The Behaviour and Function of Phagocytes in Health and Disease

The 2015 Phagocytes Gordon Conference will bring together scientists from around the world to discuss the most recent advances in the area of myeloid cells during homeostasis and during disease. Expert invited speakers will present their latest unpublished research related to the many facets of phagocyte biology. There will be 4 major topics across 4 days starting with phagocytosis, the formation of the phagosome and regulation of these events culminating with a talk on negative regulation of Fc receptors. The second day will discuss the very dynamic placticity of monocytes and macrophage ending with focus on specialized macrophage including a talk on the newly identified GATA6 lineage of macrophage. The third day will focus on new ways of killing of pathogens and dying of immune cells ending with talks about the release and life span of neutrophils using humans as the experimental model. The program will end with some exciting new imaging of innate immunity ranging from visualizing the heart, kidney, lung and other organs and the war between pathogens and myeloid cells. Speakers will also highlight areas of translation to humans. The program is designed to encourage vigorous discussion and the free exchange of ideas. Thus, each scientific session will be chaired by a prominent researcher who will highlight recent progress and knowledge gaps related to each topic, and guide subsequent discussion. As participation of junior scientists is a key goal of the meeting, the conference will also include two interactive sessions for presentation of ~90 posters, and additional speakers will be chosen from among the submitted abstracts. The collegial atmosphere of this conference is exemplified by the shared meals, and the substantial time provided for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings to further promote interactions between attendees at all levels. The overall environment is therefore designed to provide multiple opportunities for learning and for the development of exciting collaborations.

To facilitate the participation of students and postdoctoral fellows, the conference will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). The Phagocytes GRS is planned by and for trainees, and provides an opportunity for our future leaders to present their research via seminars and posters in a supportive and interactive environment. The GRS has been well received and adds substantial value to the Gordon Research Conference experience for these junior investigators.