The Molecular Mechanisms of Immune Cell Development and Function

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PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal requests partial support for a 2023 Science Research Conference (SRC) sponsored by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) on the subject of “Molecular Mechanisms of Immune Cell Development and Function”, the 11th conference in this highly successful series. This conference has been chosen for sponsorship by FASEB after a competitive re-evaluation every other year since its inception in summer 2003. The distinctive features of this conference are: (1) A strong emphasis on molecular biology of gene regulation in immune cell development and function, including new insights emerging from genome-wide and systems approaches; (2) Close integration of the study of molecular mechanisms of immune receptor gene recombination and diversification with concepts in genomic architecture and long-range genomic control; (3) Deliberate juxtaposition of research on different classes of immune cells to reveal larger patterns of shared use of molecular and developmental mechanisms; (4) An explicit focus on gene network and signaling network connections rather than “one gene at a time” studies to provide a comprehensive explanation of biological regulation; (5) Creation of sessions that integrate the major molecular/mechanistic themes of the meeting with immuno-oncology, gut homeostasis, and autoimmunity; (6) Integration of presentations from scientists at many career levels, from internationally renowned experts to junior postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, in an intensive, all-plenary program—allowing trainees easy access to experienced senior scientists who in turn gain an appreciation of the young people’s impact on the field, and (7) Implementation of our unique financial model in which invited speakers forego financial support for their participation to allow the use of the majority of funds to support trainees and young investigators who are establishing their independent careers. These distinctive features are designed around three specific aims: Aim 1—To disseminate the most recent and important advances and new paradigms in molecular immunology; Aim 2—To create a highly interactive, supportive, and collegial environment for the sharing of scientific knowledge between scientists at many different stages of training and career development, thereby facilitating new collaborations, broadening of professional and mentoring networks, and career development; and Aim 3—To enhance diversity among the individuals who participate in, contribute to, and achieve career advancement in the field of immunology and biological research more broadly. The support requested is crucial to make it possible for the most promising trainees and junior faculty in molecular immunology to publicly present their work in plenary sessions and interact in a small setting with leaders in their field. This meeting has received enthusiastic feedback from conference attendees of previous meetings, giving it a strong mandate for long-term continuation.