Today, 29 April , is World Day of Immunology

Today, Wednesday 29 April 2009, is World Day of Immunology.

Immunology is a vibrant and ever-changing branch of biomedical science that studies the immune system, a network of specialised cells that protect us against diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Scientists at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, New Zealand’s premier vaccine and immunology research centre, believe that by increasing the depth of our understanding of the immune system, we can more effectively harness its potency for the treatment of disease.

“Every day we are exposed to a wide variety of infectious organisms,” said Dr Joanna Kirman, Head of the Malaghan Institute Infectious Diseases Group and council member of the Australasian Society for Immunology.  “Our immune system is like our own personal defence force that is ready and waiting to fight the infections that they cause.”

Another important role of our immune systems is to hunt out and destroy cells that could go on to form cancer.  Clearly some tumours are able to escape the immune response, so scientists at the Malaghan Institute and around the world are developing vaccines designed to ‘boost’ the ability of cancer patients’ immune systems to target their tumours and thus treat their cancer.  The truly remarkable feature of these individualised cancer vaccines is that they are generated from a patient’s own immune cells and cancer tissue.

“World Day of Immunology is an ideal time for us to stop and reflect on the research being undertaken to improve the lives of people whose immune systems do not work optimally,” says Dr Kirman.  “Individuals with an under-active immune system are highly susceptible to diseases such as cancer, while those with an over-active immune system are at risk of developing arthritis or asthma.”

To celebrate World Day of Immunology 2009 the Malaghan Institute is proud to present a free public lecture by Wellington immunologist Dr Anne La Flamme, entitled "Immunity - the Battle Within".

"Our immune system is a very dangerous weapon that can protect us from disease. If not controlled correctly, however, our own immune cells can attack us and cause autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes,” said Dr La Flamme, a Senior Lecturer for the School of Biological Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington. “Our daily battle is therefore to keep our immune system balanced - ready to attack foreign invaders and to leave us alone."

Dr La Flamme’s lecture, which is also sponsored by the Australasian Society for Immunology, will start tonight at 6.30 pm at Rutherford House, Lecture Theatre 2, Pipitea Campus, Victoria University of Wellington.

Following Dr La Flamme's talk there will be the opportunity to learn more about immunology research at the Malaghan Institute and Victoria University of Wellington.

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