Mechanisms of Immune Cell Development and Function

For over 20 years, this conference has explored the mechanisms that control gene expression, differentiation, genome architecture, and function in diverse cell types in the immune system. Specific areas of research include infection, cancer immunotherapy, auto-immunity, inflammatory diseases, and an ever-growing spectrum of pathologies.

This year’s program will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying immune cell development and functions, and their implications for the development of new prevention and treatment strategies. Sessions will further discuss how researchers are leveraging emerging technologies to decipher gene expression and cell function, including single-cell and tissue transcriptomics and proteomics, and high-level systems immunology analyses.

The conference will also feature networking, professional development workshops, and research presentations from a diverse group of scientists, highlighting work from early-career researchers, and those from historically excluded groups. 

Attendees will learn about:

· Mechanisms that control DNA rearrangement and chromosome organization during immune cell development.

· New approaches to decipher gene regulation mechanisms underpinning immune responses.

· The latest advances in single-cell and tissue transcriptomics and their impact on our understanding of immune cell function and crosstalk with other organ systems.

Program Topics

· Epigenetic and RNA control of gene expression

· DNA rearrangement and modification in immune cell development and responses

· Innate immune cell development and function

· Lymphocyte development and function

· Immune response to infection

· Immunity to parasites and Th2 responses

· Immune response to chronic infection and cancer

· Neuro-immune responses

· Barrier immunity and disease

Workshops

Two Meet the Expert sessions will be held to promote interactions between invited speakers, senior investigators, and early-career researchers, focusing on scientific and career advice.

A Career Development Workshop will feature a panel-format discussion with scientists from academia, industry, government, and publishing, focusing on individual career pathways.