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The Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR) is among the top immunological basic science research centers in the world.
The Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR) is among the top immunological basic science research centers in the world. Scientists at BIIR most particularly concentrate their efforts on the study of dendritic cells, rare cells that turn on and regulate immune responses with the goal of bringing relief to diseases involving the immune system. More

Cancer Vaccines: We have demonstrated that vaccination with tumor antigen-loaded DCs may lead to induction of therapeutic immunity in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Watch an interview with the first recipient of our cancer vaccine.
A video describing the steps in vaccine development can be viewed here.

Autoimmune Diseases: Our studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) revealed a fundamental role of IFN alpha in disease pathogenesis leading to novel therapeutic approaches.

Children with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA) often do not respond to conventional treatments for other types of arthritis. We identified interleukin-1 (IL-1) overexpression as a key factor in SoJIA symptoms. An IL-1 blocker successfully treated these children. View a video of one family's experience here.

Infectious Diseases: We aim at the generation of improved vaccines against infectious agents. In that context, our studies were first supported by a large DARPA contract.

Organ Transplantation: At BIIR, we are seeking ways to make the recipient's immune system tolerate / accept the engrafted organ and improve the prognosis for organ transplant patients. This includes working to identify genetic determinants that can be used to minimize the dependence on anti rejection drugs. Jacques Banchereau, Ph.D., Director of BIIR, holds the W. W. Caruth, Jr. Chair in Organ Transplantation Immunology.
Baylor Symposium and Workshop on Human Immunology and Biodefense   Baylor Symposium on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The 7th Annual Baylor Symposium and Workshop on Human Immunology and Biodefense will be held on November 6, 2010.
For abstracts and videos from our previous symposia, click here. 		 

The 3rd Annual Baylor Symposium on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus was held on April 16, 2010.
To watch videos online, visit the Center for Lupus Research.
Keystone Symposium Announcements    

Keystone Symposium on Dendritic Cells and the Initiation of Adaptive Immunity
Santa Fe, New Mexico
February 12-17, 2011
Organizers: Ira Mellman, Michel C. Nussenzweig, Virginia Pascual and Federica Sallusto

Click here for more info

  

Keystone Symposium on Cancer Control by Tumor Suppressors and Immune Effectors
Santa Fe, New Mexico
February 12-17, 2011
Organizers: Laurence Zitvogel, Anna Karolina Palucka and Mark J. Smyth

Click here for more info