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SUMMARY:Dissecting Cell Autonomous Innate Immunity in Disease and Therapy 
 - Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski\, Department of Biology and Biotechnology\, Unive
 rsity of Pavia\, Italy
DTSTART:20250724T110000Z
DTEND:20250724T120000Z
UID:TALK233575@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Lucy Theobald
DESCRIPTION:Nucleic acid sensing and cell intrinsic innate immune mechanis
 m may hamper the efficacy and safety of gene therapies as well as contribu
 te to several autoimmune and inflammatory pathologies. As all current and 
 emerging gene transfer and editing technologies expose cells to exogenous 
 nucleic acids and/or viral vectors\, they may activate harmful antiviral a
 nd inflammatory cascades impacting efficacy and safety of genetic manipula
 tion. In this context\, our research is focused on identifying innate immu
 ne barriers that prevent efficient modification of relevant gene therapy t
 argets such as cells of the hematopoietic and central nervous systems. By 
 understanding the underlying mechanisms\, we aim to develop strategies to 
 mitigate these effects and enhance therapeutic outcomes. On the other hand
 \, the very same immune sensors that protect against viral infections and 
 influence gene engineering can also drive disease when aberrantly activate
 d. In this context\, we investigate the molecular mechanisms behind disord
 ers characterized by excessive type I IFN and inflammatory signaling. In t
 his talk\, I will present our latest findings on how pathogen recognition 
 and innate immune activation impact gene therapies\, as well as how these 
 pathways contribute to autoimmune and inflammatory neurodegenerative disea
 ses.
LOCATION:Clifford Allbutt Building Lecture Theatre\, Cambridge Biomedical 
 Campus
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