B Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Emerging Targets in Cancer Therapeutics

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ABSTRACT Support is requested for a Keystone Symposia conference entitled B Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Emerging Targets in Cancer Therapeutics, organized by Drs. Tullia Bruno, Brad Nelson, Daniel Hollern and Marie-Caroline Dieu-Nosjean. The conference will be held in Whistler, British Columbia from October 1-4, 2023. With vaccines, antibody-based immunotherapy, and scientific discoveries of B cell functional mechanisms, major breakthroughs are happening surrounding B cells. This marks a field of research that is poised for exponential growth in acquisition of knowledge and effective therapies. In particular, the novel insights into B cell biology have revealed conserved aspects across disease; for example, B cells are now recognized as critical players in Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) for both cancer patient response to immunotherapy and the severity of autoimmune disease. Likewise, B regulatory cells use mechanisms to protect from autoimmunity that are common to the mode by which they fuel cancer’s progression and resistance to therapy. By examining data across disciplines, scientists are gleaning major insights that shape the forward progression of the entire field of research. To foster the process of breakthroughs in the field of B cell research, we have established the B Cells in Cancer Consortium (BC3) to bring together this ever-growing community, and as expected, there is high interest. Specifically, our first year has built a constituency of more than 500 scientists for our virtual seminar series. This signifies a likelihood for an even larger audience given the expansive pace of immunology research driven by the global pandemic. With mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies being a topic of high exposure, people are more informed than ever on B cell biology. This inaugural Keystone Symposia conference will be the first opportunity for this nascent field to meet together, providing a unique opportunity to forge new connections and catalyze future research into the importance of B cell function in cancer.