Apoptotic Cell Recognition & Clearance 2007 Gordon Research Conference

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Apoptosis or programmed cell death occurs in many tissues of our bodies throughout life. The quick and efficient clearance of apoptotic cells is the final step, and perhaps the ultimate objective, of the apoptotic program. Engulfment also plays a key role during embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis and neuronal development. Accumulating evidence suggests that failure to clear apoptotic cells promptly has serious consequences for inflammation and autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), as well as atherosclerosis and cancer predisposition. This proposal requests support for the biennial Gordon Research Conference on "Apoptotic cell recognition and clearance", to be held June 17-22, 2007 at Bates College, Maine. This is the third meeting in this series, and the previous two were held in 2003 and 2005. The conference will attract both basic and clinical scientists investigating mechanisms regulating recognition and engulfment of apoptotic cells, with immediate and significant basic immunological and clinical implications. Since this is the only regular meeting in the engulfment field, the goals of the meeting are: (i) Presentation of current progress on the core subjects of the field such as recognition molecules, signaling pathways and engulfment machinery; (ii) Exploration of exciting new topics that have emerged as this young field develops rapidly; (iii) Bringing together those studying core molecular questions with those studying apoptotic cell engulfment in physiological and clinical areas such as immune tolerance, inflammation, tumor immunology, and autoimmunity; and (iv) Providing a forum for free discussions of opinions and unpublished data, as well as networking opportunity for furthering of collaborations for investigators new to the field. The topics to be covered will include: Receptors and ligands regulating apoptotic cell recognition; Phagocyte engulfment mechanisms; Responses of phagocytes during and after engulfment; Identification of new receptors and molecules in model organisms such as C. elegans and Drosophila, and in mammals; Autoimmunity; Axonal pruning or clearing of damaged axons by microglial cells; and the relevance of engulfment to cancer predisposition. This meeting is unique and the subject matter is not generally represented in the major meetings on Apoptosis or Phagocytosis. The meeting is purposely held in alternative years with the Apoptosis meeting to encourage participation by all of those with an interest in cell death.