We cordially invite you to attend the Umeå Infection Symposium on 27 August 2024. Get inspired by the invited keynote speaker and learn about novel research approaches and directions at Umeå University.
The Umeå Infection Symposium allows for plenty of time to mingle.
Image ©Fotograf Jenny RehnmanThe symposium is aimed for all scientists and staff members interested in microbial and infection research. The event is jointly organized by The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, and Umeå Microbial Research Centre, UCMR.
Warmly welcome!
The scientific symposium takes place on Tuesday 27 August, 9:00-13:15, followed by a lunch that gives all participants the opportunity to mingle and continue the scientific discussions.
The venue for the symposium is Rotundan, first floor Universum, at Umeå University. The registration takes place outside Rotundan. The coffee and lunch is served in Brashörnan outside Rotundan.
Ann-Lena Spetz
ImageSören AnderssonAnna-Lena Spetz, M.D. Ph.D
Professor in Immunology, Department of Molecular Biosciences (MBW), The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University
The role of non-coding oligonucleotides in reducing viral infections
The increasing prevalence and diversity of viral pathogens highlight the critical need for broad-spectrum antivirals capable of effectively combating a wide range of viruses. In this context, our research focused on a chemically-stabilized 35-mer oligonucleotide (ssON), with inhibitory activity against respiratory syncytial virus cell attachment. Our investigations extended to various viral pathogens, with ssON showing efficacy in blocking infections by authentic HIV-1, HSV-2, and measles virus infection, and Ebola, Lyssa, Lassa, and Rabies pseudoparticles. Interestingly, it did not affect SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and encephalomyocarditis viruses. Further analysis of its mechanism against HIV-1 revealed that ssON prevents virion attachment to host cells. We found that ssON's broad-spectrum antiviral activity is linked to its interaction with nucleolin, a crucial host factor for RNA/DNA binding that several viruses utilize for cell attachment. This finding suggests a novel antiviral mechanism for ssON through targeting nucleolin, indicating potential for therapeutic applications.
08:30-09:00 REGISTRATION AND COFFEE
09:00-09:10 WELCOME
UCMR and MIMS Leadership
09:10-10:10 KEYNOTE
Anna-Lena Spetz, Stockholm University: The role of non-coding oligonucleotides in reducing viral infections
10:10-10:50 TALK 1
Ryo Morimoto: Evolutionary trajectory of anticipatory antigen receptor assembly based on host-genome editing
10:50-11:20 COFFEE BREAK
11:20-12:00 TALK 2
Iker Aramburu: Illuminating the dark MicroProteome in innate immunity
12:00-12:40 TALK 3
Aftab Nadeem: Understanding the role of bacteria pore-forming toxins in host-pathogen interactions
12:40-13:00 REPORT
Anna Överby Wernstedt: TBE research at the foot of the Rocky Mountains
13:00-13:15 CLOSING WORDS
UCMR and MIMS Leadership
13:15- LUNCH MINGLE