Seminario "Alteraciones de las sinapsis inmunológicas y neurológicas por virus respiratorios: implicancias en el diseño de vacunas durante la pandemia Covid19" por Prof. Dr. Alexis M. Kalergis

TITULO
"Alteraciones de las sinapsis inmunológicas y neurológicas por virus respiratorios: implicancias en el diseño de vacunas durante la pandemia Covid19"

DISERTANTE
Prof. Dr. Alexis M. Kalergis
Director del Instituto Milenio en
Inmunología e Inmunoterapia
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

RESUMEN
Respiratory viruses are a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia worldwide due to inefficient viral immunity even after disease resolution. Because of an excessive inflammatory response, these viruses can cause severe symptoms both in the respiratory and nervous systems, such as bronchiolitis and encephalopathy, respectively. We have observed that some respiratory viruses prevent the proper function of immune cells, such as T cells and dendritic cells, by impairing the immunological synapse assembly between these cells. Inhibition of the immunological synapse could be a major virulence factor, impairing host immunity and enhancing susceptibility to reinfection. Further, respiratory viruses can cause a learning impairment due to inflammation in the central nervous system. Due to alterations in the blood-brain barrier after infection, immune system elements enter the CNS, impairing the normal function of neurons and astrocytes in the host. Based on these data, we have generated novel vaccine approaches to strengthen the immunological synapse leading to protective immunity against these respiratory pathogens and preventing CNS damage. These findings have permitted us to design vaccines for RSV and SARS-CoV-2, which we have shown to be safe and efficacious.