Autoimmune Life Blog

As wildfire smoke becomes more common in the Pacific Northwest, BRI scientists are learning more about how it influences immune system function. We asked Dr. Megan Smithmyer about her research in this area and a new study examining the immune systems of wildland firefighters.

Each summer, BRI welcomes undergraduate interns across our labs. Interns come from universities across the country to get hands-on research experience, learn new tools and techniques and explore careers in biomedical research.

Bernard Khor, MD, PhD, examines how Down syndrome impacts the immune system.

Sarah Kobernat, PhD, is working to find out.

Learn how our biorepositories power life-changing breakthroughs.

Benaroya Research Institute honors and remembers (“Becky”) Benaroya, a beloved member of our community whose generosity, compassion and commitment to improving lives leaves a remarkable impact.

Read recent highlights and learn what’s on the horizon in 2026 from BRI President Jane Buckner, MD.

Learn the backstory of a discovery that changed our understanding of the immune system and earned a Nobel Prize from Steven Ziegler, PhD.

Explore work from Daniel Campbell, PhD, examining how a cytokine called IL2 could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Learn how research led by Jane Buckner, MD, is bringing regulatory T cell-based therapies closer to clinical trials.