Autoimmunity & Autoinflammation: Translating Basic Mechanisms into Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Jan 19–22, 2026 | Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO, United States
Scientific Organizers:
Virginia Pascual, Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, Veit Hornung, and Richard M. Siegel
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Jan 19–22, 2026 | Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO, United States
Scientific Organizers: Virginia Pascual, Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, Veit Hornung, and Richard M. Siegel
Virginia Pascual, MD
Cornell University
Virginia Pascual, M.D., is the inaugural Director of the Drukier Institute for Children’s Health Research at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Pascual’s research focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of and identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that start in childhood. Dr. Pascual is currently the Program Director of an NIAID-funded U19 Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, a NIAMS-funded P50 Center of Research Translation, and a Lupus Research Alliance (LRA)-sponsored Global team Science Award, all of which focus on pediatric autoimmunity. She is the recipient of numerous awards and is a sought-after speaker. She has also long-standing experience in co-organizing Keystone Symposia and FOCIS meetings.
Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, MD
NIAID, National Institutes of Health
Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, M.D., MHS., is the Chief of the Translational Autoinflammatory Diseases Section (TADS) in the Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM) at NIH/NIAID. Dr. Goldbach-Mansky’s translational research program focuses on clinical and translational studies in children with early-onset autoinflammatory diseases. Her research applies an integrative approach to characterize the genetic and molecular causes of autoinflammatory diseases and to design studies to investigate the role of specific inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases. Her studies in patients with NOMID and DIRA established targeted treatments with IL-1 inhibitors as standard of care for these diseases. Dr. Goldbach-Mansky is a co-founder of the Translational Autoinflammatory Research Network (TARN) to promote translational research in patients with rare autoinflammatory diseases.
Veit Hornung, MD
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
arch Network (TARN) to promote translational research in patients with rare autoinflammatory diseases. Veit Hornung, M.D., is Professor and Chair of Immunobiochemistry at the Gene Center of LMU Munich. His lab has a long-standing interest in innate immunity. His research focuses on how pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize non-self nucleic acids to trigger immune responses, which has helped define the ‘molecular patterns’ concept, which provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of innate immunity and created potential for therapeutic strategies for infectious, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. He has extensive experience in organizing large international meetings including the 2016 Keystone Symposia meeting “Nucleic Acid Sensing Pathways: Innate Immunity, Immunobiology and Therapeutics,” as well as several EMBO Workshops on Inflammasomes.
Richard M. Siegel, PhD
Novartis Biomedical Research
Richard Siegel, M.D., Ph.D., is the Global Head of Immunology at Novartis Biomedical Research, where he oversees the discovery of new therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. His research focuses on immunology and autoimmunity, and he has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of immune regulation and inflammation. He is the recipient of numerous honors and is committed to bridging the gap between laboratory and clinical research to discover new treatments and improve the lives of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disease.
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On Demand
***Meeting program subject to change.
Available Formats: = In Person = On DemandMonday, January 19, 2026
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Registration
4:00–8:00 PM
Longs Peak Foyer
Welcome Mixer
6:00–8:00 PM
Longs Peak Foyer
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Breakfast
7:00–8:00 AM
Longs Peak
Welcome Remarks
8:00–8:10 AM
Grays Peak
Keynote Address
8:10–9:00 AM
Grays Peak
Jenny P Ting, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
A 360° View of the Inflammasome: Mechanisms of Activation, Cell Death, and Diseases
A 360° View of the Inflammasome: Mechanisms of Activation, Cell Death, and Diseases
Autoimmunity and Autoinflammation: The Nucleic Acid Sensing Perspective
9:00–11:15 AM
Grays Peak
Veit Hornung, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
Recognition of Non-Self RNA by the Innate Immune System
Recognition of Non-Self RNA by the Innate Immune System
Andrea Ablasser, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
cGAS-STING in Aging-Related Inflammation and Neurodegeneration
cGAS-STING in Aging-Related Inflammation and Neurodegeneration
Michael Crackower, Ventus Therapeutics
Novel Therapies to Target cGAS-STING
Novel Therapies to Target cGAS-STING
Marleen Bérouti, LMU
Short Talk: Pseudouridine RNA Avoids Immune Detection through Impaired Endolysosomal Processing and TLR Engagement
Short Talk: Pseudouridine RNA Avoids Immune Detection through Impaired Endolysosomal Processing and TLR Engagement
Joshua McElwee, Nimbus Therapeutics
Short Talk: SLC15A4 Inhibition by NTX-348 Suppresses Endolysosomal Toll-like Receptor Signaling, IRF5 Activation, and the Production of Type I Interferon and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines
Short Talk: SLC15A4 Inhibition by NTX-348 Suppresses Endolysosomal Toll-like Receptor Signaling, IRF5 Activation, and the Production of Type I Interferon and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines
Martin R Jakobsen, Aarhus University
Short Talk: Treatment with SP2H, a Targeted Degrader of STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING), Leads to Substantial Improvements in Disease Outcomes in two Highly Pathogenic Type 1 Interferonopathy Models
Short Talk: Treatment with SP2H, a Targeted Degrader of STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING), Leads to Substantial Improvements in Disease Outcomes in two Highly Pathogenic Type 1 Interferonopathy Models
Coffee Break
9:30–9:50 AM
Longs Peak Foyer
Poster Setup
11:15–1:00 PM
Longs Peak
On Own for Lunch
11:15–2:30 PM
Poster Viewing
1:00–10:00 PM
Longs Peak
Symposia Spotlight
2:30–4:30 PM
Grays Peak
Xue Han, The Ohio State University
Immune Checkpoint Activation of PD-1H (VISTA) Restores T-Cell Tolerance in Human Autoimmunity
Immune Checkpoint Activation of PD-1H (VISTA) Restores T-Cell Tolerance in Human Autoimmunity
Shunsuke Mori, The University of Osaka
Breaking Immune Tolerance: Self and Neoself Discrimination by T cells in Autoimmune Diseases
Breaking Immune Tolerance: Self and Neoself Discrimination by T cells in Autoimmune Diseases
Nicole Wilkinson, UCLA
The Role of Xist in T Cell Function and Female-Biased Autoimmunity
The Role of Xist in T Cell Function and Female-Biased Autoimmunity
Simone Caielli, Weill Cornell Medical College - Drukier Institute For Children's Health
Single Cell RNA Profiling of Blood CD4+ T Cells Identifies Distinct Helper and Dysfunctional Regulatory Clusters in Children with SLE
Single Cell RNA Profiling of Blood CD4+ T Cells Identifies Distinct Helper and Dysfunctional Regulatory Clusters in Children with SLE
Ayano Kohlgruber, Boston Children's Hospital
High-Throughput Genetic Screens to Identify Adverse T cell Autoreactivities in Response to Immunotherapy
High-Throughput Genetic Screens to Identify Adverse T cell Autoreactivities in Response to Immunotherapy
Coffee Available
4:30–5:00 PM
Longs Peak Foyer
Inflammasomes: From Basic Mechanisms to Autoinflammatory Diseases
5:00–7:00 PM
Grays Peak
Franklin Zhong, NTU LKC School of Medicine
The NLRP1 Inflammasome
The NLRP1 Inflammasome
Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, NIAID, National Institutes of Health
Novel Mechanisms in Autoinflammatory Diseases
Novel Mechanisms in Autoinflammatory Diseases
Nick Clarke, NodThera
An Update on Inflammasome Targeting
An Update on Inflammasome Targeting
Hal Hoffman †, University of California, San Diego
Short Talk: Gasdermins Cooperate to Drive Disease Associated Neutrophilic Inflammation in Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS)
Short Talk: Gasdermins Cooperate to Drive Disease Associated Neutrophilic Inflammation in Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS)
Luochen Liu, Harvard Medical School/Boston Children's Hospital
Short Talk: Regulated Condensate Formation Governs Pyrin Inflammasome Assembly and Signaling
Short Talk: Regulated Condensate Formation Governs Pyrin Inflammasome Assembly and Signaling
Social Hour with Dinner
7:00–8:00 PM
Longs Peak
Poster Session 1
7:30–10:00 PM
Longs Peak
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Breakfast
7:00–8:00 AM
Longs Peak
Innate Immune Cell Dysregulation in Autoimmune and AutoInflammatory Diseases
8:00–11:00 AM
Grays Peak
Musa M. Mhlanga, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
The Intersection of Epigenetics and Metabolism in Trained Immunity
The Intersection of Epigenetics and Metabolism in Trained Immunity
Virginia Pascual, Cornell University
Innate Immunity Dysregulation in Human Lupus
Innate Immunity Dysregulation in Human Lupus
Coco Chu, Tsinghua University
Neuro- and Stromal-immune Interactions in the Intestine
Neuro- and Stromal-immune Interactions in the Intestine
Kate L. Jeffrey, Moderna
mRNA: A New Era in Immune Therapeutics
mRNA: A New Era in Immune Therapeutics
Juan Rodriguez-Alcazar, WCM
Short Talk: Mapping the Immune Architecture of Pediatric Lupus Nephritis Across Histological Classes
Short Talk: Mapping the Immune Architecture of Pediatric Lupus Nephritis Across Histological Classes
Ramona Johnson, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Short Talk: Investigating the Role of Pyroptotic Monocytes and Macrophages in Citrullinated Autoantigen Generation for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Short Talk: Investigating the Role of Pyroptotic Monocytes and Macrophages in Citrullinated Autoantigen Generation for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Xiao-Fei Kong, UT southwestern medical center
Short Talk: Haploinsufficiency for Human ABCF1 Underlies Gastrointestinal Autoimmunity
Short Talk: Haploinsufficiency for Human ABCF1 Underlies Gastrointestinal Autoimmunity
Coffee Break
9:00–9:20 AM
Longs Peak Foyer
Poster Setup
11:00–1:00 PM
Longs Peak
On Own for Lunch
11:00–3:00 PM
Poster Viewing
1:00–10:00 PM
Longs Peak
Career Roundtable
1:30–2:45 PM
Grays Peak
Panel Discussion 1: Interactions with Biotech, Pharma and Venture Capital: Translating Discoveries to Novel Therapeutics
3:00–4:30 PM
Grays Peak
* Richard M. Siegel, Novartis Biomedical Research
Panel Moderator
Panel Moderator
Kriti Lall, Perceptive Advisors
Panelist
Panelist
Dennis M Zaller, Curie.Bio
Panelist
Panelist
Markus Warmuth, Monte Rosa Therapeutics Inc
Panelist
Panelist
Michael Crackower, Ventus Therapeutics
Panelist
Panelist
Kara Lassen, Roche
Panelist
Panelist
Coffee Available
4:30–5:00 PM
Longs Peak Foyer
Adaptive Immune Cell Dysregulation in Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases
5:00–7:00 PM
Grays Peak
Francisco J Quintana, Brigham and Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School & Broad Institute
Disease-Associated Astrocyte Epigenetic Memory Promotes CNS Pathology
Disease-Associated Astrocyte Epigenetic Memory Promotes CNS Pathology
Carola G. Vinuesa, Francis Crick Institute
Preclinical Models of Human Monogenic Autoimmunity
Preclinical Models of Human Monogenic Autoimmunity
Mark J. Shlomchik, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
How Systemic Autoimmunity Starts and How it Spreads
How Systemic Autoimmunity Starts and How it Spreads
Aleksandra Bylinska, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Short Talk: Early Disruption of B cell Development and Tolerance Pathways across the Preclinical Systemic Autoimmune Disease Continuum
Short Talk: Early Disruption of B cell Development and Tolerance Pathways across the Preclinical Systemic Autoimmune Disease Continuum
Adam N. Cartwright, Monte Rosa Therapeutics
Short Talk: MRT-6160, a Highly Selective and First-in-class VAV1-directed Molecular Glue Degrader, Inhibits Disease Progression, Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production, and Immune Cell
Short Talk: MRT-6160, a Highly Selective and First-in-class VAV1-directed Molecular Glue Degrader, Inhibits Disease Progression, Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production, and Immune Cell
Social Hour with Dinner
7:00–8:00 PM
Longs Peak
Poster Session 2
7:30–10:00 PM
Longs Peak
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Breakfast
7:00–8:00 AM
Longs Peak
Stromal Cells in Autoinflammation and Autoimmunity: From Basic Mechanisms to Precision Medicine
8:00–11:00 AM
Grays Peak
Shahin Rafii, Weill Cornell Medical College
Dysfunction of Tissue-specific Endothelial Cells in Triggering Auto-immunity
Dysfunction of Tissue-specific Endothelial Cells in Triggering Auto-immunity
Michael B. Brenner, Harvard Medical School
Adipocyte and Fibroblast Dysfunction in Inflammatory Diseases
Adipocyte and Fibroblast Dysfunction in Inflammatory Diseases
Ken H Cadwell, University of Pennsylvania
Mechanisms of Intestinal Tissue Resilience to Immune-Mediated Damage
Mechanisms of Intestinal Tissue Resilience to Immune-Mediated Damage
Kara Lassen, Roche
Patient Stratification Towards Precision Medicine in IBD
Patient Stratification Towards Precision Medicine in IBD
Adiba I Azad, Mayo Clinic
Short Talk: Profibrogenic Cholangiocyte-MAIT Cell-Fibroblast Axis in Immune Mediated Liver Disease
Short Talk: Profibrogenic Cholangiocyte-MAIT Cell-Fibroblast Axis in Immune Mediated Liver Disease
Javier Cote-Sierra, Allianthera Biopharma
Short Talk: Therapeutic AhR Activation Ameliorates Colitis Through Regulation of Inflammation, Gut Barrier Homeostasis, and Fibrosis
Short Talk: Therapeutic AhR Activation Ameliorates Colitis Through Regulation of Inflammation, Gut Barrier Homeostasis, and Fibrosis
Andrew Z Wang, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Short Talk: Immune-Checkpoint Engineered Normal Tissues: A Curative Approach to Autoimmune Diseases
Short Talk: Immune-Checkpoint Engineered Normal Tissues: A Curative Approach to Autoimmune Diseases
Coffee Break
9:00–9:20 AM
Longs Peak Foyer
Panel: Meet the Editors
11:00–12:00 PM
Grays Peak
On Own for Lunch
12:00–2:30 PM
Panel Discussion 2: Research and Funding Opportunities from Governments, Pharma, Academia, and Foundations
2:30–4:30 PM
Grays Peak
* Virginia Pascual, Cornell University
Panel Moderator
Panel Moderator
Stacy E. Ferguson, NIAID, National Institutes of Health
Panelist
Panelist
Angela Dobes, IBD Plexus at Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
Panelist
Panelist
Hoang Nguyen, Lupus Research Alliance
Panelist
Panelist
Veit Hornung, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
Panelist
Panelist
Richard M. Siegel, Novartis Biomedical Research
Panelist
Panelist
Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, NIAID, National Institutes of Health
Panelist
Panelist
Coffee Available
4:30–5:00 PM
Longs Peak Foyer
Novel Disease Insights and Therapies: Lessons from Tissue Profiling
5:00–6:45 PM
Grays Peak
Tobias Lanz, Stanford University
Roadmap for Understanding Mechanisms on how Epstein-Barr Virus Triggers Multiple Sclerosis and for Developing Therapeutic Approaches
Roadmap for Understanding Mechanisms on how Epstein-Barr Virus Triggers Multiple Sclerosis and for Developing Therapeutic Approaches
Shruti Naik, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Mapping Inflammatory Disease over Space and Time
Mapping Inflammatory Disease over Space and Time
Richard M. Siegel, Novartis Biomedical Research
Novel Approaches to Tissue B Cell Depletion in Autoimmune Diseases
Novel Approaches to Tissue B Cell Depletion in Autoimmune Diseases
Aleksandra Ivovic †, Wellcome Sanger Institute
Short Talk: Ultra-Sensitive Sequencing Identifies Potentially Disease-Driving Somatic Mutations in X-linked Genes in Salivary Gland Lymphocytes in Sjögren Disease
Short Talk: Ultra-Sensitive Sequencing Identifies Potentially Disease-Driving Somatic Mutations in X-linked Genes in Salivary Gland Lymphocytes in Sjögren Disease
Meeting Wrap-Up: Outcomes and Future Directions (Organizers)
6:45–7:00 PM
Grays Peak
Social Hour with Dinner
7:00–8:00 PM
Longs Peak
Entertainment
8:00–9:00 PM
Longs Peak
Cash Bar
8:00–9:00 PM
Longs Peak
Friday, January 23, 2026
Departure
12:00–11:59 PM
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