Immunity, Inflammation, Infection & Transplantation
I3T Research Theme
Serving Pediatric Patients
How do we serve pediatric patients with rare immune diseases? Manish Butte, MD, PhD, a pediatric immunologist at UCLA Health talks about bringing advanced laboratory capabilities to kids with rare immune diseases
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UCLA’s Expertise In Immunology Ranges Far And Wide
Innovation at UCLA extends far beyond a moment of discovery.
UCLA faculty have developed best-in-class T-cell therapies for fighting and beating cancer and for world-leading transplant programs. They have uncovered and invented new ways to prevent and treat infection to meet the challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Their groundbreaking discoveries have unlocked the genetics and cell biology of immunity. Now, they are building mathematical models of human health. Here—now—we are harnessing the power of the immune system to prevent, treat, and cure disease.
Dr. Lili Yang
Read about killer T cells
A Generous Contribution
See donor spotlight“ Once we fully understand the rules of the immune system, then we can harness the immune system therapeutically to cure disease. ”
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting refresh of the I3T Seminar Series! This year, we’re introducing new formats designed to spark discussion, collaboration, and curiosity — giving you a front-row seat to the most dynamic science within and beyond UCLA.
We can’t wait to see you at these reimagined sessions — whether you’re looking to learn, collaborate, or just be inspired.
✨ Inside Edge Panels
🔬 Technology Spotlights
📝 Research-in-Progress (RIP)
🤝 Meet the New Faces
✨ Inside Edge Panels
Go beyond the traditional talk! These sessions bring together multiple investigators for fast-paced, interactive discussions exploring big questions, cutting-edge challenges, and future directions in immunity, inflammation, infection, and transplantation. Expect fresh insights, diverse perspectives, and plenty of audience Q&A.
🔬 Technology Spotlights
Innovation drives discovery — and our new technology-focused seminars will highlight the tools and human-tissue approaches that are transforming the way we research disease. Join us for an upcoming session with Dr. Javier Nicolalde and Dr. Sam French, who will lead a session on moving from mouse-based models to human tissue studies — covering everything from human tissue procurement to DNA sequencing and updated regulatory protocols. This is a must-see for anyone ready to take their work to the next translational level.
📝 Research-in-Progress (RIP)
Our beloved Research in Progress (RIP) seminars will continue to feature the brilliant work of I3T’s graduate students and postdocs — the heart of our scientific community.
🤝 Meet the New Faces
We’re also spotlighting rising stars and newer faculty. Join us to welcome and learn from recent additions like Drs. Devesha Kulkarni, Mehdi Bouhaddou, and other fantastic new colleagues contributing fresh perspectives and ideas to I3T.
🧠 Join us Tuesdays at 12 PM in CHS 23-105 and be part of I3T’s growing community of innovators.
I3T Seminar Series
The I3T Seminar Series 2025-26 is back in person this year with an outstanding lineup of speakers. We have already confirmed dates with the speakers below. All our seminars start at 12pm and conclude at 1pm. Contact us at I3T@mednet.ucla.edu for any questions.
Upcoming Seminars
Please click the "View Seminar Series" link above for a complete list of our 2025-26 I3T Speaker Lineup.
Speaker: Greg P. Donaldson, PhD
Title: Assistant Professor, MIMG
Institution: UCLA
Date: Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026
Location: In-person CHS 23-105
Talk Title: "Weird functions of immunoglobulin A in the gut"
Infectious Disease Panel
Moderator: Melody Li, PhD
Panelists: Hector Aguilar-Carreno, PhD, Vaithi Arumugaswami, PhD, Otto Yang, MD, Karin Nielsen, MD, PhD
Date: Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026
Location: In-person CHS 23-105
Talk Title: "Emerging Threats and Countermeasures"
Speakers: Gregory Whitehill, PhD (Butte Lab) & Itzetl Avila (Covarrubias Lab)
Institution: UCLA
Date: Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026
Location: In-person CHS 23-105
Additional Information: Research In Progress
Talk Titles: "Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis" & "Identifying and Characterizing Small Molecules that Selectively Target Senescent Macrophages"