In this regard, the Centro Ciencia & Vida of the Universidad San Sebastian stands as a fundamental pillar, driving frontier research in this highly relevant field. Since its creation nearly 30 years ago, this scientific technological center of excellence has had the understanding and manipulation of the immune system to fight diseases as one of its main pillars. This legacy is reflected today in multiple lines of research that explore the complexities of the human body's defenses, seeking to decipher their mechanisms in both health and disease.

This has led the Center to promote an ecosystem where scientific curiosity and innovation converge to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, positioning immunology as one of its strategic areas of development. The science that studies our complex defense system is one of the five fundamental pillars of the Centro Ciencia & Vida, where it is approached from multiple fronts with cutting-edge research.

Impactful immunological research

The Center's work in immunology spans a broad and relevant spectrum. Notable are the efforts dedicated to understanding the immune response to infectious agents of local and global importance, through research led by doctors Nicole Tischler, María Rosa Bono, Rodrigo Pacheco, Mario Rosemblatt, among others. Research groups within our Center study how the immune system interacts with various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, with the ultimate goal of designing more effective therapeutic and preventive strategies. This includes the development and evaluation of new vaccine platforms, a field where the historical expertise of its founders, doctors Bernardita Méndez, Pablo Valenzuela, and Mario Rosemblatt, provides a solid foundation and a long-term vision.

Another crucial front is cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Researchers Alvaro Lladser, Hugo González, Vincenzo Borgna, and Daniela Sauma, from the Centro Ciencia & Vida, are immersed in unraveling the mechanisms through which tumor cells manage to evade immune surveillance. This knowledge is vital for the development of innovative immunotherapies, treatments that seek to reactivate or enhance the patient's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. These range from therapeutic antibodies to strategies based on modified immune cells (CAR-T), always with the goal of generating more effective and less toxic alternatives for cancer patients.

Another area addresses the study of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases led by researchers Rodrigo Pacheco, Carolina Prado, and María Rosa Bono, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Understanding the triggers and molecular processes behind these pathologies is essential for developing early diagnostics and targeted therapies that can control inflammation and restore immunological tolerance.

Our goal transcends the expansion of scientific knowledge; we seek to translate our work into concrete solutions that improve public health nationally and internationally, fostering innovation and biotechnological development from Chile.

What distinguishes the Centro Ciencia & Vida (FCV-USS) is not only the quality of its basic science, but also its commitment to technology transfer by actively fostering the connection between laboratory discoveries and their practical application, which is materialized through collaborations with the clinical sector, the pharmaceutical industry, and the creation of spin-off companies that seek to bring new diagnostic tools and therapies to the market and, ultimately, to patients.

The interdisciplinary approach is key. The Center's immunologists work collaboratively with molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, virologists, and other specialists, using cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and advanced flow cytometry to obtain a comprehensive view of immune processes.

Advanced human capital training and innovation ecosystem

Beyond direct research, the Centro Ciencia & Vida (FCV-USS) plays a key role in training new generations of scientists in Chile, including future immunologists. Through its doctoral and postgraduate programs, it contributes to strengthening the critical mass of researchers in the country.

The Center also has the Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting unit, which has provided services to numerous research groups throughout Chile and was recognized as a Regional Center of Excellence in Cytometry for Latin America (Southern Cone) in 2024.

In addition to supporting research, this unit is fundamental for advanced training and human capital development, offering training programs that include:

  • The course “Introduction to Flow Cytometry”, which provides essential knowledge and practical skills on the use of this technique in research. It covers theory, data analysis, and troubleshooting, and is designed for students and researchers of all levels.

  • The event “Let the Science Flow Talks with Fundación Ciencia & Vida”, a seminar that introduces the basic theory of flow cytometry and presents recent advances in high-dimensional flow cytometry and nanoparticles, with discussions on the latest developments in spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting.

This facility and its training programs contribute to the Center's strategy of supporting other national research groups by providing access to specialized equipment and training in critical skills. The commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and the advancement of knowledge consolidates us as a fundamental player in the search for solutions to complex diseases. By deciphering the secrets of the immune system, the Centro Ciencia & Vida of the USS not only expands the frontiers of knowledge but also lays the foundation for improving people's health and well-being.

As a reminder on this day, it is vital to understand that the immune system is not static. Its efficacy depends on factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, physical activity, and, of course, vaccination.

Today, immunology brings us hope and therapies that radically improve the quality of life of patients with diseases previously considered incurable. The ongoing work of the Centro Ciencia & Vida is essential to continue driving this scientific revolution and ensuring that its benefits reach those who need them most.