Immune Responses to Viral Infections and Vaccines

Organizers:

Veronika I. Zarnitsyna (Emory University), Esteban Hernandez Vargas, University of Idaho

Description:

The immune response to vaccination arises from complex and dynamic interactions between host factors, antigen exposure, and the immune system. This mini-symposium brings together researchers leveraging mathematical modeling, data-driven analyses, and experimental immunology to quantify heterogeneity in vaccine responses and inform immunization strategies. Topics will include the impact of HLA diversity on CD8+ T cell responses, challenges in predicting immune protection in immunocompromised individuals, and the role of T cell cross-reactivity in shaping immune memory. Discussions will also address sex-based differences in lung immunity and how computational models can provide insights into immune function under varying physiological conditions. Additionally, we will explore parameter estimation techniques to optimize vaccine strategies and investigate nonlinear immune system dynamics, including stability and bifurcation behaviors in B cell responses. By integrating diverse approaches, this session aims to advance our understanding of immune variability across diverse populations and improve vaccine design.

Diversity Statement:

Our mini-symposium values diversity in expertise, perspectives, and scientific approaches, featuring speakers from four countries with diverse backgrounds who bring insights from experimental, computational, and translational immunology.