Human contact with fungi is lifelong and occurs through daily inhalation and ingestion. Fungi are also core constituents of the human microbiota, particularly at barrier sites such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract. Although most host encounters with fungi at mucosal barriers are resolved asymptomatically, invasive infections affect more than 5 million individuals annually. The emergence of novel fungal pathogens, the steady rise in antifungal drug resistance, and the lack of an approved vaccine for any fungal disease all pose urgent public health challenges.

This Keystone Symposia conference on Fungal Pathogens: From Host Encounters to Disease Outcomes will provide a premier forum to discuss basic and translational research focused on disease-driving interactions between fungi and human hosts. The program will highlight newly emerging and neglected fungal pathogens, fungal pathogenesis mechanisms, tissue-specific immunity at mucosal surfaces, the role of endogenous fungal communities in human health and disease, and novel therapies and vaccine approaches.

This interdisciplinary conference will convene scientists in the fields of medical mycology, mucosal immunology, and infectious disease science. To further promote interdisciplinary interactions, the conference will be held jointly with the Keystone Symposia conference on Barrier Immunity: Sensing, Coordination, and Defense at the Host-Environment Interface. Advancing knowledge on fungal immune surveillance and barrier immunity is critical for designing novel immune-based adjunctive and vaccine strategies for translational benefit.

This conference is particularly timely given the role of climate change in expanding terrestrial fungal habitats, emergence of novel fungal pathogens, the steady rise in antifungal drug resistance, and the lack of an approved vaccine for any fungal disease. Its unique focus bridges molecular pathogenesis and mucosal immunity across a broad range of fungal organisms while highlighting emerging vaccine strategies and therapeutic approaches needed to address these urgent public health challenges.

Unique Career Development Opportunities

This meeting will feature a Career Roundtable where trainees and early-career investigators will have the opportunity to interact with field leaders from across academic and industry sectors for essential career development advice and networking opportunities. Find out more about Career Roundtables here: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/diversity/career-development-initiatives