Understanding the Biological Functions of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Potential in Therapeutic Applications

Antimicrobial (host defense) peptides have been implicated to play an important role in many different biological settings, including infection, inflammation, cancer and autoimmunity. These short peptides can exert a multitude of functions and simple biochemical modifications can be used to steer their functionality to either improve or dampen desired or unwanted effects. This multifunctionality and biochemical flexibility has opened up a wide field of potential applications for synthetic antimicrobial peptides, which are being developed at a rapid pace. Therefore, the 2019 Gordon Research Seminar on Antimicrobial Peptides will focus on topics ranging from the discovery of novel functions and mechanisms of action of natural antimicrobial peptides in health and disease to their innovative research on therapeutic applications.

The Gordon Research Seminar on Antimicrobial Peptides provides a unique forum for young scientists (e.g. graduate students, post-doctoral researchers) to not only present and discuss their unpublished cutting edge research but also aims to foster networking and build collaborations with colleagues with a shared interest in antimicrobial peptides. This year's meeting will consist of a presentation by a distinguished scientist followed by trainee presentations and discussions on cutting edge research in the field of antimicrobial peptides. The GRS also hosts informal poster sessions that facilitates stimulating discussions and exchange of ideas between trainees. Finally, a mentorship component will be held to give participants more insight into the potential career opportunities within this field of science.