Jeffrey Modell Foundation to Host NIH Immunology Leader for World Primary Immunodeficiency Week

Dr. Luigi D. Notarangelo to share expertise on rare genetic disorders during annual awareness event

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:22pm

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The Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF) will host Dr. Luigi D. Notarangelo, Chief of the Immune Deficiency Genetics Section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, for a virtual talk about Primary Immunodeficiency as part of the organization's World Primary Immunodeficiency Week program. The event aims to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for patients with these rare genetic disorders.

Why it matters

Primary Immunodeficiencies are a group of over 400 rare, chronic, and often fatal genetic disorders that impair the immune system's ability to fight off infections and diseases. By hosting an expert like Dr. Notarangelo, the Jeffrey Modell Foundation hopes to inspire further innovation and collaboration to improve outcomes for those living with these conditions.

The details

The virtual talk is the next event in the JMF Speaker Series, a global education initiative launched last year to increase understanding of Primary Immunodeficiency. The event will be moderated by pediatric immunologist Dr. Lisa Forbes Satter, who is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the Chief of the Texas Children's Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology.

  • The virtual event will take place on April 28, 2026.
  • World Primary Immunodeficiency Week is held annually from April 22 to 29.

The players

Luigi D. Notarangelo, M.D.

Chief of the Immune Deficiency Genetics Section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH. He has authored over 650 publications on the molecular and cellular bases of inborn errors of immunity and their treatment.

Lisa Forbes Satter, MD

Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and Texas Children's Hospital (TCH), Chief of the Texas Children's Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology.

Vanessa Tenembaum

Chief Executive Officer of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation.

Fred and Vicki Modell

Founders of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, established in 1987 in memory of their son Jeffrey who passed away at age 15 from complications of Primary Immunodeficiency.

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What they’re saying

“World Primary Immunodeficiency Week is a chance for our global community to increase understanding of Primary Immunodeficiency and generate meaningful change for patients.”

— Vanessa Tenembaum, Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Modell Foundation

“Through sharing his own expertise and experience, Dr. Notarangelo inspires further innovation and collaboration to create a better world for all people living with Primary Immunodeficiency.”

— Vanessa Tenembaum, Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Modell Foundation

What’s next

Registration for the virtual event is free and open to participants worldwide. The event will be moderated by Dr. Lisa Forbes Satter.

The takeaway

By hosting an expert like Dr. Notarangelo, the Jeffrey Modell Foundation is working to increase awareness, accelerate diagnosis, and inspire innovation in the treatment of rare and often fatal Primary Immunodeficiency disorders.