provided by the Institute’s Chief Scientific Officer Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D. Technical expertise was shared during the lab component of the presentation by Saphire Laboratory Program Manager Sharon Schendel, Ph.D., who has been the boots on the ground with the Coronavirus Immunotherapy Consortium (CoVIC), which Dr. Saphire is leading and which was highlighted in this presentation. CoVIC is a global, academic-industry, non-profit research collaboration that brings together scientists from around the world to understand which antibodies are most effective against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and to streamline and accelerate the research pipeline for antibody-based therapeutics needed against SARS-CoV-2.
Live from the Lab with Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., presenting Building Better Cancer Immunotherapy
June 8, 2021
LJI’s Sonia Sharma, Ph.D., Associate Professor of the Institute’s Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, presented her novel research which is advancing more effective cancer immunotherapies. Dr. Sharma’s work integrates cutting-edge genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology, as well as computational and translational approaches to define the key genetic mechanisms regulating cellular innate immunity, to determine how they impact human health and disease. In this Live from the Lab discussion, Dr. Sharma discussed some advances in therapies and she shared how her research with her colleagues in cancer immunotherapies supports the Institute’s overarching goal – achieving Life Without Disease®.
Live from the Lab Welcomes Proteomics Expert, Sam Myers, Ph.D.
April 20, 2021
LJI’s newest faculty member and proteomics expert Sam Myers, Ph.D. described his technical research and vision for collaborating with Institute researchers and the wider San Diego science community to support LJI’s overarching goal – life without disease. Dr. Myers came to LJI in April 2021 from the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is a leader in the emerging and fascinating field of proteomics (the study of proteins and their function).
What We've Learned One Year In: A Live from the Lab COVID-19 Discussion
Feb 9, 2021
La Jolla Institute for Immunology’s EVP & COO, Stephen Wilson, Ph.D. and immunology expert Alba Grifoni, Ph.D. of the Sette Laboratory synthesized what has been learned about COVID-19 in the past year as the SARS-CoV-2 puzzle has been untangled through significant advances in immunology research, much of which is being accomplished at the Institute. They also highlighted what laboratories are looking at next as the fight against the pandemic continues.
Coronavirus Updates: Live from the Laboratory w/ Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. & Sujan Shresta, Ph.D.
Nov 24, 2020
Infectious disease experts Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. and Sujan Shresta, Ph.D. shared their latest COVID-19 research, related collaborative efforts, and other observations from the field.
Live from the Laboratory with Cecilia Lindestam Arlehamn, Ph.D. and Alessandro Sette, Dr. Biol. Sci.
Oct 13, 2020
Coronavirus Updates: Live from the Laboratory with Dr. Mitch Kronenberg
Sep 10, 2020
LJI President and Chief Scientific Officer, Mitchell Kronenberg, presents his perspectives regarding the scientific progress made over the past 6 months and where he anticipates science can take us as we strive to overcome this elusive virus.
Coronavirus Updates: Live from the Laboratory with Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. | Reporting Back
Jun 26, 2020
Infectious disease expert Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. shared her COVID-19 research efforts and observations from the field. She highlighted the global Coronavirus Immunotherapy Consortium (CoVIC), which she was asked to lead by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Coronavirus Updates: Live from the Laboratory with Alessandro Sette, Dr. Biol. Sci.
May 13, 2020
One of the “world’s most cited researchers” and immunology expert Alessandro ‘Alex’ Sette, Dr. Biol. Sci. shared his research efforts and observations from the field regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19.
Coronavirus Updates: Live from the Laboratory with Shane Crotty, Ph.D.
Apr 20, 2020
Vaccine design and infectious disease expert Shane Crotty, Ph.D. shared his research efforts and observations from the field regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19.
Coronavirus Updates: Live from the Laboratory with Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D.
Apr 6, 2020
Infectious disease expert Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. shared her research efforts and observations from the field regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19.