CSB Special Seminar: “Designing synthetic systems to program cell death and immunity” Shiyu Xia, PhD, January 16, 2025, Munzer!
The Department of Chemical and Systems Biology Presents Special Seminar:
Shiyu Xia, PhD
California Institute of Technology
Thursday, January 16, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Munzer Auditorium
Talk Title: “Designing synthetic systems to program cell death and immunity”
Talk Abstract: How can we apply the principles of cell death signaling to develop programmable synthetic systems that reshape immune processes? In this seminar, I will share my journey of uncovering the molecular secrets of pyroptosis — a fiery, highly inflammatory form of cell death — and how these discoveries have inspired the design of synthetic protein systems for precise control of mammalian cell death. These systems allow us to quantitatively program immunity to eliminate harmful cells, modulate inflammation, and influence disease outcomes. My research demonstrates how understanding natural signaling mechanisms enables the creation of innovative synthetic systems with broad translational utility.