Conference Proposal: IMMUNORECEPTORS

Federation Of Amer Soc For Exper Biology, Bethesda MD

Investigators

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This is an application for partial funding for a conference on Immunoreceptors to be held under the auspices of FASEB at the Omni Resort, Tucson, Arizona, August 3-8, 2002. This conference has grown out of a series of successful conferences held since the early 1980's that have looked at the question of Fc receptor function. Fc receptors are central to the immune system, in both normal and pathological immunity. The immunoreceptor field is at present very exciting, especially with the realization that there are many lessons to be learned at every step, from the time of engagement of immune receptor with ligand through the normal biological or pathological response to that primary engagement. This conference will bring together people from functionally disparate backgrounds, but with common questions - e.g. how are immunoreceptors organized into supramolecular complexes on the cell membrane? How do immunoreceptors in different models influence the outcome of inflammatory processes? Bringing investigators together in a form such as this will facilitate extensive Across fertilization@ in technologies and concepts. This will be achieved by a series of speakers who are key individuals in their areas, working on similar processes. In addition, the conference aims to provide balanced views on the most recent issues in relation to the various themes. The major themes will be: 1) Structure/Function; 2) Supramolecular Organization of Receptors in Membranes; 3) Signal Transduction; 4) Immunoreceptor and Immunity; 5) Manipulation of Immunoreceptors as New Therapeutic Approaches to Treat Pathological Immunity. This conference represents an opportunity for genuine cross discipline interaction and fertilization, with a balanced view of the most contemporary and contentious issues in the field.