We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sin-Hyeog Im from Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea will join Second Conjoint RIKEN – ISM 2026 as a speaker and give a presentation entitled “Precision Microbiome Therapeutics to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy“.

Summary:

Dr. Sin-Hyeog Im, a leading expert in immunology and microbiome research, will discuss how precision microbiome therapeutics can reshape cancer immunotherapy by harnessing the complex interactions between gut microbiota and the host immune system.

Our immune system maintains homeostasis through a delicate balance between active immunity and tolerance, governed by the coordinated interaction of genetic factors and environmental cues, including intestinal microbiota. Dysregulation of commensal flora is closely linked to immune disorders, neurological conditions, and metabolic syndromes, and it significantly influences varied responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-L1/PD-1 and CTLA-4. Candidates for microbiome therapy include bioactive metabolites, cellular components, and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs).

During his talk, Sin-Hyeog Im will present Avatiome^TM, an innovative platform screening system that mimics the human body’s immune system and microbiome, integrating immunophenotyping, single-cell transcriptomics, and artificial intelligence to identify immunostimulatory microorganisms. He will discuss the discovery of IMB001, a candidate with anti-cancer activity, and the underlying mechanisms of its effector molecules across diverse pre-clinical models, as well as their potential therapeutic applications.

This presentation, positioned at the intersection of biotechnology innovation and microbiota-based therapies, aligns with Session 4: Therapeutic Interventions for Healthy Aging. It links precision probiotics, metabolite therapeutics, microbiota-driven metabolic interventions, and startup-led biotech innovation to highlight practical approaches for enhancing systemic health and resilience.