Neuroinflammation in Health and Disease
Jun 22–25, 2026 | Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC, Canada
Scientific Organizers:
Michael V. Sofroniew, Maria de Lourdes Gamez G Tansey, and Robyn S Klein
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In Person
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Jun 22–25, 2026 | Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC, Canada
Scientific Organizers: Michael V. Sofroniew, Maria de Lourdes Gamez G Tansey, and Robyn S Klein
Michael V. Sofroniew
University of California, Los Angeles
Michael V. Sofroniew, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished professor at UCLA whose research focuses on the biology of injury, inflammation and repair of the CNS. His work has contributed significantly to understanding the essential roles that CNS intrinsic glial cells play in regulating injury responses and neuroinflammation, work that has inspired interest in glial cell mechanisms in diverse CNS disorders. Dr. Sofroniew has mentored over 40 predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, many of whom have become prominent researchers in the field.
Maria de Lourdes Gamez G Tansey, PhD
Maria de Lourdes G Tansey
Malú Gámez Tansey, Ph.D. is the James A. Caplin M.D. Professor of Alzheimer’s Research and Neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine, where she directs the Neuroimmunology Research Group and serves as the executive associate director of education at the Stark Neuroscience Research Institute. Her lab focuses on the role of inflammation and immune system responses in brain health and neurodegenerative disease, with particular focus on central-peripheral neuroimmune crosstalk and the gut-brain axis. Dr. Tansey co-invented soluble TNF inhibitors currently in clinical trials and has extensive experience in both academic and industry settings. Dr. Tansey has mentored over 35 trainees, including pre-doctoral, postdoctoral and early-stage investigators.
Robyn S Klein, MD, PhD
Western University, London, Ontario
Robyn Klein, Ph.D., M.D., is a Professor of Medicine in Microbiology and Immunology and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neuroimmunology & Neurovirology at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. Trained in neuroscience, immunology, and infectious diseases, she leads a research program focused on mechanisms of virologic control and neurologic sequelae following infections with emerging RNA viruses. Her lab uses in vitro and in vivo models with genetic, molecular, immunologic, and virologic approaches to study how pathogens target the CNS and how neuroimmune responses mediate viral clearance and CNS repair. Her work has defined innate immune mechanisms regulating blood–brain barrier function, chemokine-mediated neuroprotection, and post-infectious cognitiveimpairment, while identifying therapeutic targets for neuroinflammatory diseases. Dr. Klein is also a dedicated mentor, having trained over 35 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Available Formats:
Supported by:
Livestream
In Person
On Demand
***Meeting program subject to change.
Available Formats: = Livestream = In Person = On DemandMonday, June 22, 2026
Fundraising
Booking Function
Merchandise Options
Registration Options
Registration
4:00–8:00 PM
Macdonald Foyer
Welcome Mixer
6:00–8:00 PM
Macdonald Foyer
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Breakfast
7:00–8:00 AM
Macdonald EF
Welcome Remarks (Joint)
8:00–8:10 AM
Macdonald ABCD
Keynote Session (Joint)
8:10–9:30 AM
Macdonald ABCD
Christian Haass, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich
Modulation of Microglial Function
Modulation of Microglial Function
Astrid Iversen, University of Oxford
Genomic Risk for Neuroinflammation
Genomic Risk for Neuroinflammation
Coffee Break
9:30–9:50 AM
Macdonald Foyer
Integrating Degeneration and Inflammation (Joint)
9:50–11:30 AM
Macdonald ABCD
Maria de Lourdes Gamez G Tansey, Maria de Lourdes G Tansey
Role of Central-Peripheral Neuroimmune Cross-Talk in Neurodegeneration
Role of Central-Peripheral Neuroimmune Cross-Talk in Neurodegeneration
Bart De Strooper, University College London
Key Inflection Points in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis
Key Inflection Points in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis
Naresha Saligrama, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis
Short Talk: Specificity of CD4 T Cell Response in Parkinson Disease and in a Mouse Model of Synucleinopathy
Short Talk: Specificity of CD4 T Cell Response in Parkinson Disease and in a Mouse Model of Synucleinopathy
Pengjiao Wang †, Boston University
Short Talk: Unique Progenitor Cells in the APOE3 Christchurch Brain and Their Potential Resilient Roles in Alzheimer’s Disease
Short Talk: Unique Progenitor Cells in the APOE3 Christchurch Brain and Their Potential Resilient Roles in Alzheimer’s Disease
Poster Setup
11:30–1:00 PM
Macdonald EF
On Own for Lunch
11:30–5:00 PM
Poster Viewing
1:00–10:00 PM
Macdonald EF
Symposia Spotlight: Inflammation and Neurodegenerative Disease
2:30–4:30 PM
MacDonald CD
Juan E Maldonado Weng, Eli Lilly
Mapping Inflammation in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: AI-Accelerated Spatial Omics Reveals Complement-Driven Vascular Signatures in Alzheimer's Disease
Mapping Inflammation in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: AI-Accelerated Spatial Omics Reveals Complement-Driven Vascular Signatures in Alzheimer's Disease
Henrike K Grosshans, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
The Interferon-Stimulated Gene Apolipoprotein L6 Demonstrates an Evolutionary Trade-off between Host Defense and Neurodegeneration
The Interferon-Stimulated Gene Apolipoprotein L6 Demonstrates an Evolutionary Trade-off between Host Defense and Neurodegeneration
Julio Aguado †, University of Colorado
Virus-Induced Senescence as a Driver of Neuroinflammation and Brain Aging
Virus-Induced Senescence as a Driver of Neuroinflammation and Brain Aging
Zoe Moore, The University of Sheffield
Systemic Infection Significantly Impacts the Astrocyte Phenotype in Alzheimer’s Disease
Systemic Infection Significantly Impacts the Astrocyte Phenotype in Alzheimer’s Disease
Leah Beauchamp, Brigham & Women's Hospital
Dissecting Immune Mechanisms by Which Gut Microbes Contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease Using Closely Related Bacterial Strains
Dissecting Immune Mechanisms by Which Gut Microbes Contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease Using Closely Related Bacterial Strains
Adeline Walsh, University of Virginia
Loss of the Alzheimer’s Disease Genetic Risk Factor CASS4 Disrupts Neuroprotective Microglial Responses and Promotes Amyloid Beta-Driven Pathology
Loss of the Alzheimer’s Disease Genetic Risk Factor CASS4 Disrupts Neuroprotective Microglial Responses and Promotes Amyloid Beta-Driven Pathology
Coffee Available
4:30–5:00 PM
Macdonald Foyer
Inflammation to Maintain Health
5:00–7:00 PM
MacDonald CD
Irene Salinas Remiro, University of New Mexico
Evolution of Neuroimmune Systems
Evolution of Neuroimmune Systems
Josephine W Thinwa, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Protection Against Neurotropic Viruses
Protection Against Neurotropic Viruses
Robyn S Klein, Western University, London, Ontario
Host-Pathogen Neuroimmunology Gone Wrong
Host-Pathogen Neuroimmunology Gone Wrong
Sydney A Labuzan, University of Virginia
Short Talk: Astrocytic but not Microglial Antigen Presentation Shapes Protective Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii Neuroinfection
Short Talk: Astrocytic but not Microglial Antigen Presentation Shapes Protective Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii Neuroinfection
Social Hour with Dinner
7:00–8:00 PM
Macdonald EF
Poster Session 1
7:30–10:00 PM
Macdonald EF
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Breakfast
7:00–8:00 AM
Macdonald EF
CNS Glia and Neuroinflammation
8:00–9:00 AM
MacDonald CD
Michael V. Sofroniew, University of California, Los Angeles
Astrocytes and CNS Innate Immunity
Astrocytes and CNS Innate Immunity
Ukpong B Eyo, University of Virginia
Microglia and Neuroinflammation
Microglia and Neuroinflammation
Coffee Break
9:00–9:20 AM
Macdonald Foyer
CNS Glia, Neuroinflammation and Behavior
9:30–11:00 AM
MacDonald CD
Jennifer Felger, Emory University
Inflammation and Anhedonia in Depression: Biomarkers, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications
Inflammation and Anhedonia in Depression: Biomarkers, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications
Marie-Ève Tremblay, University of Victoria
Microglia, Sex Differences, Neuroinflammation and Psychiatric Disorders
Microglia, Sex Differences, Neuroinflammation and Psychiatric Disorders
Diala El Masri, Research Center du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal
Short Talk: Glial-derived Stress Ligand MULT1, an NKG2D Ligand, Modulates Neuroinflammation in MS Model Through Immune-Glial Cell Crosstalk
Short Talk: Glial-derived Stress Ligand MULT1, an NKG2D Ligand, Modulates Neuroinflammation in MS Model Through Immune-Glial Cell Crosstalk
Urjashi Laha, University of Western Ontario
Sex-Specific Microglial Transcriptional Programs Promote Synapse Loss and Impaired Cognitive Recovery in Malesafter West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease
Sex-Specific Microglial Transcriptional Programs Promote Synapse Loss and Impaired Cognitive Recovery in Malesafter West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease
Poster Setup
11:00–1:00 PM
Macdonald EF
On Own for Lunch
11:00–5:00 PM
Poster Viewing
1:00–10:00 PM
Macdonald EF
Health Equity Panel (Joint) sponsored by The Burroughs Wellcome Fund
1:15–2:45 PM
Macdonald ABCD
Kate Monroe, Denali Therapeutics
Dennis J. Selkoe, Harvard Medical School
Career Roundtable (Joint)
3:00–4:30 PM
Macdonald AB
Coffee Available
4:30–5:00 PM
Macdonald Foyer
Gut and Systemic Influences on CNS Inflammation, Neurodegeneration and Behavior
5:00–7:00 PM
MacDonald CD
Laura M Cox, Harvard Medical School
Gut Microbiome, Autoimmunity and Neurodegeneration
Gut Microbiome, Autoimmunity and Neurodegeneration
Andrea Merchak, Indiana University
Microbial Metabolites and Immune Regulation
Microbial Metabolites and Immune Regulation
Eleonore Beurel, University of Miami
Stress, Inflammation, Microbiome and Depression
Stress, Inflammation, Microbiome and Depression
Laura H. Corbit †, University of Toronto
Short Talk: Diet-Induced Activation of Striatal Microglia Contributes to Impairments In Cognitive Control and Flexible Decision-Making
Short Talk: Diet-Induced Activation of Striatal Microglia Contributes to Impairments In Cognitive Control and Flexible Decision-Making
Claire Young, Baylor College of Medicine
Short Talk: Leptin Directly Modulates Microglia Cytokine Response in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus
Short Talk: Leptin Directly Modulates Microglia Cytokine Response in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus
Social Hour with Dinner
7:00–8:00 PM
Macdonald EF
Poster Session 2
7:30–10:00 PM
Macdonald EF
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Breakfast
7:00–8:00 AM
Macdonald EF
Drug Delivery (Joint)
8:00–11:00 AM
Macdonald ABCD
Fiona C. Elwood, Janssen R&D
Developing Drugs for CNS Disorders: Considerations for Therapies That Cross the BBB
Developing Drugs for CNS Disorders: Considerations for Therapies That Cross the BBB
Kate Monroe, Denali Therapeutics
Human Genetics Identifies Novel Microglial Targeting Therapeutic Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease
Human Genetics Identifies Novel Microglial Targeting Therapeutic Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease
Sebastian Boland, Prevail Therapeutics, Eli Lilly
Talk Title to be Announced
Talk Title to be Announced
Christopher J. Barnum, INmune Bio Inc.
Selective Targeting of Soluble TNF to Mitigate Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Selective Targeting of Soluble TNF to Mitigate Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Emily Han, University of Pennsylvania
Short Talk: Understanding the Chemical and Biological Phenomena That Drive mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery to the Brain
Short Talk: Understanding the Chemical and Biological Phenomena That Drive mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery to the Brain
Urs Langen †, Roche Innovation Center Basel
Short Talk: Beyond the Shuttle: Advances in Brain Delivery of Biologics for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Short Talk: Beyond the Shuttle: Advances in Brain Delivery of Biologics for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Coffee Break
9:00–9:20 AM
Macdonald Foyer
Award Recipient Acknowledgement
9:20–9:25 AM
Macdonald ABCD
On Own for Lunch
11:00–5:00 PM
Roundtable Discussion: Neuroinflammation and Psychiatric/Behavioral Disorders
2:30–4:30 PM
MacDonald CD
Marie-Ève Tremblay, University of Victoria
Eleonore Beurel, University of Miami
Coffee Available
4:30–5:00 PM
Macdonald Foyer
Blood-Brain Barrier and Inflammation
5:00–6:15 PM
MacDonald CD
Catherine Hall, University of Sussex
Neurovascular Function and Neuroinflammation
Neurovascular Function and Neuroinflammation
Andy Shih, Seattle Children’s Research Institute and University of Washington
Brain Capillaries, Pericytes, and Neuroinflammation
Brain Capillaries, Pericytes, and Neuroinflammation
Jorge I. Alvarez, University of Pennsylvania
Short Talk: Vascular Control of NeuroInflammation: A Nanoparticle Based Approach to Probe BBB–Immune Interactions
Short Talk: Vascular Control of NeuroInflammation: A Nanoparticle Based Approach to Probe BBB–Immune Interactions
Closing Keynote Address
6:15–7:00 PM
MacDonald CD
Jenny P Ting, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Innate Immune Receptors in Neuroinflammation
Innate Immune Receptors in Neuroinflammation
Meeting Wrap-Up: Outcomes and Future Directions
7:00–7:15 PM
MacDonald CD
Social Hour with Dinner
7:45–8:45 PM
Macdonald EF
Entertainment
8:00–9:30 PM
Cash Bar
8:00–9:30 PM
Macdonald EF
Friday, June 26, 2026
Departure
12:00–11:59 PM
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