The immune system distinguishes between self and non-self but also between different types of non-self such as viruses and worms. T helper (Th) cells (CD4+) have a fundamental role in that challenge; following their first interaction with a pathogen, Th cells can differentiate into regulatory or effector lineages that differentially express cytokine genes. The effector lineages Th1, Th2, and Th17 are characterized by the expression of the signature cytokines Interferon g (IFNg), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and Interleukin-17 (IL-17), respectively. IFNg exerts protective functions in microbial infections and is observed clinically in cases of autoimmune diseases. IL-4 is strongly apparent in parasitic infections, and is associated with allergic reactions. IL-17 plays a role in the eradication of extracellular pathogens, but inappropriate responses can lead to autoimmunity.

Prof. Orly Avni is the Dean of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University in the Galilee. A dedicated scientist, educator, and leader, she has devoted her career to understanding how the immune system functions in health and disease, with the ultimate goal of improving human lives. Through groundbreaking research, medical education, and community engagement, she works to bridge scientific discovery with real-world impact, particularly for underserved populations in northern Israel and beyond.

Academic & Research Background

Prof. Avni holds a BSc in Biology, an MSc in Immunology, and a PhD from the Hebrew University, where she studied immune cell function under the mentorship of Prof. Eitan Yefenof and Prof. Michal Baniyash. She continued her research at Harvard Medical School in the lab of Prof. Anjana Rao, where she uncovered key epigenetic mechanisms controlling immune responses. Her pioneering work on histone modifications and chromatin accessibility in differentiating lymphocytes was published in Immunity and Nature Immunology.

In 2003, Prof. Avni established her own lab at the Technion’s Faculty of Medicine, focusing on the balance between commitment and plasticity in T-helper cell differentiation. Her discoveries on the dual function of Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins reshaped our understanding of immune memory and regulation.

Since joining the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in 2012, she has expanded her research to explore how the immune system interacts with the microbiota and organs, including the brain and heart, in health and disease. Her recent studies have revealed how epigenetic machinery utilizes intranuclear actin-skeleton dynamics to remodel chromatin—a breakthrough in understanding immune cell differentiation.

Bridging Research & Patient Care

Prof. Avni believes that scientific progress should serve humanity. Her research has critical implications for autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, mental health, and cardiovascular disorders—conditions that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. By investigating how stress and environmental factors shape immune responses, she seeks to develop strategies to improve resilience and prevent disease.

Her work on social stress and immunity uncovered that stress-responsive microbiota can induce autoimmunity and potentially increase the risk for inflammatory diseases and depression. These findings have opened new pathways for understanding the gut-brain-immune axis and its role in disease prevention.

Additionally, her research on Schistosoma mansoni, a parasite affecting millions in developing countries, has revealed how parasite-derived extracellular vesicles suppress immune responses. This work not only advances scientific knowledge but also contributes to developing new therapeutic strategies for neglected tropical diseases.

Philanthropy, Health Equity & Global Impact

Fighting Health Inequality

As a leader in academic medicine in northern Israel, Prof. Avni is deeply committed to improving healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities. She actively promotes initiatives that strengthen medical education, expand healthcare services, and train the next generation of physicians and scientists.

A passionate mentor, she is dedicated to empowering young scientists to pursue impactful careers in biomedical research and medicine. Her collaborations with hospitals and medical centers ensure that scientific discoveries translate into actionable medical solutions, improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities.

Global Health & Philanthropic Collaboration

Prof. Avni’s research extends to global health challenges, particularly in infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders. Her groundbreaking work on a novel cardio-cutaneous syndrome caused by a PPP1R13L mutation has significant implications for understanding inflammatory heart disease. In collaboration with geneticists and clinicians, she is working to identify at-risk populations and develop strategies for early diagnosis and intervention.

She also collaborates with international researchers, healthcare organizations, and philanthropic initiatives to develop innovative therapies that benefit patients worldwide, with a particular focus on diseases affecting low-resource populations. By partnering with global health advocates and funding bodies, she works to ensure that medical advances reach those most in need.

A Vision for the Future

Through her leadership, Prof. Avni continues to champion science as a force for good, ensuring that cutting-edge research leads to tangible benefits for individuals and communities worldwide. By bridging fundamental discoveries with medical applications and advocating for equitable healthcare, she is shaping a future where scientific innovation contributes to a healthier, more just, and more compassionate world.