Mission
The Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research conducts fundamental research on how the body successfully reacts to vaccines and battles infections and conversely, how infectious pathogens escape immune surveillance.
Overview
Modern medicine has made tremendous strides in fighting infectious diseases, but there is much more work to be done. Every year, influenza strikes millions of people, many of them fatally. Whooping cough and measles have made a comeback as the number of people who refuse to vaccinate their children grows. One third of the world’s population is infected with latent tuberculosis. Without treatment, about 5 to 10 percent of infected people will develop TB disease at some time in their lives.
Coronavirus Taskforce
Meanwhile, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is sweeping the globe, taking the lives of hundreds of thousands. La Jolla Institute, one of the leading global organizations dedicated to studying the immune system, is stepping up to provide much needed information and real solutions for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have launched a multi-lab Coronavirus Taskforce that capitalizes on our competitive advantages of unique skill in infectious disease research, state-of-the-art technology and highly collaborative organization to respond to the current crisis and prepare for future emerging diseases. Our other work on HIV, Ebola, Dengue, Zika, and Cytomegalovirus are further laying the groundwork for developing vaccines for these serious infections.
THE VISIONARIES
LIFE WITHOUT DISEASE
The 30-minutes documentary “Life without Disease” by The Visionaries, an award-winning public television series hosted by Sam Waterston, showcases the critical work of La Jolla Institute for Immunology scientists working on the front lines of infectious disease including COVID-19.
Members
Latest News
A closer look at T cells reveals big differences in mild vs. severe COVID-19 cases
New research highlights the enormous variability in how T cells respond to the deadly virus
Experts torn over changing vaccine doses to speed up lagging rollout
To speed inoculations, the U.S. plans to release all available vaccine doses and open access to anyone over 65. Others suggest straying from recommended doses or intentionally delaying boosters. The best way forward remains uncertain.
The Future of the Coronavirus? An Annoying Childhood Infection
Once immunity is widespread in adults, the virus rampaging across the world will come to resemble the common cold, scientists predict.
COVID-19 immunity could be long term
New findings suggest that immune response to COVID-19 may be long-lasting.
Post-infection coronavirus immunity usually robust after 8 months, study shows
Covid-19 immunity likely lasts for years
A new study shows immune cells primed to fight the coronavirus should persist for a long time after someone is vaccinated or recovers from infection.