APRIL 29TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF IMMUNOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF IMMUNOLOGY
The International Day of Immunology celebrated on April 29th each year seeks to increase global awareness of the importance of immunology and its relevance in our fight against infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer. The International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) and the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) working together with national and international societies to promote the benefits of immunology research around the world.
​
To mark the day, each year the ISI organise special events and activities which include the Annual Award recognising the work of outstanding immunologists in Ireland and Irish immunologists around the world.
MEET THE WINNERS
Sigita Malijauskaite
University of Limerick
Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, BioSciBER group.
Self-organizing “mini intestines”
Confocal Microscope Image
Grown from a single isolated intestinal stem cell, these organoids contain a variety of differentiated intestinal cell types. These organoids help us understand how inflammation affects intestinal development.
Claire Cuhningham
Trinity College Dublin
Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Contributors: Dr. V. Marzaioli, Dr. M. Hanlon, Dr. T. McGarry and Prof. U. Fearon. Molecular Rheumatology-TCD and CARD-UCD
Fibros on
The Storm
Confocal Microscope Image
In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the synovium, which normally keeps joints healthy and lubricated, transforms into a hyperplastic aggressive pannus. Synovial fibroblasts, producing proinflammatory cytokines and metalloproteases, invade cartilage facilitating joint destruction.
Viviana Marzaioli
Trinity College Dublin & University College Dublin
Molecular Rheumatology & CARD - Trinity College Dublin & University College Dublin
Contributors: Dr. V. Marzaioli, Dr. M. Hanlon, Dr. T. McGarry and Prof. U. Fearon. Molecular Rheumatology-TCD and CARD-UCD
Smiley
Macrophage
Transmission Electron Microscope Image
A circulating monocyte from a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient. Among the visible organelles are the smiling nucleus and the elongated mitochondria (fusion and/or fission), characteristic of a hyper-metabolic cell.
Mariana Cervantes
Lianne Shanley
Sinead O'Rourke
Royal College of Surgeons
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Contributors: Mariana Cervantes, Sinead O' Rourke and Lianne Shanley - Curtis Clock Lab
Cell
F-Love
Confocal Microscope Image
These are human macrophages under the confocal microscope showing a beautiful mitochondrial network stained in green and nuclei in red, representative image of fused mitochondrial morphology. These two macrophages have come together to form a heart shape.
Sarah Kuhn
Queen's University Belfast
Dombrowski Group
Mature Oligodendrocyte
Confocal Microscope Image
Oligodendrocytes are one of the main glial cells in the central nervous system, which have recently been shown to have potential immune cell-like properties as well.