Dr. Dominguez visited i3S to present his latest research on DOT and CAR-DOT Cells.  Integrated into the BioEngHub session his talk focused on the development and application of DOT (double-positive T) cells and engineered CAR-DOT cells, exploring their therapeutic potential and functional properties in the context of cancer treatment. 

The session gathered researchers and students from various disciplines and sparked engaging discussions on the future of engineered immune cells in oncology. The event was a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between i3S immunology and bioengineering research groups. 

We thank Dr. Dominguez for his visit and contribution, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the field of advanced immunotherapies. 

During her stay, Dr. Louphrasitthiphol engaged in discussions with several i3S research groups, sharing insights and exploring potential collaborative opportunities in the field of cancer biology. The visit culminated in a seminar held on May 9, 2025, titled “Cancer cell state plasticity: lessons learned from melanoma”, where Dr. Louphrasitthiphol presented her latest research on cellular plasticity mechanisms in melanoma progression and therapy resistance. 

The seminar attracted a diverse audience of researchers and students, fostering dynamic discussion around the implications of cell state transitions in cancer and highlighting the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. 

We thank Dr. Louphrasitthiphol for her visit and inspiring talk, and we look forward to future interactions and joint research initiatives. 

Pedro Moura Alves, ISSD Group Leader and ImmunoHUB ERA Chair holder is the principal investigator of this project. This success demonstrates the team’s commitment and excellence in immunology and infectious research.

Dr. Minutti’s presentation delved into the heterogeneity and specialization of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), offering new insights into their function in health and disease. His work contributes to a broader understanding of immune system regulation, a key area of interest within the ImmunoHUB project.

In addition to his seminar, Carlos Minutti also participated as a lecturer in the Advanced Programme in Infection and Immunity, part of the MCBiology Doctoral Programme. His contribution enriched the training of young researchers by providing cutting-edge knowledge in immunology and infection research.

His talk explored the intricate mechanisms of mycobacterial infections, shedding light on immune evasion strategies and potential therapeutic interventions. By integrating fundamental microbiology with immunology, the seminar contributed to ImmunoHub’s mission of fostering collaboration and advancing research on immune-related diseases.

This event, aligned with the objectives of the EU-funded ImmunoHub project, emphasized the importance of international scientific cooperation in tackling infectious diseases. 

This prestigious fellowship recognizes their dedication and excellence in immunology research, supporting their doctoral training and scientific contributions. Their success is a testament to the quality of research fostered within the ImmunoHUB network and highlights the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists.

We congratulate Beatriz, Inês, and Thales on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to their exciting research ahead.

The two-day event featured a series of keynote lectures, panel discussions, and poster presentations that highlighted breakthroughs in understanding the complex interplay between the immune and nervous systems. Topics ranged from neuroinflammatory mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases to immune modulation in brain health and disease, offering attendees fresh perspectives on emerging challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

Among the highlights were keynote presentations by world-renowned experts who shared insights into how advances in immunology and neuroscience can drive innovative therapies. The event also emphasized the critical role of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the shared mechanisms underlying these fields.

In addition to the scientific sessions, participants had the opportunity to network and explore potential collaborations aimed at translating discoveries into clinical applications. The success of the event reflects the commitment of both ImmunoHUB and NCBio to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in European biomedical research.

Even though the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) was originally identified as a receptor that binds xenobiotics, it was subsequently found to have a critical role in numerous biological processes, including immunity and inflammation. In 2014, Pedro Moura-Alves and Stefan H. E. Kaufmann proposed the AHR as a novel pattern recognition receptor, based on the finding that the AHR can be directly or indirectly modulated by molecules produced by various microorganisms. The field of AHR in the context of infection and immunity has evolved and matured during the past years, and the authors felt that “a review of the literature on microbial-derived AHR ligands, and AHR-elicited responses against different infections was missing”.

A team effort between two i3S researchers Palmira Barreira-Silva and Pedro Moura-Alves, and their collaborators resulted in this review article published in Nature Reviews Immunology, encompassing the current understanding of AHR’s roles in bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections, as well as the potential of targeting the AHR for host-directed therapies against infection.

In this review, the authors also raise three important points: 1) the AHR research field needs standardization of the definition of an AHR ligand; 2) systematic studies are needed to expedite our understanding of the roles of the AHR in infection, taking into account that both microbial and endogenous AHR ligands may be present at the infection site; and 3) during therapy one should keep in mind that the AHR can be modulated by therapeutic drugs and also modulate drug efficacy. Additionally, the authors note that many studies use exogenous ligands to modulate the AHR during infection, however, caution is needed as the outcome of that modulation varies according to the experimental context (including infectious agent, host model, infection route, among others).

According to the authors, “This review is both timely and highly relevant to the Immunology community studying host-microbe interactions, given the growing number of studies exploring the interplay between AHR and infection”.

The Escape Room, designed by the ImmunoHUB team, transported participants into a high-stakes scenario where they had to solve puzzles and scientific challenges to halt the spread of a superbug. As participants navigated the activity, they learned about the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, the consequences of misuse of antibiotics, and the urgent need for research and action to combat this global health threat.

The activity was a resounding success, with attendees of all ages expressing enthusiasm for the innovative way science was presented. The Escape Room not only raised awareness about AMR but also highlighted ImmunoHUB’s commitment to engaging the community in critical research topics and fostering a dialogue between scientists and the public.

ImmunoHUB team thanks all participants and visitors who joined us for this memorable event.