I run a small translational research program largely centered around the biology of the inflammasome-activated cytokine IL-18, and particularly as it relates to causing an overwhelming systemic inflammatory disease called Macrophage Activation Syndrome. We also try to understand how “hyperinflammatory syndromes” happen in general by modeling the T-cell Immune Synapse.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Scott Canna, M.D., Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
Physician, Pediatric Rheumatology and Immune Dysregulation, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Where did you do your training?
Undergraduate – Johns Hopkins University
Medical School – George Washington University
Residency – University of Colorado
Fellowship – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Post-doc – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Intramural Research Program
Briefly, what is your research about?
I run a small translational research program largely centered around the biology of the inflammasome-activated cytokine IL-18, and particularly as it relates to causing an overwhelming systemic inflammatory disease called Macrophage Activation Syndrome. We also try to understand how “hyperinflammatory syndromes” happen in general by modeling the T-cell Immune Synapse.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
It’s a great group and a great meeting focused on bringing together the best science – helping make connections – and making sure trainees shine and benefit from that environment.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Helped to solidify and expand many existing relationships.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
My first cytokines meeting was, I think, in Washington DC and I was very impressed by the line-up and format. Learned a lot without getting overwhelmed or finding things intellectually inaccessible. Athens was a great city, great meeting, and I had two pretty junior trainees (a post-bacc and an early grad student) give talks that were received with genuine scientific interest and warmth/support for their being so junior.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Annoy my daughters, mountain bike.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
1. It’s every bit as hard as it looks, but there’s nothing more interesting than being in research.
2. You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
3. Rarely does anyone ask you to do something that’s worthless. You have to lump your opportunities into those that are good, better, and best. No one else can prioritize them for you. Then you have to start getting very comfortable saying no to those that are just “good”, and most of those that are “better.”
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Just started reading book 1 of the Discworld series with my daughter.
What is your favorite cytokine?
IL-18. Silly question. Is there another possible answer?