From lab to life: Bridging research and clinical practice in immunology

In recent years, immunology has emerged as one of the central pillars of modern medicine. Breakthroughs in molecular biology, biotechnology, and immunotherapies are opening new frontiers in the diagnosis and treatment of complex allergic and immune-mediated diseases.

To update the latest scientific advancements while fostering academic exchange and research collaboration in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Vinmec – VinUni Research Institute for Immunology, in collaboration with the Vinmec Times City Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center, hosted the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference on March 27 – 28, 2026, under the theme: “Advances in the Precision Immunology Era: From Research to Clinical Practice.”

The conference brought together scientists, clinicians, and healthcare experts from Vietnam and around the world to exchange insights on the latest developments in immunology and their application in clinical practice.

From research to clinical application

A central theme throughout the conference was the translation of advances in immunological research into more effective treatment solutions for patients.

Presentations highlighted how emerging approaches – from targeted therapies to cellular technologies – are gradually transforming the treatment landscape for complex immune-related diseases.

Key highlights included:

• Prof. Craig: Chronic urticaria (also known as chronic hives) is a condition where patients develop persistent itchy rashes and swelling that can last for months or even years. Prof. Craig introduced the latest international treatment guidelines for urticaria, published in 2026. A key update is the addition of remibrutinib, a new targeted medicine for patients whose symptoms do not respond to antihistamines.
• Prof. Michelle: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own, causing inflammation that can damage organs and even the brain. Prof. Michelle talked about a promising new approach called CAR-T cell therapy. This technology takes a patient’s own immune cells, modifies them, and returns them to the body to eliminate the immune cells that are causing the disease.
• Prof. Sheryl: Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a newly recognized allergy that can develop after a tick bite. In this condition, the tick bite triggers the immune system to react to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which is found in red meat such as beef, pork, or lamb. As a result, some people can develop severe allergic reactions hours after eating these foods. Prof. van Nunen discussed how doctors can better recognize, diagnose, and manage this unusual allergy.

These discussions reflect a broader shift in modern medicine – from generalized treatment approaches toward precision; personalized care grounded in a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms.

Connecting the research and clinical community

Beyond in-depth scientific presentations, the conference also created a platform for connection among researchers, clinicians, and healthcare institutions, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of immunology.

The participation of leading experts expanded perspectives on both the challenges and opportunities in research and treatment of immune-related diseases, including:

• Prof. Timothy John Craig: New treatment options for chronic urticaria Director, Hereditary Angioedema Center (ACARE) Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA
• Prof. Michelle L. Hermiston: A new approach to treat Lupus: Dean, College of Health Sciences, VinUni
• Prof. Sheryl van Nunen: Tick bite allergy Clinical Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney Professor, Macquarie University, Australia
• Assc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Đĩnh: Director, Vinmec – VinUni Institute of Immunology. Director, Center of Excellence in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vinmec Times City
• Prof. Mark Coles: Professor of Immunology, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
• Prof. Trí Phan: Program Director, Precision Immunology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Australia
• Prof. Đinh Xuân Anh Tuấn: Professor of Physiology and Medicine, Head of Department of Physiology – Functional Testing, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
• Dr. Chu Chí Hiếu: Head of the Allergy Unit, Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam

Poster presentations and academic discussions also provided opportunities for early-career researchers and clinicians to present their work, contributing to a more connected and evolving scientific community.

Toward the future of precision immunology

As immunology continues to advance, the challenge lies not only in generating new knowledge, but also in translating that knowledge into meaningful clinical applications.

The 2026 Annual Scientific Conference reflects the shared commitment of VinUni and Vinmec to advancing this transition – bridging research and practice and contributing to improved healthcare outcomes through innovation.