US scientist dwells on strategies to combat diseases at vet varsity
Internationally-renowned scientist Dr Barry T Rouse from the University of Tennessee, USA, delivered a talk on ‘how our immune system battles pathogens’ at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
The session explored groundbreaking approaches to help manage immune system overreactions that often worsen diseases.
Dr Rouse explained the critical challenges posed by immune dysfunction in diseases such as dengue, hepatitis, and Covid. Using the pandemic as a case study, he described the phenomenon of “cytokine storm,” where an overactive immune response caused widespread tissue damage and multi-organ failure.
These insights shed light on how our body’s defense system, when uncontrolled, can turn into its greatest enemy.
Dr Rouse detailed how viruses evaded detection by altering their appearance or hiding within the body. Despite these challenges, he offered hope with cutting-edge solutions. His discussion included advanced therapeutic interventions. Dr Rouse demonstrated how the gut microbiome could be harnessed to counter harmful immune reactions.
Dr LD Singla, Director of Human Resource Management Centre, emphasised the importance of global collaborations in advancing veterinary and medical research.
Dr JPS Gill, vice-chancellor, was commended for facilitating such invaluable interactions, positioning the university as a leader in immunopathology research.
Dr Shalini Sharma and Dr Shilpa Sood, from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, enriched the event by sharing their personal experiences.
