Dr. Pat Cleary Autoimmunity and Infection seminar

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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.

2024 Lecturer

Wayne M. Yokoyama, M.D  
Sam and Audrey Loew Levin Professor of Medicine
Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
Associate Dean, Division of Physician-Scientists
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Yokoyama Lab and Research Interests
Yokoyama Laboratory is interested in the basic mechanisms of innate immunity and the immune response to viruses.
They are particularly interested in the receptors expressed by natural killer cells, the ligands for these receptors,
and the immune evasion strategies employed by viruses. 
Dr. Yokoyama's clinical interests are in rheumatology, especially the etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
 

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"