Viral Immunity: Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications joint with Respiratory Viruses: New Frontiers Scientific Organizers: Katherine Kedzierska and Paul G. Thomas Date: February 05 - 09, 2021 Location: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB, Canada Viruses constitute a continuing threat to global public health and cause millions of severe infections annually. Limiting the impact of viral infections requires a multi-layered understanding of viral immunity, from basic research on viral recognition and host immune responses, to the clinical application of novel antiviral and host-targeted therapies and vaccines. Despite recent advances, basic immune mechanisms underlying both (i) rapid host recovery, and (ii) severe and fatal disease outcomes, are far from clear. This Keystone Symposium covers a wide range of viral immunity topics summarizing the most recent advances in innate immunity and inflammation, viral sensing and antigen presentation, adaptive T and B cell immunity, novel vaccine development, human immunology across anatomical sites, and innovative computational analyses. The meeting juxtaposes animal models with human and clinical studies, aims to integrate multi-disciplinary knowledge and foster collaborations across viral models, host systems, academia, government, and industry. The overall objective of this meeting is to provide a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary interactions and knowledge exchange. Joint efforts in understanding viral immunity are needed for the rational design of new immunotherapies and vaccines towards seasonal, emerging, and re-emerging viruses. Registration opens in January 2020 |