July 7, 2022

United States – IDF Conference and White Paper Challenge

Immune Deficiency Foundation to host hybrid PI Conference on October 2022

This year’s hybrid conference will bring together the entire PI community (patients, caregivers and clinicians) for three days of connection, learning, and networking in a fully engaging virtual environment with in-person sessions at three locations. Sessions from world-class immunologists and compelling panel discussions are just a few of the highlights. The 2022 theme is ‘Primary Immunodeficiency: In Focus’ and will be offered with three learning tracks: know your diagnosis, understand the science and navigate the journey.

For the very first time, The IDF Walk for PI will be happening as part of the PI Conference! In each location (Southern California, Chicago, IL and Baltimore, MD), the walks will happen before the Saturday sessions – right on site! And if you are taking part in the Coast to Coast (virtual) walk, it will be happening on Saturday as well. The event is free and registration information can be found at www.primaryimmune.org/conference.

Immune Deficiency Foundation Announces Awards to Seven Researchers

In celebration of World PI Week in late April, IDF announced seven awardees for its research grant program and white paper challenge. The White Paper Challenge projects chosen seek to combat delayed diagnosis with machine learning, reach primary care providers in communities of colour, and provide resources in Spanish at community events. Funded research projects will study the interplay between the gut microbiome and inflammation in CVID, improve measurement of immune dysregulation in patients with PI, study immune system genes for those who don’t have a genetic diagnosis, and research maternal and fetal factors that differentiate temporary and persistent low T-cell counts in infants.

Congratulations to Drs. Amanda Salih, David Sanchez, Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, Brenna LaBere, Beth Thielen, and Artemio Jongco for receiving grant awards. As a special distinction, Dr. Joud Hajjar (who submitted the highest-ranking grant) was awarded the inaugural Michael Blaese Research Grant Award in honor of IDF’s long-time medical advisor, Dr. Michael Blaese.