2023 Immunology of Fungal Infections GRC/GRS

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PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal requests partial support for a meeting on the Immunology of Fungal Infections as a part of a Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) to be held in Galveston, Texas, January 21-27, 2023. The broad and long-term goal of this conference is to bring together the world's leading researchers in this rapidly expanding field to foster cross-disciplinary discussions and collaborations. The meeting is designed to enhance our understanding of anti-fungal immunity with the aim of developing new insights for controlling these pathogens. The 2023 conference will include a GRS for trainees held immediately prior to and in conjunction with the GRC. A specific aim of this meeting will be to convene over 40 leading experts who will present unpublished data and insights within the field of fungal immunology to all attendees. The GRC program will be structured into 9 sessions that comprehensively cover the various host and fungal factors that determine innate and adaptive immune responses. Both basic and translational research will be highlighted, with a major emphasis on cell signaling and stress response of the immune system as well as co-infections. Afternoon poster sessions will permit all participants to contribute to these topics with the most meritorious abstracts chosen by the conference Chairs and Vice-Chairs for oral presentations. Every effort will be made to encourage participation by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the GRC. In addition, the GRS will be specifically aimed at trainees, allowing them to present their research and interact in a relaxing and extra supportive environment. Every effort will be made to promote gender parity and include racial/ethical minorities and persons with disabilities. The significance of this application lies in much needed forum provided by the GRC and GRS to bring together and synergize the members of an international research community working on the immunology of fungal infections, which remains a highly understudied area. The GRS will have the added value of helping to train and energize the next generation of researchers in the field. The health relatedness of this application is that the discussions generated will help define the important questions relating to basic science as well as those necessary for the development of novel strategies for immunotherapy. With the high levels of mortality and morbidity associated with these devastating illnesses, the latter are desperately needed.