The Lundquist Institute

04/07/2026

The Swidergall Lab, led by TLI Investigator Marc Swidergall, PhD has uncovered a previously unrecognized immune signaling pathway that strengthens the oral mucosal barrier against fungal infection. 🧬

This study, published in Nature Portfolio, reveals that the cytokine IL-22 uses a non-canonical receptor complex to remodel epithelial tissues and enhance resistance to Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen.

"This expands our understanding of how immune cells and structural cells cooperate to maintain fungal commensalism without triggering damaging inflammation," says Dr. Swidergall.

Read more about the discovery and its potential impact: bit.ly/4cqPg9g

A research team led by Marc Swidergall, PhD, investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation with an academic appointment as Assistant Professor-in-Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has uncovered a previously unrecognized immune signaling pathway that streng...

04/02/2026

At TLI, we're empowering the next generation to lead and transform science.🔬

On March 20th, we welcomed TLI trainees, investigators, and collaborators for the 4th Annual Trainee Symposium—an afternoon dedicated to elevating emerging scientific voices and celebrating the impact of early-career researchers.

From keynote insights on gut mycobiota and regenerative medicine to 40+ trainee-led research presentations spanning cancer biology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, and more, the event showcased the depth, curiosity, and innovation driving discovery at the Institute.

Read more to learn how the symposium created a space for connection, mentorship, and collaboration: http://bit.ly/4v9iYa2

On March 20, 2026, The Lundquist Institute (TLI) welcomed trainees, investigators, and collaborators to its 4th Annual Trainee Symposium dedicated to highlighting emerging scientific talent and advancing biomedical research.

03/31/2026

Shaped by service. Driven by discovery.

TLI Investigator Priya Uppuluri, PhD’s journey is rooted in purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others through science. Inspired early on by her father’s diagnostic lab in India, she has built a career defined by the real-world impact her work can have on patients and communities.

“That period felt like coming full circle. To give back to my father’s laboratory that first shaped me, and to serve my country through science was deeply meaningful,” says Dr. Uppuluri.

For Dr. Uppuluri, science is more than discovery. It’s about mentoring the next generation and translating research into meaningful change. Explore how her journey continues to shape the future of infectious disease research and patient care at The Lundquist Institute.

Read Dr. Uppuluri's story here: bit.ly/4bJExXo

03/27/2026

How much sleep do we really need for better health and could it play a role in reducing diabetes risk?

A recent Everyday Health article, featuring TLI Investigator Peter Y. Liu, MD, PhD, highlights emerging research showing that getting just over 7 hours of sleep per night may be associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

"Insufficient sleep alters hormones that are important signals regulating metabolism and energy balance,” says Dr. Liu. "Maintaining cardiometabolic health through sufficient sleep contributes to longevity."

New research suggests that just over 7 hours of nightly sleep is ideal for preventing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

03/26/2026

The future of biomedical innovation is taking shape right here at The Lundquist Institute.🔬🧬

In his recent State of the Institute address, President and CEO Joe W. Ramos, PhD unveiled a bold new framework designed to accelerate discovery, strengthen collaboration, and move science from the lab to real-world impact faster than ever before.

At the center of this vision: four newly launched Innovation Hubs and a strengthened Scientific Leadership team—each aligned around the most pressing health challenges facing our communities today.

From advancing next-generation therapies and precision prevention to expanding population health and tackling infectious diseases, these Innovation Hubs are designed to bring investigators together, foster deeper collaboration, and turn promising ideas into meaningful health outcomes.

What does this mean for the future of medical research in Los Angeles and beyond? Read more to discover how TLI is building the engine for the next era of impact: bit.ly/4spNfjn

03/09/2026

Apply now to TLI's High School Summer Training in Advanced Research (High School STAR) Program! Applications are due Monday, March 30th. 🔬🧬🧪

For 47 years, the program has continued to develop young scientific minds as they prepare to become the next generation of biomedical leaders through hands-on intensive research.

From June 15 to August 7, 2026, students will hone their scientific curiosity alongside distinguished TLI investigators as they cultivate a deeper understanding of translational biomedical research and its impact on the community.

For complete eligibility details and program requirements, visit: lundquist.org/high-school-summer-program/

03/08/2026

Women are not just part of the future of medicine—they’re leading it. This , we celebrate the women who are transforming the future of healthcare and medical research. 🩺🔬🩻

From laboratory bench to patient bedside, women scientists, clinicians, and innovators are driving discoveries that improve lives around the world. Their leadership, curiosity, and commitment to advancing science continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine.

At The Lundquist Institute, we are proud to work alongside remarkable women who are leading groundbreaking studies and translating discovery into real-world health solutions. Across fields ranging from cancer and infectious diseases to genomics, cardiology, and public health, their work is helping turn scientific breakthroughs into better care for patients everywhere.

Today and every day, we’re proud of the women whose research, leadership, and dedication at TLI are shaping a healthier future for our communities and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

03/06/2026

Scoops, smiles, and a well-deserved break.🍦

We recently hosted a TLI Employee Appreciation Ice Cream Social to celebrate the incredible people who power our mission every day. It was a chance to step away from the busy day, connect with colleagues, and enjoy something sweet together.

Thank you to our amazing team for all that you do!

03/03/2026

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers, in part because tumors create a hostile environment that keeps the immune system from doing its job. But researchers have identified a promising immunotherapy strategy that could change that — activating a key immune molecule called GITR, strengthening the body’s own cancer-fighting cells.

“Discoveries like the GITR pathway give me real hope. We’ve seen how powerful the immune system can be in other cancers — sometimes even clearing the disease entirely. Our goal is to help unlock that same potential for patients with pancreatic cancer,” said TLI Investigator Dr. Delphine Lee.

Read the full article below to learn about this breakthrough in immunotherapy.

Delphine J. Lee, MD, investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, and a team of researchers identified a new immunotherapy strategy that may help overcome one of the greatest challenges in treating pancreatic cancer: the tumor’s ability to suppress the body’s immune respon...