My team investigates the impacts of interferon hyperactivity and immune dysregulation in Down syndrome. We are testing the hypothesis that immune dysregulation drives many of the clinical and developmental hallmarks of Down syndrome. There is now a vibrant community of immunologists studying Down syndrome, and I believe that attending the Cytokines meetings enabled us to highlight Down syndrome research and has helped foster this community.
On a different matter, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, doing house projects, gardening in the Summer, and playing guitar with friends when I’m out of the lab.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Joaquin M. Espinosa, PhD, Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University of Colorado.
Where did you do your training?
I obtained my PhD at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and later completed my post-doctoral training at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My team investigates the impacts of interferon hyperactivity and immune dysregulation in Down syndrome. We are testing the hypothesis that immune dysregulation drives many of the clinical and developmental hallmarks of Down syndrome. We are currently running multiple clinical trials testing immunomodulatory therapies in Down syndrome.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
Attending the ICIS conferences has been really helpful to our research team, where we have learned and lot and made a lot of important connections.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Attending the Cytokines meetings enabled us to highlight Down syndrome research as an area of opportunity for this community. There is now a vibrant community of immunologists studying Down syndrome and I believe that attending these conferences has helped foster this community.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
No favorites, all great!
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I enjoy hiking in the mountains, doing house projects, gardening in the Summer, and playing guitar with friends.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
I love the book “Zen and the Art of Making a Living” by Lawrence Boldt. It is full of great career advice! It boils down to finding your Ikigai, that is, doing something that a) you are good at, b) you love doing, and c) the world needs.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I just finished watching the series “Killing Eve” in Netflix, I thought Jodie Comer was amazing. Regarding books, “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman is always on my nightstand, I could probably read it 10 times and still learn something new…
What is your favorite cytokine?
Interferons of course. I love all my interferons the same, but lately I have developed a soft spot in my heart for gamma…