Prof. Danuta Gutowska-Owsiak from the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG has been awarded the EFIS Eastern Star Award 2026. This prestigious honour from the European Federation of Immunological Societies is awarded annually to just three scientists from Eastern Europe conducting outstanding research in the field of immunology.

The EFIS Eastern Star Award supports immunological research in Eastern Europe and provides funding for the consumable materials necessary to carry out such research.

‘Receiving this award from EFIS, a highly respected organisation bringing together all European scientific societies active in the field of immunology, is a tremendous honour for me personally and a confirmation of the value of the research we are conducting within our team. I regard it as a mark of recognition for the work of my entire research group, which has been working intensively for years to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and beyond,’ emphasises the Head of the Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Immunology, prof. Danuta Gutowska-Owsiak. ‘I see this award as recognition of our achievements to date and as strong motivation to further develop our research. Joining the very select group of scientists honoured by EFIS - the “cream of the crop” in immunology - is also a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of our research.’

From atopic dermatitis to asthma

The European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) has recognised a project dedicated to a better understanding of the mechanisms of the so-called ‘allergic march’, that is, the process by which patients develop successive allergic diseases. The research focuses on lipid-dependent immune responses in the lungs and the role of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in modulating these responses.

‘In the award-winning project, we are studying tiny vesicles secreted by the body’s cells. They can be compared to microscopic ‘soap bubbles’ through which cells communicate with one another and transmit various types of information, as they contain a certain ‘cargo’ - various active molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids and other mediators,’ explains the researcher.

The team’s research began with an attempt to understand the role of these vesicles in the progression of atopic dermatitis. Today, the researchers also wish to investigate their significance in lung diseases. ‘We now want to investigate their role in lung diseases, particularly asthma, which often manifests in patients with ASA as part of the so-called ‘allergic march’. We want to understand how the functioning of patients’ immune systems changes under their influence,’ explains the biotechnologist.

‘A chance for new therapies’

As the researcher admits, the long-term goal is “to gain a better understanding of the impact of vesicles on what happens in patients’ lungs”. Understanding their role may pave the way for new therapies: ‘If we manage to precisely determine the role of vesicles in the course of these conditions, they could become new disease markers, enabling us to assess a patient’s condition more quickly and accurately, but also to develop targeted therapies that alleviate inflammation in the lungs, and perhaps even prevent the development of asthma in patients at risk of the condition,’ concludes the award winner.