Genetics, Immunology and Repair in Multiple Sclerosis

描述(由申请人提供)：本提案请求支持由Wendy B.Macklin、Gavin Giovannoni和Steve Hauser组织的题为多发性硬化症的遗传学、免疫学和修复的Keystone研讨会，该会议将于2011年2月15-20日在新墨西哥州陶斯举行。多发性硬化症(MS)的研究和治疗正处于过渡时期。最近确定了一些重要的新调查领域，将在本次会议上进行讨论。虽然MS的具体病因仍不清楚，但对潜在疾病的遗传学和环境触发因素已经有了重要的见解。本次会议将讨论多发性硬化遗传学、表观遗传学以及遗传学与环境的相互作用，特别是与维生素D代谢和爱泼斯坦-巴尔病毒的相互作用。重点将放在MS的免疫发病机制上，包括MS前期病变、淋巴细胞激活机制、B细胞和细胞通过血脑屏障的运输。将讨论以免疫系统为靶点并促进髓鞘再生的新的成像方法和治疗策略的应用。将讨论将髓鞘形成、自身免疫性脱髓鞘和神经变性的基本机制中的新见解与翻译科学相结合的挑战。本次会议的目标是为广泛的MS研究人员提供一个讨论最新进展的论坛，并促进跨学科的互动和合作。 公共卫生相关性：多发性硬化症是人类最公认的髓鞘疾病，主要攻击年轻人，其中三分之二是女性。这是一种破坏性的长期退行性疾病，可能会持续30年或更长时间。关于多发性硬化症的遗传学、免疫学和修复的Keystone研讨会将把长期对了解和治疗这种疾病感兴趣的临床医生和基础科学家聚集在一起。没有其他会议会对多发性硬化症的基础和临床方面进行广泛的、综合的关注。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal requests support for a Keystone Symposia meeting entitled Genetics, Immunology and Repair in Multiple Sclerosis, organized by Wendy B. Macklin, Gavin Giovannoni and Steve Hauser, which will be held in Taos, New Mexico from February 15 - 20, 2011. Research and treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) is at a time of transition. A number of important new areas of investigation have recently been identified, which will be discussed at this meeting. Although the specific etiology of MS remains unknown, important insights into the genetics and environmental triggers underlying the disease have been made. This conference will discuss advances in MS genetics, epigenetics and the interaction of genetics with the environment, particularly with vitamin D metabolism and Epstein Barr Virus. There will be a focus on the immunopathogenesis of MS including pre-active MS lesions, mechanisms of lymphocyte activation, the B cell and trafficking of cells across the blood brain barrier. The application of new imaging methods and therapeutic strategies that target the immune system and promote remyelination will be discussed. The challenge of integrating emerging insights in the basic mechanisms of myelination, autoimmune demyelination, and neurodegeneration with translational science will be discussed. The goal of this meeting is to provide a broad spectrum of MS researchers with a forum to discuss recent advances, and to foster cross-disciplinary interactions and collaborations. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Multiple Sclerosis is the most recognized human disease of myelin, attacking young adults, two thirds of whom are women. It is a devastating long-term degenerative disease that may last thirty or more years. The Keystone Symposia meeting on Genetics, Immunology and Repair in Multiple Sclerosis will bring together clinicians and basic scientists with longstanding interest in understanding and treating this disease. No other meeting will have the extensive, combined focus on both the basic and clinical aspects of multiple sclerosis.