LEAD Day 2026 Highlights Multi-Omics In Autoimmune Research

On September 15, 2026, the Global Autoimmune Institute and La Jolla Institute for Immunology held the second annual Lectures, Empowerment, and Awareness for Autoimmune Disease (LEAD) Day at the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, California. The event brought together scientists, clinicians, advocates, and members of the broader community to discuss emerging approaches to understanding autoimmune disease and other complex chronic conditions. 

AI and Multi-Omics: Building a New Era of Autoimmune and Chronic Disease Research

A scientific panel titled “AI and Multi-Omics: Building a New Era of Autoimmune and Chronic Disease Research” explored how artificial intelligence, genomics, proteomics, and other data-rich approaches are changing the way researchers study the immune system. Moderated by LJI Chief Scientific Officer Shane Crotty, Ph.D., the discussion featured Eric Topol, M.D.; Ferhat Ay, Ph.D.; and Sam Myers, Ph.D.

The panel focused in part on the challenge of connecting different layers of biological information, from genetic variation and gene expression to proteins, cell signaling, tissue behavior, and disease. Panelists discussed how AI may help researchers identify relationships within increasingly large and complex datasets, while also emphasizing that these tools still depend on high-quality data and experimental validation. 

Another major theme was the need for better ways to assess immune health over time. The panel discussed how longitudinal monitoring and emerging molecular tools could eventually help detect changes associated with autoimmune disease earlier, including in some cases before clinical diagnosis. Speakers also emphasized that blood alone cannot capture everything happening within tissues and immune organs.

New Autoimmune Disease Resource Guide

LEAD Day also marked the release of “Navigating Autoimmune Disease: A Guide to Research, Care, and Extending Healthspan,” a new patient and family resource presented by LJI and GAI. 

The guide brings together accessible information on the causes and classification of autoimmune disease, differences between autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions, genetics and environmental factors, sex-based differences in immune function, early detection and prevention, post-viral illness, vaccines, and the growing role of AI and multi-omics in autoimmune research. It also highlights work from LJI scientists, including research supported through the GAI-LJI partnership. 

The guide also features Global Autoimmune Institute Assistant Professor Sam Myers, Ph.D., whose laboratory uses proteomics, mass spectrometry, multi-omics, and computational analysis to study the molecular pathways that drive harmful immune responses and identify opportunities for more precise approaches to autoimmune disease. 

Following the panel, Dr. Topol presented his keynote lecture, “Super Agers and the Immune System,” which shares its title with his bestselling book, exploring the science of extending healthspan through innovations such as artificial intelligence and multi-omics. These are two areas of deep expertise at LJI that are helping transform research into autoimmune and other chronic diseases.

The event culminated with Dr. Topol receiving the Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award. Established through a partnership between the Global Autoimmune Institute and La Jolla Institute for Immunology, the award honors global leaders who have significantly advanced the understanding of autoimmune diseases and helped reshape the trajectory of the field. His lecture will be summarized and posted to the website in the near future.

Guests then gathered for a beautiful sunset reception overlooking the Pacific Ocean, enjoying an entirely gluten-free menu of refreshments and live music.

Thank you to all attendees for being part of LEAD Day 2026. We look forward to continuing the conversation and welcoming you back for LEAD Day 2027!