Schistosoma-2026 Speaker Announcement
We are pleased to feature Dr. Parisa Kalantari, Assistant Professor of Immunology in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Penn State University, as a speaker at the II Global Virtual Symposium on Schistosomiasis.
Dr. Kalantari’s research focuses on innate immune sensing and inflammasome signaling pathways, particularly how host immune responses drive inflammation and disease severity in parasitic infections. Her work integrates molecular immunology with translational insights to identify key regulators of host–pathogen interactions.
Her recent research reveals that NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes act as central amplifiers of disease pathology, driving IL-1β production, pyroptotic cell death, and pathogenic Th17 responses in response to Schistosoma mansoni eggs. These pathways interact with caspase-1, caspase-8, and Gasdermin D, forming a critical axis that exacerbates granulomatous inflammation while counteracting protective interferon signaling.
This work not only advances our understanding of schistosomiasis immunopathology but also highlights novel therapeutic targets within inflammasome pathways for controlling severe disease outcomes.
Join us for cutting-edge discussions at the intersection of immunology, parasitology, and global health.
Save the Date
June 2, 2026
Online | Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Stay tuned for more speaker announcements and program updates!
This conference is organized by Impact Research Communications (IRC)
More info: https://schistosomiasisconference.com/ | Schistosomiasis Research Network
