Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

The importance of the innate immune system is reflected by its existence and remarkable diversity at almost every level of the evolutionary tree of life. Central to innate immunity are macrophages, an ancient cellular compartment essential for pathogen recognition/defense but also for tissue repair and homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated a remarkable heterogeneity in the origin of this cell type, and have opened up new areas of research as well as possibilities for therapeutic intervention. This grant application aims to contribute to the dissemination, exchange and uptake of research in the area of monocyte / macrophage biology with a particular emphasis on therapeutics. The one day symposium will bring together prominent national and international experts in monocyte/macrophage ontogeny, genomics, and immune function to exchange the latest research advances in this area. This symposium is geared towards the local scientific community with a strong emphasis on trainee participation.