Exploring Neuroimmunology: From Single Cells to Organisms

The field of neuroimmunology has emerged into one of the fastest growing and exciting disciplines in biomedical research. Neuroimmunology has roots in the study of multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, but has broadened to include research focused on how the CNS and immune system communicate under homeostasis and in various diseases. Most neurological disorders have been associated with immune dysfunction, although our understanding on the role of immune system in each of these diseases is yet incomplete. Under homeostatic conditions, the neural-immune interface is also remarkably sophisticated, and recent studies have shown that the immune system actively participates in the development, maintenance and function of the brain.

The neuroimmunology research is fueled by ever-evolving techniques such as single cell RNA sequencing, epigenetics, live imaging, fate mapping of CNS resident cells and others. The meeting will reflect the breadth of the field by hosting speakers and attendees with an expertise in neuro-immune interactions that range from single cell ‘omics’ to physiology and behavior of a whole organism. Our speakers include top researchers not only in the fields of neuroimmunology but also those with primary expertise in neuroscience or immunology. Such mix of expertise will allow exposure of neuroimmunology trainees to cutting edge tools utilized in neuroscience and immunology communities. We aim to have dynamic discussions during the talks and over the poster sessions, which will be judged by invited speakers. Moreover, a substantial portion of the meeting is preserved for short talks selected from the poster submissions, with priority given to senior trainees and junior faculty. Please join us in Ventura, CA for what should be another exciting meeting on this important contemporary topic.