B cells protect against infection and reduce inflammation but also cause autoimmunity and dampen anti-cancer responses. This meeting will discuss diverse B cell functions, novel insights into B cell biology, and strategies to exploit B cell function for better health.

More specifically, the program will cover the following topics:

1. Antigen-mediated B cell differentiation pathways and memory formation, including plasma cells, and regulation of the durability of antibody responses
2. Role of regulatory and pathogenic B cells in cancer and autoimmune diseases; development of novel strategies to target B cells.
3. Novel strategies to fight infectious diseases caused by common, emerging, and neglected pathogens, including viruses, with implications for pandemic preparedness.
4. B cell fate decisions: what molecular determinants orchestrate B cell development and differentiation?

The pandemic has accelerated the progress of basic science and human studies in B cell research, and it is time to use the knowledge acquired to meet future challenges and solve long-standing questions. This meeting brings together an international group of experts on B cells across diverse model systems and human immunology to integrate their findings and discover new strategies and mechanisms targeting B cells to improve human health. The speaker line-up represents diversity across gender, career stage, race, and ethnicity to provide an inclusive and dynamic community and inspire trainees with diverse role models as they pursue their careers.