Professor Asma GATI is a professor of immunology and the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Tunis El Manar. She leads the Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathologies laboratory at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. Her work focuses on studying interactions between the immune system and cancer to develop new therapeutic strategies.
She earned her Master’s degree in 1999 and her PhD in Immunology in 2003 from the University Paris V, France. Her doctoral research at the “Cytokines et Immunologie des Tumeurs” laboratory at Institut Gustave Roussy examined immune responses in cancer. From 2004 to 2006, she completed postdoctoral research at the “Klinik und Poliklinik für Onkologie” at UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Switzerland, where she focused on the tumour microenvironment and antitumour specific immune response.
Professor GATI serves as the Tunisian National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe. Asma also serves as the North Africa Representative within the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS), promoting scientific collaboration and capacity-building across Africa. She is also the Treasurer of the Tunisian Society of Immunology. Her career combines academic leadership, cutting-edge research, and a strong commitment to advancing education and international scientific collaboration.
What first sparked your interest in immunology?
My interest in immunology began very early during my academic training, when I realised how profoundly the immune system shapes human health. I was fascinated by its dual role—protective yet sometimes destructive—and especially by its complex interactions with cancer. This curiosity naturally guided me toward advanced studies in tumour immunology and ultimately shaped my entire scientific path.
You have trained in Tunisia, France, and Switzerland. Did your international academic experiences shape your approach to research and teaching in Africa?
Absolutely. My training in Tunisia, France – especially during my PhD at the “Cytokines et Immunologie des Tumeurs” laboratory at Institut Gustave Roussy – and later at UniversitätsSpital Zürich, exposed me to diverse scientific cultures, advanced methodologies, and highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environments. These experiences profoundly shaped the way I approach both research and teaching in Africa.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the centrality of critical thinking. In many European institutions, teaching and research often rely on abundant resources, state-of-the-art equipment, readily available reagents, and large research teams. In Tunisia, the reality is different, and this contrast taught me to be creative, strategic, and resourceful. It also reinforced my belief that training young scientists is not only about transmitting knowledge, but about guiding them to ask the right questions, design robust experiments, and navigate scientific challenges with confidence and independence.
What current research questions are you most passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about unravelling the complex interactions between the immune system and cancer. My research activities focus on the tumour microenvironment, a critical determinant of immune responses and therapeutic outcomes. We are particularly interested in how the diverse cellular and molecular components of the tumour milieu, including immune and stromal cells, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix, interact to modulate immune activity, influence tumour progression, and shape the response to treatment.
In parallel, our research investigates the potential of bioactive molecules—both natural compounds and synthetic immunomodulators—as strategic adjuvants to potentiate antitumor immunity. We focus on how these agents can remodel the tumour microenvironment to favour robust immune activation, enhance the efficacy of established therapies, and mitigate treatment-related toxicities. By integrating mechanistic insights with innovative therapeutic strategies, we aim to design targeted interventions that not only suppress tumour growth but also reinforce the patient’s systemic immune competence, paving the way for more effective and durable cancer immunotherapies.
You have mentored many young scientists. What do you find most rewarding about being a mentor? What advice do you give early-career researchers?
Mentoring young scientists is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, as it allows me to guide talented individuals in developing scientific rigour, critical thinking, and independence. I take pride in seeing my mentees grow into confident researchers who make meaningful contributions to their fields. I encourage early-career scientists to remain curious, embrace challenges, and view both successes and failures as opportunities for learning. I also emphasise the value of collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches, and maintaining the highest ethical standards.
For early-career researchers, I emphasise curiosity, resilience, and intellectual independence. I encourage them to build strong networks, seek diverse mentorship, and embrace collaborations, as these connections are often as crucial as scientific skills. Staying open to interdisciplinary approaches, learning from both successes and setbacks, and maintaining high ethical standards are equally important.
You are the Vice President for Scientific Research at the University of Tunis El Manar and a member of the Société Tunisienne d’Immunologie (STI). In these roles, how do you see immunology developing in Tunisia? What are your hopes for its future?
As Vice President for Scientific Research at the University of Tunis El Manar and an active member of the Société Tunisienne d’Immunologie, I see immunology in Tunisia entering a decisive phase of expansion. We now have a growing community of experts, increasingly sophisticated laboratory platforms, and an ecosystem that is becoming more connected to international scientific networks.
My broader vision is to position Tunisia as a key hub for immunology in Africa—a place where strong basic research, translational science, and innovation converge to address major health challenges such as cancer, infectious diseases, and immune-mediated disorders.
I am particularly committed to fostering a new generation of independent, skilled, and imaginative scientists, equipped with both technical mastery and critical scientific thinking.
My hope is to build a collaborative and dynamic environment—linking academia, healthcare institutions, and industry—where scientific advances translate into meaningful health outcomes. This is how Tunisia can strengthen its role as a regional leader and help shape the future of immunology across the African continent.
How do you see the role of immunology evolving in public health, specifically in North Africa?
Immunology is central to addressing the evolving health challenges of North Africa, from re-emerging infectious diseases and the rising prevalence of autoimmune disorders to cancers increasingly affecting younger populations. By deepening our understanding of immune response, advancing immunotherapeutic approaches, fostering regional research collaborations, and cultivating a highly skilled scientific workforce, immunology can directly shape public health policies and translate cutting-edge discoveries into measurable improvements in population health across the region.
As a member of FAIS and IUIS. What role do these organisations play in advancing African immunology?
FAIS and IUIS act as powerful catalysts for immunology in Africa, uniting African scientists with the global community, setting high standards for training, and fostering collaborations that accelerate research and innovation. They amplify the voice of African immunologists, highlight the continent’s scientific excellence, and ensure that discoveries translate into real, measurable health benefits for populations across Africa.
What do you think the public misunderstands the most about immunology?
One of the most common misunderstandings about immunology among the general public is the perception that immunity is static or solely about “fighting infections.” In reality, the immune system is a highly dynamic network that not only protects against pathogens but also maintains tissue homeostasis, prevents cancer, and modulates responses to chronic diseases. People often underestimate the complexity of immune regulation, the role of immunological memory, and the influence of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors on immune competence.
What inspires you outside of immunology?
Outside of immunology, I am deeply inspired by travel. Experiencing new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and witnessing diverse ways of life constantly broaden my perspective, spark my curiosity, and remind me that creativity, empathy, and openness are as essential in science as they are in life.
Interview by Bonamy (Bon) Holtak
