Dr. Pat Cleary Autoimmunity and Infection seminar
CFI is honored to co-host the annual Dr. Pat Cleary Autoimmunity and Infection Seminar, a distinguished event established to advance our understanding of these critical fields. Initiated in 2019 by Dr. Patrick Cleary, a renowned microbiologist recognized for his pioneering work on group A streptococcal pathogenesis, this seminar has quickly become a key forum for exploring cutting-edge research.
The inaugural lecture in 2019 featured Dr. Dan Littman, a prominent researcher in the field. Although the series was temporarily paused due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it made a notable return in 2022 with Dr. Jean-Laurent Casanova's seminar, “The Human Genetic and Immunological Determinants of Life-Threatening COVID-19.” This event marked the first in-person lecture since the pandemic began, symbolizing a significant step towards resuming scientific discourse and collaboration.
Looking ahead, the seminar will be held annually, continuing to highlight leading experts with exceptional research records in infection and autoimmunity. Each year, we aim to bring forward influential speakers who contribute to our understanding and advancements in these critical areas of study.
2025 Lecturer
Jun Huh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Immunology
Harvard Medical School
Huh Lab and Research Interests
The Huh lab studies how immune cells contribute to inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Their research focuses on nuclear hormone receptors (NhRs), a family of proteins that regulate immune cell function in response to small molecules from the host and gut microbiota. By uncovering how NhRs influence immune cell development and inflammation, the Huh lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets and understand how immune activity affects neural development.
Past Lecturers:
2019: Dan Littman, M.D., Ph.D., Dept. of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
2022: Jean-Laurant Casanova, M.D., Ph.D.,
St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases at The Rockefeller
University
“The human genetic and immunological determinants of life-threatening COVID-19”
2023: William H. Robinson, M.D., Ph.D.,
Dept. of Medicine, Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford University
"Microbial triggers of autoimmunity: Oral mucosal breaks in RA and Epstein-Barr virus in
MS"
2024: Wayne M. Yokoyama, M.D,
Dept. of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of
Medicine in St. Louis
"Autoimmunity caused by viral disruption of thymic central tolerance"
2025: Jun Huh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Immunology
Harvard Medical School