Stromal biology describes the influence of fibroblasts and endothelial cells on tissue development, function and pathology through active crosstalk with parenchyma and immune cells.  This Keystone Symposia meeting will focus on stromal regulation of immune-driven outcomes, from organ homeostasis through major human pathologies including infection, cancer, autoimmunity and fibrosis. The meeting goals include: 1. To expand scientific frontiers, reveal new insights and engage siloed researchers with cross-disciplinary findings. 2. To nurture emerging scientific leaders by providing a stimulating, inclusive environment to learn from and share with leaders in academia, clinical medicine and industry. 3. To impart increased understanding of stromal biology, application of existing knowledge to new frontiers, emergence of new testing and technical modalities, and creation of new collaborative and training opportunities. Attendees will leave this meeting with exciting fresh ideas and a topographical view of how stromal cells impact immunity across disciplines.

The emerging collective identity of stromal cells is already yielding transformative advances, reflected in the rapid increase in stromal-targeting therapies undergoing clinical experimentation. However, many efforts remain siloed in discrete disciplines. Our meeting will bring scientists from these separate scientific areas together, to promote connection of talent and creativity. Career development and networking events are built into the program to foster collaboration and mentorship. Our pairing with the fibrosis meeting is outstanding and unique, as fibroblast biology and function is closely intertwined with matrix biology, inflammation, immunity and fibrosis, all processes that altogether contribute to tissue organization as well as pathological manifestations. Both meetings have strong relevance to the majority of attendees; thus, we expect extensive interaction and cross-fertilization of ideas.