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immunologyau.bsky.social
Could a molecule in our blood vessels help protect against heart disease? 🩸🔬

Kunzhe Dong, PhD, has received a $3.8M NIH grant to investigate how PRDM16-DT may help protect against atherosclerosis.

Read more:
jagwire.augusta.edu/immcg-resear...

#Immunology #AugustaUniversity #atherosclerosis
Four scientists stand in a scientific laboratory.
November 2, 2026 at 2:13 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
In the spirit of Halloween, members of the IMMCG Postdoc Association hosted a Halloween Potluck for the entire center earlier this week with several of our postdocs and graduate assistants choosing to dress up for the occasion! 👻 🎃
A woman twirls while wearing fake butterfly wings that are decorated with constellations, colorful clouds, and more stars. A male college student wears a Peter Pan costume. A man wearing fake glasses with bushy eyebrows and a nose with a mustache sits in a tall chair during a Halloween party. A woman wears a cape with a hood during a Halloween party. She is standing in front of a large group of coworkers speaking to them.
October 30, 2026 at 2:06 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Megh Mehta, an MD-PhD candidate in the Molecular Oncology and Immunology PhD program and a graduate research assistant in the Ley Lab, recently presented, "Causal Modelling of Gene Effects from Regulators to Programs to Traits," during a recent Journal Club session.

#IMMCG
A young researcher stands behind a lectern while giving a presentation to a room full of his peers and several faculty. A young male scientist sits in a room surrounded by peers and senior researchers as one of his peers gives a presentation. A young researcher stands behind a lectern while giving a presentation to a room full of his peers and several faculty. A young researcher stands behind a lectern while giving a presentation to a room full of his peers and several faculty.
October 27, 2026 at 4:56 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Research in Progress spotlight: Adil Ijaz, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Orecchioni Lab, shared updates on his project with Marco Orecchioni, PhD, examining the role of olfactory receptor 2 (Olfr2) in macrophages during atherosclerosis.

#Research #Immunology #AugustaUniversity #IMMCG
A man stands behind a lectern and gives a scientific presentation to a room full of scientists and fellow trainees. The lectern has a sign on it that reads, "Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University." A man stands behind a lectern and gives a scientific presentation to a room full of scientists and fellow trainees. The lectern has a sign on it that reads, "Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University." A man sits at a long table among fellow scientists and several trainees and listens as a fellow male scientist gives a presentation. A man stands behind a lectern and gives a scientific presentation to a room full of scientists and fellow trainees. The lectern has a sign on it that reads, "Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University."
October 21, 2026 at 2:07 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Recently, Jiang Zhou, PhD, presented during a Journal Club session on the article, "Targeting Modulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis via FAP-directed Immunotherapy."

#Atherosclerosis #Research #JournalClub #IMMCG
A man stands behind a lectern and uses a desktop computer while giving a presentation to a room full of fellow students and three professors. Two college students, one female and one male, sit in a modern classroom and listen as a male postdoctoral fellow gives a scientific presentation. A male professor sits and listens to a scientific presentation given by a male postdoctoral fellow. The professor is among other professors and trainees listening, and has a laptop computer propped on his legs for taking notes. A man stands behind a lectern and uses a desktop computer while giving a presentation to a room full of fellow students and three professors.
October 19, 2026 at 2:33 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Congratulations to Akash Shah, MD, on successfully defending his thesis! 🎉

During his gynecologic oncology fellowship, Akash conducted translational research with @thehedricklab.bsky.social, where he says his experience was "nothing short of extraordinary."

#IMMCG #CancerResearch
A man in a suit and tie gives a presentation about a project. There is a slide show behind him with the title of his project, "SPPI+ macrophages and their communication within the tumor microenvironment impacts immunotherapy response." A man in a suit and tie laughs during a professional presentation.
October 14, 2026 at 1:31 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
IMMCG was honored to host Ira Tabas, MD, PhD, Columbia University professor and IMMCG Scientific Advisory Board member. His guest seminar on immunometabolism and inflammation resolution engaged researchers and trainees from across Augusta University.
A man gives a presentation to a room full of fellow researchers and trainees. A man gives a presentation to a room full of fellow researchers and trainees. A man sits in a crowded room listening to a scientific presentation by a male scientist. The man who is listening is taking notes on his laptop computer. A man gives a presentation to a room full of fellow researchers and trainees.
October 13, 2026 at 1:45 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Last week, Lynn Hedrick, Phd; Klaus Ley, MD; Peipei Zhu, PhD; Gabriel Valentín Guillama, PhD; and Austin Lowery represented IMMCG, Augusta University, and the Medical College of Georgia at the #Neutrophil2026 International Symposium in San Diego.

#Research #Immunology #ImmunologyResearch
Five people, including two women and three men, stand in front of a scientific poster at an outdoor conference. A female scientist stands behind a lectern and gives a presentation on her scientific findings during a large conference. A female scientist stands behind a lectern and gives a presentation on her scientific findings during a large conference. A male scientist stands behind a lectern and gives a presentation on his scientific findings during a large conference.
September 29, 2026 at 1:50 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Researchers from IMMCG have identified 5 immune targets that may help explain how the immune system contributes to atherosclerosis, the artery disease behind most heart attacks and strokes.

📰 Learn more - bit.ly/46J2gnb

#Immunology #HeartHealth #Research
A graphic divided into four images. The top left image featuring a molecule and the outlines of eight people is titled "Antigen and donor selection." The top-right panel is titled "In silico peptide prediction" and shows a computer and a shart showing different peptides. The bottom left panel is titled, "APOB-reactive CD8+ T cells" and shows a chart showing the relativity of cardiovascular dissease to a person having this particular cell. The last panel is titled, "Restimulation assays" and shows a scientific experiment happening.
September 24, 2026 at 1:23 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Our center will be well represented at #Neutrophil2026 with oral presentations by Lynn Hedrick, PhD, Peipei Zhu, PhD, and Klaus Ley, MD, and poster presentations by Austin Lowery and Gabriel Valentín Guillama, PhD.

#Neutrophil #Immunology #ImmunologyResearch #Research
A graphic with photos of 5 researchers, including three men and two women. The title at the top reads, "IMMCG at Neutrophil 2026." It shows where and when the five individuals will be presenting at a national conference.
September 17, 2026 at 7:03 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
At the end of August, IMMCG trainees Aderonke Fakayode and Timothy Olusegun attended the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit in Atlanta, joining 400+ life sciences leaders to explore innovation, collaboration, and career opportunities.

#GeorgiaLifeSciences
Two college students, one man and one woman, stand in front of a backdrop at a conference. The backdrop has the logo for the Georgia Life Sciences conference on it.
September 15, 2026 at 1:21 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Who says cancer research fundraising can't be fun?

Last week, Klaus Ley volunteered for the dunk tank at Paceline Palooza, and was dunked 10 times!

Paceline funds cancer research at Augusta University, and IMMCG researchers have directly benefited from these funds.

#CancerResearch #fundraising
A man takes part in a dunk tank to raise funds for cancer research. Friends and coworkers take turns throwing three balls at a target to dunk him in the tank, and the crowd celebrates every time he is dunked. A man takes part in a dunk tank to raise funds for cancer research. Friends and coworkers take turns throwing three balls at a target to dunk him in the tank, and the crowd celebrates every time he is dunked. A man takes part in a dunk tank to raise funds for cancer research. Friends and coworkers take turns throwing three balls at a target to dunk him in the tank, and the crowd celebrates every time he is dunked. A group of researchers stand around a man soaked from being in a dunk tank to raise money for cancer research.
September 14, 2026 at 2:18 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Future scientists in the making! 🔬

A few weeks ago, faculty from IMMCG and the Georgia Cancer Center met with AU students exploring the Molecular Oncology & Immunology PhD program. These connections help students identify research interests, mentors, and labs where they can thrive.
A male college student sits at a table with other students and listens as a faculty member talks about working in their lab. A female college student presents a scientific poster and describes her research to a fellow college student. A young male professor speaks with college students about what it is like working in his lab. A male professor speaks with college students about what it is like working in his lab.
September 9, 2026 at 2:55 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
IMMCG hosted the first-ever Ignite Grant ceremony this week. Gang Zhou, PhD, gave a project update, and guests explored 9 exciting 2026 proposals during a poster session. 🔬✨

📸 More photos - www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

#Immunology #Ignite2026
A group of four men and one woman stand at the front of a modern lecture hall. The man in the middle is holding an award. A female college student gives a presentation about her scientific research project to another woman who is listening intently. A female college student gives a presentation about her scientific research project to a man who is listening intently. A male college student gives a presentation about his scientific research project to two other men who are listening intently.
August 20, 2026 at 1:35 PM
sabrinarobichaud.bsky.social
Extremely grateful for the support of @ahascience.bsky.social in exploring the contributions of cancer to cardiovascular disease! ❤️👩🏻‍🔬

jagwire.augusta.edu/immcg-postdo...
IMMCG postdoc explores cancer, heart disease connection with AHA fellowship
“By delving into these connections, we hope to identify new ways to mitigate cardiovascular risks in cancer survivors," says Sabrina Robichaud, PhD.
jagwire.augusta.edu
February 20, 2025 at 12:21 AM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Over the past few months, many of our researchers have represented IMMCG all over the world. Hossam Abdelsamed, PhD, recently traveled to the University of Iceland Biomedical Center, where he presented on T cell communication and its role in health and disease.

#immunology
A man stands in front of a sign outside of a university. The sign reads, "University of Iceland," in both English and Icelandic. A man wearing a bright rain poncho stands in front of a tall waterfall. A large rock formation on the shore of Iceland. The rocks form what appear to be stairs or towers. A man stands next to a road. There is a small village along the shore of a large lake behind him.
June 16, 2026 at 1:49 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
A couple weeks ago, members of IMMCG rtraveled to Bellevue, Washington, for ATVB's annual Vascular Discover 2026 Scientific Sessions. Klaus Ley, MD, presented, Ravi Komaravolu, PhD, (@omnibiologist.bsky.social) presented his poster, and our group was featured in the @americanheart.bsky.social email.
A group of 7 scientists, including two women and five men, stand in front of a sign for a large conference focuses on improving vascular health. A man stands at a podium and gives a lecture to a large group of scientists. A man stands next to a scientific poster inside a large ballroom. A screenshot of a newsletter from the American Heart Association. The top features a collage of six photos, including two group shots and four solo pictures of people giving lectures. The photos are at the top of a section titled, "Vascular Discovery 2026 Scientific Sessions in review."
May 26, 2026 at 2:11 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
During a recent Research in Progress session, Yingbing Zuo, MD, a research associate in the lab of Kunzhe Dong, PhD, gave an update on his research to IMMCG researchers and trainees, as well as our affiliate scientists.

#immunology #immunologyresearch #researchinprogress
A man stands behind a podium and gives a presentation on his scientific research to a room full of researchers and students. A woman sits in a large lecture hall and takes notes on a laptop while listening to a man give a talk about his scientific research. A man stands behind a podium and gives a presentation on his scientific research to a room full of researchers and students. A man sits in a large lecture hall and takes notes on a laptop while listening to a man give a talk about his scientific research.
May 6, 2026 at 1:39 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
We are excited to have such a strong representation at Immunology 2026 hosted by the American Association of Immunologists in Boston this week. Here is a quick snapshot of where IMMCG researchers and trainees will be throughout the week.
April 14, 2026 at 2:27 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Lynn Hedrick, PhD, co-director of IMMCG and a Georgia Research Alliance Bradley Turner Eminent Scholar, has been selected to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Immunology Symposium and the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Research Alliance.

🔗 bit.ly/4sUIpu6
March 19, 2026 at 3:56 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Today is the day! The Research Power Hour is live, and if we have the most unique donors between 8 and 9 a.m., we will earn an additional $1,200. Please consider making a contribution and helping advance research at IMMCG.

🔬 give.augusta.edu/schools/Augu...
March 18, 2026 at 12:21 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Our very own, Austin Lowery, brought home the Presidential Scholar Award from SOCIETY FOR LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY 2025!! 🎉

Read more about Austin's win, bit.ly/4o5qKNH.
IMMCG PhD student honored for research in spatial and neutrophil biology
"Identifying these populations may allow us to unveil populations that correlate with disease stage, tumor burden and therapy potential," says Austin Lowery.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 9:38 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Checking in from Vancouver, B.C. at Society for Leukocyte Biology 2025! Be sure to visit Casey at our booth in Stanley Hall!
Casey Brown behind the IMMCG booth at SLB 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 2:51 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Who knew science could make such a splash? IMMCG co-director Klaus Ley took 22 dunks at #Paceline Palooza — all for cancer research at the Georgia Cancer Center.

There's time to join Team Immunity Strong for #PaceDay on Oct. 5! 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ paceline.org/teams/5312
September 24, 2025 at 6:33 PM
immunologyau.bsky.social
Happy #NPAW2025! 🎉 Huge thanks to our amazing postdocs at IMMCG, whose hard work & discoveries push immunology forward every day. We appreciate you!💡
Group of people in front of balloons
September 15, 2025 at 2:03 PM