![immunologie-logo[1]](https://dgfi.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/02/immunologie-logo1.png){kind=logo}
Title: Induction, persistence and function of microbiota-specific CD4 T cell memory
Lecturers: Dr. Jakob Zimmermann
University Würzburg
Organizer: Angeliki Stamtsis-Datsi
About the speaker:
The Zimmermann lab is interested in the dynamic regulation of CD4 T cell responses against non-pathogenic commensal bacteria in the gut and other mucosal surfaces. For this, we have developed innovative gnotobiotic approaches such as defined, temporally and spatially controlled colonisation of germ-free mice. We complement these with newly engineered immunological tools such as adoptive transfer of commensal-specific CD4 T cells and peptide : MHC tetramers but also classical assays such as multicolor flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and scRNA-seq. Our aim is to understand how such microbiota-induced CD4 T cells contribute to barrier protection but may also fuel inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) when dysregulated. We envision that our work might aid mucosal vaccination approaches and identify novel therapeutic targets in IBD. To improve diagnostics, the group also develops novel sequencing- and cytometry-based methods to interrogate the gut microbiota.
Together with the YI podcast host Nóra Balzer, YI proudly presents the start of the second podcast season! New content on academic research topics and beyond will be published every month.
In this episode, we discuss the founding of BioThrust and the development of their stress-free bioreactor technology. Patrick Bongrartz (CEO of BioThrust) explains the importance of biotechnology in everyday life and how their bionic bioreactor system differs from other bioreactors. He shares the challenges and frustrations they faced in the lab and the support they received from the RTWH Aachen University and its startup center. He highlights the value of BioThrust in the community, particularly in the field of stem cell therapies. We talk about the life of a startup founder, fundraising and investors, and the future development of the biotech field. The gender gap in science startups and the mindset change in science towards entrepreneurship are debated as well.
We also encourage you to revisit some of our current episodes. Whether you’re catching up on missed episodes or re-listening to your favorites, there’s plenty of content to keep you engaged and informed.
In first episode, Nóra interviewed Robert and Dimitra from TwentyOne Skills (https://lms.twentyoneskills.de/), a company focused on teaching scientists soft skills that are essential for any successful career – especially in an scientific world that is evolving, and requires scientists to adapt to new formats of communication and collaboration. Curious? Follow the link and let us know your thoughts via our socials or e-mail to youngimmunologists@dgfi.org.
Read about the podcast in EJI (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eji.202350595).
Programming skills are becoming more important. Our YI* Coding Club conducts in-person meetups with advanced researchers, an online seminar including a hands-on tutorial by one of our YI members and an online summer programming session on R introduction focused on data visualization. Find us on a slack channel in the YI community slack workspace.
In this series of lectures, the DGfI Commission on Gender Equality and Career Development provides a forum for excellent female immunologists. They will share their exciting research, but also talk about their experiences in forming a career as women in STEM (=MINT).
Programme
29.01.2025 | 4-6pm | Prof. Dr. Susana Minguet
21.05.2025 | 4-6pm | Prof. Dr. Eva Tolosa
Further activities:
- Regular local round-table meetings: For example, in Hamburg and Freiburg these meetings were organised in person and we encourage you to implement this in your city as well - maybe also in an online format! Find out who works in your area and get involved with YI members across Germany and Europe through our „YI Community“ in Slack!
- We are especially keen on engaging in public outreach work, please approach us if you would have time or ideas for implementing this! Please contact the yEFIS Communication Working Group.
- Any other ideas? Approach us with new input. You can reach us via youngimmunologists@dgfi.org.
YI contributions for the Annual DGfI meetings
- Young Immunologists Symposium: YI members can present their work on the big stage to gain valuable presentation experience and chances to win attractive prizes!
- YI Social Evening to foster networking and exchange
- To support researchers with young children we organize on-site childcare.
- YI lunch session which includes the YI General Assembly followed by an open discussion round
- YI booth at the industry exhibition
yEFIS:
The EFIS Young Immunologist Task Force (yEFIS) aims to gather all early career scientists in Europe working in Immunology. Within the different European Immunology Societies, self-organised Young Immunologist (YI) groups have arisen in the last years. However, there has been limited contact between them. The aim of yEFIS Task Force is to bring all these YI groups together and build a European network to defend our interests on both a national and European level. EFIS provided us the ideal platform to start up this network and this is how in 2020 yEFIS Task Force and yEFIS Network were born.
On July 30, yEFIS had their kick-off meeting. 70 interested young immunologists from the whole of Europe tuned in. With Santiago Costas (our official representative of the DGfI YI at yEFIS), Ellen McAllister and Anne Hahn, three of our DGfI YI board members have been deeply involved in the set-up.
yEFIS already has 270 members from 20 different European countries! You can see how widely yEFIS covers Europe already. Check out the EFIS website for further information incl. registration.