Jutta E. Laiho

Background

About Jutta E. Laiho

Postdoctoral Researcher | Virology & Autoimmune Diseases | Scientific Project Manager I am a bioscientist at Tampere University, Finland, with a research focus on the role of viral infections—particularly enteroviruses—in the development of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). My work combines molecular virology, immunology, and clinical cohort studies to uncover how early-life viral exposures may trigger or modulate autoimmune responses. As a postdoctoral researcher, I have contributed to studies, exploring enterovirus presence in human tissues and viral mechanisms that impair pancreatic β-cell function and precede islet autoimmunity. With experience in both academic research and clinical trials, including the PRV-101 vaccine study, I find my inspiration and motivation in situations and positions where I can combine science and collaboration, advancing our understanding of immune system development and disease prevention. I currently also serve as the Scientific Manager of two different EU-funded projects, leading coordination efforts across international teams investigating the role of environmental determinants in the development of immune-mediated diseases. The HEDIMED (Human Exposomic Determinants of Immune-Mediated Diseases, research consortium investigates how various environmental exposures affect the development of T1D, celiac disease, asthma and allergies, whereas the ENT1DEP (Enterovirus-linked Type 1 Diabetes exposed – mechanism and prevention, project focuses on understanding the role of enteroviruses in triggering T1D and exploring early prevention strategies, including vaccine development.