Immune Matters: a PIDTC Podcast

About Immune Matters: a PIDTC Podcast

Join Jack McDonnell, MD, a pediatric immunologist and assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, and Elie Haddad, MD, PhD, a clinician-researcher in pediatric immunology, full professor at the University of Montreal, and head of the Immunology and Rheumatology department at CHU Sainte-Justine, as they explore the evolving world of immune deficiency and dysregulation. Presented by the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium (PIDTC), this podcast features conversations with leading experts, pioneering researchers, patients, and advocacy groups. Each episode uncovers cutting-edge research, clinical challenges, and personal stories—ensuring that the patient voice remains at the center of the discussion. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, patient, or advocate, Immune Matters brings you the latest insights in diagnosis, treatment, and innovation in primary immune disorders. Tune in to explore the science, the stories, and the future of immune health. The Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium (PIDTC) is a part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network of the Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). This work was supported by the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (DAIT, NIAID) and the ORDR under cooperative agreements U54-AI082973 and U54-NS064808 and grants R13-AI094943 and 1R24AI184316-01. The content and opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official policy or position of the NIAID, ORDR, NCATS, NIH, HRSA, or any other agency of the US Government.

Publisher

Jack McDonnell

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 May 2025

Latest episode

28 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Sept 2026

   PIDTC Immune Matters – Episode 8 History of the PIDTC

   In this episode of Immune Matters, hosts Jack McDonnell and Elie Haddad explore the history of the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium (PIDTC) with Dr. Mort Cowan. The conversation looks back at how the consortium developed, the people and collaborations that shaped its work, and its role in advancing research and treatment for rare inherited disorders of the immune system. The discussion highlights the importance of multi-center collaboration, long-term patient follow-up, and the shared scientific infrastructure needed to study rare diseases. Mort also reflects on the PIDTC’s evolution and the lessons its history offers for the future of clinical research and patient care. Music: “Highway 430” by Blue Dot Sessions, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. Keywords: PIDTC, primary immunodeficiency, inborn errors of immunity, rare diseases, immune disorders, clinical research, stem cell transplant, bone marrow transplant, gene therapy, NIH, Immune Matters.

2. 

   4 May 2026

   PIDTC Immune Matters - Episode 6 Patient Perspective BMT Survivor

   In this episode of Immune Matters, hosts Jack McDonnell and Elie Haddad speak with Dr. Simon Tabchi, a physician, transplant survivor, and advocate living with a history of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). Simon shares his childhood diagnosis, bone marrow transplant journey, and how surviving a rare primary immunodeficiency inspired his career in medicine and patient advocacy. The discussion explores the patient perspective of transplantation, including prolonged isolation, recovery, family impact, and the importance of early treatment. Simon also reflects on how newer options such as gene therapy are expanding hope for families facing WAS today. The episode concludes with a conversation about survivorship, mentorship, and the value of connecting newly diagnosed families with those who have already walked the path. Simon explains how advocacy can help patients navigate both treatment and life after transplant. Keywords: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, WAS, bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant, gene therapy, primary immunodeficiency, patient advocacy, survivorship, rare disease, immune deficiency

3. 

   19 Mar 2026

   PIDTC Immune Matters - Episode 5 Emapalumab

   In this episode of Immune Matters, hosts Jack McDonnell and Elie Haddad speak with Dr. Joseph Oved, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and transplant specialist at Columbia University, about the biologic therapy emapalumab (Gamifant). The discussion explores how this anti–interferon-gamma monoclonal antibody is used to treat hyperinflammatory conditions such as primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome. Dr. Oved explains the underlying immunology of interferon-gamma–driven inflammation and how targeted blockade of this pathway can interrupt the cycle of immune dysregulation. The conversation also examines emerging applications of emapalumab in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including its potential role in preventing graft rejection, managing hyperinflammation, and improving transplant outcomes in patients with inborn errors of immunity. The episode concludes with a discussion of ongoing research, the importance of precision medicine in immune dysregulation disorders, and new PIDTC initiatives that allow clinicians to collaborate on complex cases and share expertise across institutions. Note: for more information on how you can get the PIDTC's help with a complex case, please email Jessica.Ni@ucsf.edu or Lisa.Lim@ucsf.edu . Keywords: emapalumab, Gamifant, HLH, macrophage activation syndrome, interferon-gamma, hyperinflammation, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, graft rejection, inborn errors of immunity, PIDTC, immune dysregulation, biologics, precision medicine, clinical immunology

4. 

   6 Dec 2025

   Immune Matters Episode 4, Rebecca and Dani, Chiron

   In this episode of Immune Matters, hosts Jack and Elie discuss the Chiron platform with guests Dr. Rebecca Marsh and Dr. Dani Arnold. Chiron is a data interaction tool designed by the PIDTC for researchers in the field of immune deficiency. Dr. Marsh and Dr. Arnold explore Chiron's features and clinical applications, emphasizing its potential to enhance patient care and research outcomes. The conversation also touches on future developments and access to the platform for investigators. Keywords: immune deficiency, immune dysregulation, Chiron platform, PIDTC, patient experience, data interaction, clinical research, transplant outcomes, immune disorders, healthcare technology

5. 

   26 Aug 2025

   Immune Matters Episode 3, Jen, SCID

   In this episode of Immune Matters, Dr. Jack McDonnell and Dr. Elie Haddad welcome Dr. Jen Heimall, an expert in severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). They discuss the complexities of SCID, including its diagnosis, management, and the importance of newborn screening. Dr. Heimall shares insights from her research on treatment outcomes and the significance of collaboration in SCID care. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by patients and families, the evolving landscape of gene therapy, and the urgent questions that remain in the field of immunology. Keywords SCID, immune deficiency, pediatric immunology, bone marrow transplant, gene therapy, patient experience, newborn screening, PIDTC, immunology research, immune system

6. 

   14 Jun 2025

   Immune Matters Episode 2, Jen, Chronic Granulomatous Disease

   In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Leiding, a pediatric clinical immunologist, discusses Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) with Jack and Elie. CGD is an inherited immune deficiency that leads to severe infections and autoimmunity. She explains the dual nature of immune deficiency and autoimmunity in CGD patients, the role of transplantation as a treatment option, and the expectations for families receiving a CGD diagnosis. Dr. Leiding also shares insights from her research on CGD, the complexities surrounding the concept of a cure, and the emotional burden faced by families. The conversation touches on the potential of gene therapy as an experimental treatment and highlights the often-overlooked symptoms experienced by carrier mothers of X-linked CGD. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of CGD, its challenges, and the ongoing efforts to improve patient outcomes. The Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium (PIDTC) is a part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network of the Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). This work was supported by the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (DAIT, NIAID) and the ORDR under cooperative agreements U54-AI082973 and U54-NS064808 and grants R13-AI094943 and 1R24AI184316-01. The content and opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official policy or position of the NIAID, ORDR, NCATS, NIH, HRSA, or any other agency of the US Government. Keywords: Chronic Granulomatous Disease, CGD, immune deficiency, transplantation, gene therapy, pediatric immunology, autoimmune disease, PIDTC, patient care, immunology

7. 

   31 May 2025

   Immune Matters Episode 1, Blachy and Jessie, Wiskott Aldrich

   In this episode of Immune Matters: a PIDTC Podcast, Dr. Jack McDonnell and Dr. Elie Haddad, along with guests Dr. Blachy Davila and Dr. Jessie Alexander, delve into Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare X-linked immunodeficiency affecting boys. They discuss the clinical manifestations, management strategies, and the importance of bone marrow transplantation as a definitive treatment. The conversation highlights a recent study analyzing transplant outcomes and conditioning regimens, emphasizing the need for timely intervention and collaboration in research to improve patient care. The Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium (PIDTC) is a part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network of the Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). This work was supported by the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (DAIT, NIAID) and the ORDR under cooperative agreements U54-AI082973 and U54-NS064808 and grants R13-AI094943 and 1R24AI184316-01. The content and opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official policy or position of the NIAID, ORDR, NCATS, NIH, HRSA, or any other agency of the US Government.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.