Irini Sereti, MD, MHS. I currently work at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). I am the incoming chief of the Laboratories of Immunoregulation and Molecular Microbiology.
In both the clinic and the lab, I study inflammatory complications in people with HIV and the impact of CD4 lymphopenia in HIV and other conditions, specifically a rare disorder of unclear etiology called idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia (ICL). Lots of work on biomarkers and immune-based therapies in these conditions hence my affinity for cytokines.
When not in the clinic or lab, I enjoy being my daughter’s Uber service, this allows me to get all the “tea” and learn how to use lowkey correctly in a sentence.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, position:
Irini Sereti, MD, MHS. I currently work at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). I am the incoming chief of the Laboratories of Immunoregulation and Molecular Microbiology.
Where did you do your training?
Medical Degree at the National University of Athens in Greece, Internal Medicine residency training at Northwestern University in Chicago, Infectious diseases fellowship at NIAID/NIH and MSc at Duke University.
Briefly, what is your research about?
In both the clinic and the lab, I study inflammatory complications in people with HIV and the impact of CD4 lymphopenia in HIV and other conditions, specifically a rare disorder of unclear etiology called idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia (ICL). Lots of work on biomarkers and immune-based therapies in these conditions hence my affinity for cytokines.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society help your career?
It is an amazing group of people doing fascinating work. The conferences are vibrant with great science and excellent discussions.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
I loved meeting and working with Joan Oefner, the managing director of ICIS, while organizing the annual meeting. It was also a joy to meet Chris Hunter, Sarah Gaffen and Vangelis Andreakos in Athens!
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
Athens– enjoying the view of the Acropolis with good company and wine, great translational science, rocking with the Metabollix!
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
When not in the clinic or lab, I enjoy being my daughter’s Uber service, this allows me to get all the “tea” and learn how to use lowkey correctly in a sentence.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Still waiting for it… the one I give is that “hope is not a plan”.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
TV show: Peaky Blinders (I know, I’m late), incredible characters and music. Books: recently read Think Again by Adam Grant (highly recommended!) which I am still …rethinking, and just finished the Team of rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin (a masterpiece).
What is your favorite cytokine?
So hard to choose… I particularly like the upsilon-c ones and have been eyeing some adipokines lately.