Award Recipients
Each year, FOCIS recognizes exceptional research with awards given during our Annual Meeting. The awards are listed below in alphabetical order. Congratulations on their achievements!
British Society for Immunology (BSI) Poster Prize Award
Yuan Gao, Ph.D., M.D.
Shanxi Medical University
Abstract: “Sex-specific Unconventional Neutrophils Determine Immunological Outcome in Autoinflammatory Disease”
C. Garrison Fathman Fellows Fund (CGFFF) Award
Dominic Boardman, PhD
The University of British Columbia
Abstract: “CRISPR-Mediated Deletion of PD1 to Enhance the Efficacy of Human CAR Tregs”
Clinical Immunology Award
Daniela Olivera, B.S.
Institut Pasteur Montevideo
Abstract: “The Cation Channel TMEM176B as a Protective Factor In Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis”
FOCIS Research Awards
- Alberto Martin, PhD
University of Toronto
Abstract: The FAM72 Gene Family Promotes Cancer Development by Disabling the Base Excision Repair System - Allison Maher
Imperial College London
Abstract: HTLV-1-Specific CD4+ T cell Contribution to Neuroinflammation in HTLV-1-Associated Mylopathy - Ayano Kohlgruber, PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School
Abstract: TCR-MAP: A Novel, High-Throughput T Cell Antigen Discovery Platform to Identify Viral- and Self-Antigen TCR Reactivities in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Ben Raveney
National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP
Abstract: Pathogenic autoreactive Th cells are identified in autoimmune neuroinflammation by expression of Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) - Betul Ogan
Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Abstract: Role of Fam83h in Immune System Homeostasis - Carl Coyle
King’s College London
Abstract: Natural killer cells as immunological signatures of long-term stable remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Daniela Fernandez,
BSc Boston Children’s Hospital
Abstract: Rhinovirus Infected Epithelial Cells Drive Genetic Susceptibility to Childhood-Onset Asthma - Daniela Olivera,
Institut Pasteur Montevideo
Abstract: The cation channel TMEM176B as a protective factor in autoimmune encephalomyelitis - Diana Toscano Rivero,
McGill University
Abstract: Serological Assessment of Patients Undergoing Peanut Oral Immunotherapy: The Role of IgG4 - Dominic Boardman, PhD
The University of British Columbia
Abstract: CRISPR-Mediated Deletion of PD1 to Enhance the Efficacy of Human CAR Tregs - Donato Amodio,
Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital
Abstract: Similarities and Differences Between Myocarditis Following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine and Multiple Inflammatory Syndrome with Cardiac Involvement in Children - Encarnita Mariotti-Ferrandiz,
Sorbonne Université
Abstract: Blood TCR Signatures Classify Autoimmune Diseases and Predict Response to Low-Dose IL-2 - Etienne Masle-Farquhar,
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Abstract: Overactive STAT3 Drives Dysregulated Accumulation of Self-Reactive and Autoimmune-Associated CD21low CD23low B Cells - Evelyn Ullrich,
Goethe University Frankfurt
Abstract: CRISPR/Cas9-Based Editing of KLRC1 Enhances the Efficacy of Primary CD33-Targeting CAR-NK Cells Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia - Giorgia Zanetti,
Columbia University
Abstract: Removal of endogenous TCR chains for TCR-based immunotherapies - Giorgio Gaglia, PhD
Sanofi US R&D
Abstract: Leveraging Single Cell Transcriptomics to Identify Pathogenic Cell Lineages - John Ray, PhD
Benaroya Research Institute
Abstract: Genome-Wide CRISPR-Interference Screens Connect Non-Coding Autoimmune Risk Variants to T Cell Functions - Kelly McNagny, PhD
University of British Columbia
Abstract: Antibodies to PODXL as an Approach to Targeting Tumor Stem Cells - Kevin Salim,
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia
Abstract: Mapping Human Thymic Regulatory T Cell Development Using Spatial Multiomics - Khashayar Afshari
UMass Chan Medical School
Abstract: Dermatomyositis skin inflammation is associated with type-I IFN response and the presence of PD1-high, CXCR5-, CXCL13+ CD4+ T cells, which expands in response to UVB irradiation - Khashayarsha Khazaie,
Mayo Clinic
Abstract: Molecular underpinnings and significance of regulatory T-cell plasticity in cancer. - Lynn Hassman, MD. PhD
Washington University in St. Louis
Abstract: Clonally Expanded T cells Reveal a Pathophysiologic Distinction Between Disease Subtypes in Human Uveitis - Manel Juan,
Hospital Clinic de Barcelona
Abstract: CART-cell Therapy Directed Towards Novel CD84 Antigen for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia - Marcos Chinas Hernandez,
Broad Institute
Abstract: Integrative Functional Genomics Points to Natural Killer Cells as Key Drivers in Pathogenesis of Ankylosing Spondylitis - Marilia Cascalho,
University of Michigan
Abstract: On The Clonal Evolution Of Pathogenic And Non-pathogenic Donor-specific B Cell Responses To Kidney Transplantation In Human Recipients - Megan Sykes, MD
Columbia University Medical Center
Abstract: Dynamic Establishment of Recipient Resident Memory T Cell Repertoire After Human Intestinal Transplantation - Megha Lal,
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Abstract: Understanding the Plausible Implications of Dysregulated Interferon Signaling on Esophageal Epithelial Cell Function. - Michael Paley, MD PhD
Washington University School of Medicine
Abstract: Single Cell Sequencing Suggests Enteric Origins of Putative Pathogenic T Cells in HLA-B27-associated Inflammation - Michelle Cheung, University of Toronto
Abstract: Effect of 3rd and 4th Doses of mRNA Vaccines on the Magnitude and Stability of Antibody and T Cell Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Immunocompromised Patients with Immune-mediated Inflammatory Diseases - Mikhael Attias,
McGill University
Abstract: Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells Co-Localize with CD8+ T Cells in Tumors Responding to PD-1 Blockade - Nora Lakes,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Abstract: Selective Depletion of Follicular Helper T Cells Using Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer Cells - Oluwabunmi Olaloye, M.D
Yale University
Abstract: Dynamic Circulating T Cell Activation States in Extremely Premature Infants - Pablo González,
P. Universidad Católica de Chile
Abstract: Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) Expression in Dendritic Cells Promotes Antiviral Immunity Against Herpes Simplex Virus Skin Infection - Prabhat Sharma, Ph.D. University Of Pennsylvania, CHOP
Abstract: Chromatin Conformation During CD4+ T Cell Activation Implicates Autoimmune Disease Candidate Genes - Rayan Najjar, MD, MPH
University of Washington
Abstract: Correlation of Urine Immune Cells with Renal Histological Features in Lupus Nephritis: Lessons from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) in SLE Consortium - Samuel Christopher Katru,
University of Illinois at Chicago
Abstract: Characterization of Novel Nematode Pan Allergen (NPA) - Shahnawaz Jadeja,
University College Dublin
Abstract: Post-Translationally-Modified Trichohyalin Epitopes: Potential Triggers of Autoimmunity to Hair Follicles in Alopecia Areata - Šimon Borna, PhD
Stanford University
Abstract: Pathophysiological mechanisms and molecular indicators of IPEX disease and their implications for the development of new therapies - Slobodan Culina,
Institute Pasteur
Abstract: High-Dimensional Spectral Cytometry Panels for Whole Blood Immune Phenotyping in the Milieu Interieur 10-year Longitudinal Study - Sokratis Apostolidis, MD
University of Pennsylvania
Abstract: Unique Cellular and Autoantibody Signatures in Patients with irAEs Revealed by Longitudinal Immune Tracking - Tho-Alfakar Al-Aubodah, BSc
McGill University
Abstract: Molecular and Cellular Dissection of the Nephrotic B-cell Response Reveals a Prominent Atypical B-cell Signature in Relapses of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome - Tiffany Shi,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Abstract: Single Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Renal Allograft Rejection Reveals Novel Insights into Intra-Graft TCR Clonality and Rejection Mechanisms - Xin Chen,
Stanford University
Abstract: The Roles of CD4+ and CD8+ Regulatory T cells in Controlling Autoimmune Response in the Human Tonsil Organoid System - Yannis Hara, PhD Sanofi US Abstract: Interleukin-4 Activates Olfactory Sensory Neurons and Induces Loss of Smell in Mice Through Distinct Molecular Signatures
- Yiran Cheng, MSc
Columbia University Medical Center
Abstract: Investigation of T Cells-Induced Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease
FCE Awards
- Carl Coyle
King’s College London
Natural killer cells as immunological signatures of long-term stable remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Celine Sarasin
Nantes University
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis further delineates human CD8+ T regulatory cell subsets - Claudia Beisel
Heidelberg University Hospital
Sex differences in the percentage of IRF5 positive B cells are associated with higher production of TNF-α in women in response to TLR9 in humans. - Dominic Boardman
BC Children’s Hospital
CRISPR-Mediated Deletion of PD1 to Enhance the Efficacy of Human CAR Tregs - Ian Cohn
University of Pennsylvania
Probing intestinal immunity using Cryptosporidium infection - Kathryne Marks
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Clonally Expanded CD38hi Cytotoxic CD8 T Cells Define the T Cell Infiltrate in Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Arthritis - Katherine Nay Yaung
Singhealth Duke-NUS Translational Immunology Institute
Multiparametric Comparison of the Adult-Onset and Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Immunomes Reveals Multiple Derangements - Marco A. Tapia-Maltos
Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran
Transforming Growth Factor-β3 maintains intestinal tolerance - Mick van Eijs
University Medical Centre Utrecht
Tissue Spatial Analysis by Imaging Mass Cytometry and Longitudinal Peripheral Blood Flow Cytometry in Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity - Natalia Fluder
Center of Human Immunology at Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL)
The Cellular Metabolism of SLE NK Cells Is Primarily Altered at the Level of Mitochondrial Homeostasis - Natalie Frede
Freiburg University
Divergent Effects of JAK Inhibitors on B Cell Activation, Maturation and FunctionLaura Ermellino
Center of Human Immunology at Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL)
Tackling the HIV Reservoir with HIV-resistant Anti-PD-1 CAR-T Cells - Paul Ogongo
UCSF
Distinct M. tuberculosis antigens induce human CD4 responsive T cells that differ in phenotypes and maturation states - Ryan Hobson
Columbia University
Establishing Leptomeninges Immune Dynamics and Regulatory Control of T Cell Infiltration in the Degenerating Human Brain - Quin Yuhui Xie
Toronto Human Immunology Network
Immune responses to gut bacteria associated with time to diagnosis and clinical response to T-cell directed therapy for type 1 diabetes prevention - Sam Burgess
UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT)
Enhancing TCR efficacy through CD3ζ modifications - Samantha Schoth Northwestern University Activation of T Regulatory Cells during Allograft Tolerance-Induction Requires cDC1 Mitochondrial Activation of TGFβ1
- Sarah Colpitts
Toronto Human Immunology Network
Adoptive Transfer of Group 2 and Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells Prevents Rejection in Humanized Models of Islet Transplant - Tristan de Nattes
PAn’THER
The Reverse Transcriptase Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification (RT-MLPA) Assay as a Simple Molecular Tool for Diagnosis and Classification of Rejection in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Kidney Transplant Biopsies - Vrushali Agashe
Columbia University
Impaired Thymocyte Selection in Type 1 Diabetic Immune Systems - Weihong Gu
Yale University
Human and Translational Immunology Program Unique Role of IFN-λ1 on Fetal Small Intestinal Function and Immunity
Posters of Merit
- Ayano Kohlgruber – TCR-MAP: A Novel, High-throughput T Cell Antigen Discovery Platform to Identify Viral- and Self-antigen TCR Reactivities in Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Carl Coyle – Natural Killer Cells as Immunological Signatures of Long-term Stable Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Diego Espinoza – Proteogenomic Immune Signatures Delineate the Landscape of Pediatric Acquired Demyelinating Syndromes
- Evelyn Chiang – ALTB-168, an Immune Checkpoint Enhancer (ICE) Targeting P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL-1), Is Effective in Treating T-cell Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
- Giorgia Zanetti – Removal of Endogenous TCR Chains for Tcr-based Immunotherapies
- Hae In Bang – New HLA Alleles Discovered by Next Generation Sequencing in Clinical Laboratory
- Jaclyn Long – Mapping the Impact of Vaccination and Viral Strain on sars-cov-2 Infection and Host Response in the Human Nasal Mucosa
- Josiah Gerdts – A Biosensor of Immunologic Synapse Formation for Multiplexed T Cell Antigen Discovery
- Kevin Salim – Mapping Human Thymic Regulatory T Cell Development Using Spatial Multiomics
- Khashayar Afshari – Dermatomyositis Skin Inflammation Is Associated with Type-i IFN Response and the Presence of pd1-high, CXCR5-, CXCL13+ CD4+ T Cells, Which Expands in Response to UVB Irradiation
- Khashayarsha Khazaie – Molecular Underpinnings and Significance of Regulatory T-cell Plasticity in Cancer
- Manel Juan – Cart-cell Therapy Directed Towards Novel CD84 Antigen for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Marilia Cascalho – On the Clonal Evolution of Pathogenic and Non-pathogenic Donor-specific B Cell Responses to Kidney Transplantation in Human
- Michael Paley – Single Cell Sequencing Suggests Enteric Origins of Putative Pathogenic T Cells in hla-b27-associated Inflammation
- Rachael Smith – Activating the Cgas/sting Pathway Suppresses Regulatory T Cell Function and Induces Antiviral Interferon Secretion in a Temperature-sensitive Manner
- Ryan Hobson – Establishing Leptomeninges Immune Dynamics and Regulatory Control of T Cell Infiltration in the Degenerating Human Brain
- Shahnawaz Jadeja – Post-translationally modified Trichohyalin Epitopes: Potential Triggers of Autoimmunity to Hair Follicles in Alopecia Areata
- Slobodan Culina – High-dimensional Spectral Cytometry Panels for Whole Blood Immune Phenotyping in the Milieu Interieur 10-year Longitudinal Study
- Vanessa Wacleche – Opposing Effects of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Type I Interferon Control Generation of CXCL13+ T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Xin Chen – The Roles of CD4+ and CD8+ Regulatory T Cells in Controlling Autoimmune Response in the Human Tonsil Organoid System