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Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis, Pregnancy, Autoimmune Diseases, Immune Tolerance, GDF15, Neuroimmune Crosstalk, Reproductive Immunology, Maternal Health, Research Challenges, MS Treatment

Summary

In this episode of the Young Immunologist podcast, Nóra Balzer interviews Jana Sonner, a postdoc at the University Medical Center in Hamburg, discussing the intersection of multiple sclerosis (MS) and pregnancy. They explore how autoimmune diseases typically affect women during their reproductive years, the unique immunological changes that occur during pregnancy, and the implications for maternal and fetal health. The conversation delves into the mechanisms of maternal immune tolerance, the role of GDF15, and the latest research findings on MS and pregnancy. Jana emphasizes the need for more research in reproductive immunology and the importance of including pregnant women in clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes.

Takeaways

• Pregnancy can suppress disease activity in autoimmune diseases.
• Autoimmune diseases often onset during women's reproductive years.
• MS does not typically affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
• Disease-modifying therapies may pose risks during pregnancy.
• Maternal immune tolerance is crucial for pregnancy success.
• GDF15 plays a role in immune regulation during pregnancy.
• Peripheral immune system adapts significantly during pregnancy.
• Exclusive breastfeeding may lower postpartum relapse risk in MS.
• Research in reproductive immunology is still underfunded and underexplored.
• Inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials is essential for better treatment.

Please find some links to work both on MS in general and pregnancy and MS

• https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJM199807303390501?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00281-016-0584-y
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41583-024-00823-z
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-022-00718-z

Contact details

• Contact: Dr. Jana Sonner, jana.sonner@zmnh.uni-hamburg.de
• Webpage Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS): https://www.inims.de

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Nóra Balzer -
https://www.instagram.com/balzernora/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/n%C3%B3ra-balzer-253a767b/?originalSubdomain=de


The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

Become a member today! --> https://dgfi.org/dgfi-en/dgfi-membership/?noredirect=en_US
https://www.yefis.org/

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keywords

academic integrity, plagiarism, intellectual property, research ethics, PhD students, collaborations, scientific publications, open access, patents, copyrights

summary

In this podcast episode, Nora Balzer (Dr rer Nat) discusses the complexities of intellectual property in academia, particularly in the context of a case involving a PhD student accused of plagiarism. The conversation explores the balance between sharing research for public good and protecting intellectual achievements, the challenges of collaborations, and practical advice for PhD students navigating these issues.

takeaways

• Sophie’s case highlights the complexities of academic integrity - reference: https://www.spiegel.de/lebenundlernen/uni/professor-contra-doktorandin-wer-klaut-hier-bei-wem-a-776909.html - accessed on 27-02-2025.
• Intellectual property in academia is often misunderstood.
• The need to protect research can conflict with sharing knowledge.
• Patents and copyrights are crucial but challenging to navigate.
• Open access aims to make research freely available but has costs.
• Collaborations can complicate ownership of research outcomes.
• PhD students should choose their supervisors wisely.
• Reading contracts is essential for understanding rights.
• Building a support network is vital for early career scientists.
• Emotional responses to credit disputes should be managed rationally.

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Nóra Balzer -
https://www.instagram.com/balzernora/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/n%C3%B3ra-balzer-253a767b/?originalSubdomain=de


The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

Become a member today! --> https://dgfi.org/dgfi-en/dgfi-membership/?noredirect=en_US
https://www.yefis.org/

keywords
cardiac research, organoids, 3D cell models, IPS cells, personalized medicine, ethical concerns, organ transplantation, cardiac therapy, cell differentiation

Summary

In this episode of the Young Immunologist podcast - ImmunoChat, Nóra Balzer interviews Fabienne Becker, a PhD candidate at the University Clinic of Düsseldorf, about her work on the HEAL project (101056712 – HLA-homozygous iPSC-cardiomyocytE Aggregate manufacturing technoLogies for allogenic cell therapy to the heart; https://www.heal-horizon.com/), which focuses on using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for cardiac repair. Fabienne discusses her background in chemistry and biochemistry, the process of manufacturing cardiac 3D cell models, and the differences between spheroids and organoids. She highlights the advantages of 3D models over traditional 2D cultures and animal models, the potential of iPSC-derived therapies in personalized medicine, and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of human cells. The conversation also touches on the cost and time implications of producing cardiac organoids, recent advancements in organoid technology, and the future of transplantable heart tissue. Fabienne shares her surprising discoveries in cardiac research and offers advice for aspiring researchers in the field.

Takeaways

• The HEAL project aims to develop cell therapy for heart regeneration.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into various cell types.
• 3D cell culture is simpler than many believe.
• Spheroids contain one cell type, while organoids contain multiple.
• Organoids aim to mimic the complexity of real organs.
• Personalized medicine could benefit from iPSC-derived therapies.
• Standardized protocols are needed for consistency in research.
• Ethical concerns exist regarding informed consent for iPSC use.
• 3D models can reduce costs in laboratory settings.
• Patience and perseverance are key in scientific research.

Support the show

The Podcast is hosted by Nóra Balzer -
https://www.instagram.com/balzernora/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/n%C3%B3ra-balzer-253a767b/?originalSubdomain=de


The podcast is supported by the German Association of Immunology (DGfI) - Young Immunologists (YI)
https://dgfi.org/
https://dgfi.org/young-immunologists/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dgfi-yi/
https://twitter.com/YI_dgfi

Become a member today! --> https://dgfi.org/dgfi-en/dgfi-membership/?noredirect=en_US
https://www.yefis.org/