From protective immune responses without inflammation to the next generation of vaccinologists: insights and inspiration from Prof. Yasmine Belkaid
Prof. Yasmine Belkaid, President of the Institut Pasteur, graciously accepted our invitation to deliver a special lecture for the Master LIVE Belkaid promotion, titled “Homeostatic immunity to skin microbiota: Implications for vaccine design”. She highlighted the pioneering work of a PhD student in her laboratory who wanted to determine if the immune interactions observed between the host and gut microbiota also exists in the skin microbiota. The research revealed that the presence of commensal bacteria in the skin, which are concentrated in the hair follicles, are required to mount an immune response to control infection or to respond to a vaccine. Surprisingly, these non-invasive skin microbiotas were also found to be capable of inducing protective and durable T-cell and antibody responses by generating a tertiary lymphoid organ (TLO) in the skin without inflammation. These findings challenge the dogma in immunology that danger signals from tissue damage or pathogens are required to induce immune activation. This discovery generated a lot of excitement in the field as this knowledge can be potentially applied to developing new strategies for vaccines by exploring how we can engage the immune system without inflammation.
Our generation faces unique challenges such as the emergence of novel pathogens, climate-sensitive infectious diseases, and building trust in vaccines. Prof. Belkaid reminded us about the vital role of scientists who are not only discoverers but also guardians of truth and protectors of society. Therefore, she urged us to persevere, to continue questioning, and to push the boundaries of what science can achieve. After the inspirational talk, the Belkaid promotion found an advocate in the persona of Prof. Yasmine whose passion for the field of immunology was overflowing and whose confidence in the next generation of vaccinologists evoked a renewed sense of purpose in each one of us who envision to make a difference in other people’s lives one vaccine at a time.
2025.12.05 – Erika Cleofas Master LIVE M2 Student Belkaid Prom’
Rethinking Immunity: How Skin Microbiota Could Shape the Future of Vaccines
From protective immune responses without inflammation to the next generation of vaccinologists: insights and inspiration from Prof. Yasmine Belkaid
Prof. Yasmine Belkaid, President of the Institut Pasteur, graciously accepted our invitation to deliver a special lecture for the Master LIVE Belkaid promotion, titled “Homeostatic immunity to skin microbiota: Implications for vaccine design”. She highlighted the pioneering work of a PhD student in her laboratory who wanted to determine if the immune interactions observed between the host and gut microbiota also exists in the skin microbiota. The research revealed that the presence of commensal bacteria in the skin, which are concentrated in the hair follicles, are required to mount an immune response to control infection or to respond to a vaccine. Surprisingly, these non-invasive skin microbiotas were also found to be capable of inducing protective and durable T-cell and antibody responses by generating a tertiary lymphoid organ (TLO) in the skin without inflammation. These findings challenge the dogma in immunology that danger signals from tissue damage or pathogens are required to induce immune activation. This discovery generated a lot of excitement in the field as this knowledge can be potentially applied to developing new strategies for vaccines by exploring how we can engage the immune system without inflammation.
Our generation faces unique challenges such as the emergence of novel pathogens, climate-sensitive infectious diseases, and building trust in vaccines. Prof. Belkaid reminded us about the vital role of scientists who are not only discoverers but also guardians of truth and protectors of society. Therefore, she urged us to persevere, to continue questioning, and to push the boundaries of what science can achieve. After the inspirational talk, the Belkaid promotion found an advocate in the persona of Prof. Yasmine whose passion for the field of immunology was overflowing and whose confidence in the next generation of vaccinologists evoked a renewed sense of purpose in each one of us who envision to make a difference in other people’s lives one vaccine at a time.
2025.12.05 – Erika Cleofas
Master LIVE M2 Student Belkaid Prom’
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