S2 E18: My Conversation with Dr. Mikki Tal about How She Is Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Infection-Associated Chronic Illness

What makes some people vulnerable to devastating chronic illness after infections that most recover from easily? Dr. Michal "Mikki" Tal, pioneering immunoengineer at MIT, is tackling this question through her groundbreaking Maestro study - the largest clinical research project currently underway at the prestigious institution.

Personal tragedy fuels Dr. Tal's scientific mission. After losing both an uncle to HIV/AIDS and a cousin to meningococcal meningitis, she developed a profound respect for infectious diseases and determination to understand immune system dysfunction. Now, her research examines why infection-associated chronic illnesses like Long COVID and chronic Lyme disease disproportionately affect women, what biological mechanisms prevent recovery, and how we might predict who's at risk.

The conversation explores fascinating biological concepts, including how our immune cells recognize "eat me" versus "don't eat me" signals, and how some pathogens have evolved to manipulate these systems. Dr. Tal introduces her powerful metaphor: "If you took a bacterial road to Rome or a viral road to Rome, once you're in Rome, does it matter anymore how you got there?" This question frames her approach to understanding whether treatment should focus on the triggering infection or the resulting immune dysfunction.

Dr. Tal advocates for a revolutionary "systems medicine" approach that bridges traditional medical specialties to address complex conditions. Her research employs cutting-edge techniques to objectively measure everything from blood vessel appearance to cognitive function, seeking patterns that might predict or explain chronic illness development. Most exciting are the preliminary findings showing significant cognitive impacts, particularly in reaction time, that could immediately inform clinical care.

The Maestro study continues seeking participants, particularly those newly diagnosed with Lyme disease. By examining genetics, microbiome, immune responses, and countless other variables simultaneously, Dr. Tal hopes to finally unlock the mystery of why some people can't bounce back from infections - and how we might help them recover. If you've recently been diagnosed with Lyme disease, consider participating in this groundbreaking research that could change medicine's understanding of chronic illness forever.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Credits: Music by Kingsley Durant from his "Convertible" album

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