Understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing myeloid biology in steady-state and inflammatory contexts is imperative to developing treatments to combat cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and other diseases. With the rising use of single cell technologies, the vast extent of myeloid diversity and heterogeneity is being unveiled for the first time, exposing new knowledge gaps in our fundamental understanding of myeloid development and function.

This Keystone Symposia meeting will explore transformative research concepts that challenge current views of myeloid biology. The central goals of this meeting are to:

(1) leverage cutting-edge imaging technologies to link spatial niches with myeloid education and function;

(2) dissect the developmental and genetic drivers of myeloid cell function in the bone marrow in steady-state, inflammation and aging;

(3) challenge current concepts of how we define myeloid cell subsets versus functional states;

(4) present advances on how metabolism and lifestyle are potent regulators of myeloid biology in various physiologic contexts.

Attendees will learn about new tools and resources that are available to study the diversity of myeloid cells in various experimental contexts and will be challenged to rethink existing dogma that underestimates the breadth of myeloid identities in health and disease.