Date: 23 May 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Cheung Kung Hai Lecture Theatre 1, G/F, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road  

5:00 p.m.

Presenter: Haining CHEN (PhD candidate)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Jiandong HUANG
Presentation Title: Profiling antibody responses against allergens using SLISA (Sequencing-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay)
Abstract: Allergies are a global concern affecting nearly one-third of the population. IgE has been proved to be the causative antibody in this immune response, while increased IgG4 titer indicates tolerance development. Here, we are aiming to profile these two antibodies’ responses and their binding specificities in allergy using SLISA. SLISA, the sequencing-linked immunosorbent assay, is the noval assay developed by our lab based on principles of the mRNA display techniques and ELISA. Utilizing the mRNA display technique, our SLISA allergen library incorporates the genomes of all known allergens in the database, allowing us to prepare allergen epitopes of interest along with their corresponding nucleic acid tags. By presenting the epitope library to allergic individuals' serum, we can obtain allergy-related antibody profiles through the binding of allergen-specific antibodies to the corresponding allergen epitope. Our goal is to establish a highly sensitive and high-throughput platform using SLISA for the identification of allergens and profiling antibody responses in individuals with allergies.

5:30 p.m.

Presenter: Mayur MUKHI (PhD candidate)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Rubén HERVAS MILLAN
Presentation Title: Cryo-EM structure of β-amyloid aggregates in Biliary Atresia: investigating the role of amyloid deposition in an incurable infant liver disease
Abstract: Biliary Atresia (BA) is an inflammatory liver disease primarily affecting infants. Late diagnosis often leads to the need for a liver transplant in approximately half of the cases, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection. Recent studies have indicated the presence of intracellular aggregates of β-amyloid, typically associated with extracellular plaques in Alzheimer's Disease, surrounding bile ducts in the livers of BA patients. However, it remains uncertain if these aggregates possess the defining characteristics of amyloids, including a distinct cross-β sheet structure. To address this, we employ a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing human BA tissues and electron cryo-microscopy to determine the three-dimensional atomic structure of aggregated β-amyloid derived from BA patients. By doing so, we aim to enhance our understanding of BA's underlying pathobiology, paving the way for the development of innovative diagnostic approaches and targeted therapies based on the insights gained from the structural analysis.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact Jerry Siu at 3917 6912.