2008 marked the twenty-year anniversary of the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology. Over that time we have relied on the strength of our people and the quality of our research.  Their dedication and passion have established the La Jolla Institute as a world leader in immune-disease research.

Our collaborative environment has led to breakthrough discoveries and the advancement of many new therapies that will continue to improve the health of those suffering most from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.  We have made tremendous advancements over the past ten years, and today our efforts continue to make an even greater impact.

We are advancing research towards the treatment, prevention and cure for debilitating diseases such as Type 1 (juvenile) Diabetes; modeling pathogens to develop vaccines for the dangerous Dengue virus; discovering antibodies that may prevent the outbreak of smallpox; and creating innovative approaches to treat allergy reactions.  Our labs are also developing four potential therapies that may be used to treat a host of immune diseases including: asthma, dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, eczema, psoriasis and organ transplant rejection.

This year, I am also pleased to announce we are adding five new full-time faculty members, building out new laboratory space and adding an entire division dedicated to genetics research.  With the addition of the Division for Signaling & Gene Expression, enhanced capabilities in microscopy and imaging and plans for expanded and new core facilities, the La Jolla Institute is poised to conquer the last frontier of disease progression with RNAi screening technology.

Thanks to the generous and continued support of our donors, our scientists will remain on the cutting-edge of discovery and exploration.  Donations received in 2008 continue to have a direct impact on our research and success.  Over the next five years we will continue to make discoveries that are even more transformational.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and supporting our mission--Finding Cures Faster through focused research on the immune system.  We know that our research will have a powerful impact on and improve the lives of millions of people.  I look forward to keeping you updated on our discoveries.

Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D.
President & Chief Scientific Officer