Noted MSU  Immunologists Dr. Mark Jutila and Dr. John  Jutila discussed the biology of norovirus and the challenges of building a  vaccine to protect travelers from this common threat at the Wonderlust Friday Forum on Friday, December 13 at noon at the Pilgrim Congregational Church.

The Jutilas are the founders of LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, which is currrently engaged in landmark research on a vaccine for norovirus.

Dr. John Jutila holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology. His distinguished career included tenures as Professor of Microbiology, Dean of the College of Letters and Science, and Vice President of Research for Montana State University. He also developed and organized the Montana component of the highly successful WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) Regional Medical Education Program, a cooperative pre-med program for students from the northwest.

Dr. Mark Jutila, John’s son, is Professor of  Immunology and Infectious Diseases at MSU and has been off and on head of the Departments of Microbiology and Veterinary Science.

Following the lecture was a Question and Answer period.