Posted on: 28 October 2020
Professor of Biochemistry at Trinity, Luke O’Neill, recently discussed metabolic reprogramming in innate immunity and inflammation as he delivered a Marsh lecture, hosted virtually by the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
The Feinstein Institutes’ Marsh Lecture was established as a forum for renowned scientists to share their expertise with Feinstein Institutes investigators.
Professor O’Neill researches the molecular and cellular basis of inflammation and innate immunity, including toll-like receptors, inflammasomes and immunometabolism.
“I’m honoured to have given this year’s Marsh lecture and to have shared some of our recent findings on the role of metabolic change in inflammatory diseases,” said Professor O’Neill.
In his lecture, he emphasised that metabolic reprogramming of immune cells is essential for inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, and that targeting certain metabolic events may limit inflammation in different contexts. He also discussed targeting immunometabolism in an effort to develop novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
“Professor O’Neill is an internationally respected leader and award-winning expert in immunology, inflammation, and cellular metabolism,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes.
“A celebrated author and highly sought speaker, his recent work produced new experimental drugs giving hope to millions of patients with debilitating inflammatory diseases.”
The Marsh Lecture series was made possible by an endowment from the late Leonard Marsh and his family. The series honours the memory of Leonard Marsh, co-founder of Snapple Beverage Corporation and a major supporter of the Feinstein Institutes.
Mr Marsh’s legendary enthusiasm for new ideas and innovations continues to inspire the Feinstein Institutes scientific faculty and staff.
