There are potentially reactive and dangerous lymphocytes (cells of the immune system) that remain silent in the presence of an antigen and refrain from producing an immune response harmful to the organism. Therefore, "immunologists are learning to listen to the melody of lymphocyte silence. This is how new therapeutic strategies are reaching patients". This is how Dr. Ignacio Melero, coordinator of the International Symposium on Immunology, organized by the research center Applied Medicine (CIMA) of the University of Navarra, the University Clinic and the Ramón Areces Foundation, summarizes the latest advances.

The scientific meeting noted the new trends in biomedical research , with special emphasis on monoclonal antibodies and other biological proteins, some of which have already been approved for different indications. Following the results of animal testing, the researchers discussed with particular interest the design of combination treatment strategies to achieve more effective therapeutic effects in patients. If the preliminary trials are successful, the new therapies would be applicable in tumor diseases, such as lymphomas and cancers of the liver, kidney and cervix; autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes mellitus subject 1, autoimmune hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus; or chronic viral infections, such as hepatitis C. Dr. Melero stresses the scientific challenge of "research to cure", although research has a long way to go.

Defense against germs and tumors

The researcher of the CIMA and physician at the University Clinic explains that the immune system decides whether or not, and with what intensity, to support germs: "If it makes a mistake by excess, it can seriously damage the body itself (autoimmunity); if it makes a mistake by default, it can fail to defend us from these germs and tumors". The symposium showcased work on the mechanisms of activation, acceleration and braking of immune responses. Several researchers presented programs of study with identifications of new mechanisms and the rationale for clinical trials (human testing of new drugs) being developed in hospitals.

Among the 150 participants gathered at the symposium at the University of Navarra were Spanish and foreign scientists. Among those from the USA were Lieping Chen (Johns Hopkins University Cancer Center), Hans Schreiber (University of Chicago Cancer Center) and Alexander Muller (Lankenau Institute for Medical Research). Among the Europeans, Guido Kroemer (Institut Gustave Roussy, France), Günter J. Hämmerling (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Germany), Richard Williams (United Kingdom) and Francesca Fallarino (Università di Perugia, Italy).