B cells protect against infection and reduce inflammation but also cause autoimmunity and dampen anti-cancer responses. This meeting will discuss diverse B cell functions, novel insights into B cell biology, and strategies to exploit B cell function for better health.

More specifically, the program will cover the following topics:

1. Antigen-mediated B cell differentiation pathways and memory formation, including plasma cells, and regulation of the durability of antibody responses
2. Role of regulatory and pathogenic B cells in cancer and autoimmune diseases; development of novel strategies to target B cells.
3. Novel strategies to fight infectious diseases caused by common, emerging, and neglected pathogens, including viruses, with implications for pandemic preparedness.
4. B cell fate decisions: what molecular determinants orchestrate B cell development and differentiation?

The pandemic has accelerated the progress of basic science and human studies in B cell research, and it is time to use the knowledge acquired to meet future challenges and solve long-standing questions. This meeting brings together an international group of experts on B cells across diverse model systems and human immunology to integrate their findings and discover new strategies and mechanisms targeting B cells to improve human health. The speaker line-up represents diversity across gender, career stage, race, and ethnicity to provide an inclusive and dynamic community and inspire trainees with diverse role models as they pursue their careers.

On the fence about registering? Check out the speaker highlights below: