RNA Mediated Regulation of Immunity: Mechanism, Disease and Therapeutics - ABSTRACT Support is requested for a Keystone Symposia conference entitled RNA Mediated Regulation of Immunity: Mechanism, Disease and Therapeutics, organized by Drs. Uttiya Basu, Sun Hur and Noam Stern-Ginossar. The conference will be held in Keystone, Colorado from January 27–31, 2025. Noncoding RNAs, the RNA epigenome, and RNA processing mechanisms have recently emerged as systems at the forefront of gene expression control, particularly in the context of molecular immunology. In immune cells, these RNA-based mechanisms influence gene expression programs, signaling pathway activation and cellular activation states that have direct influence on immune system function and dysfunction. This Keystone Symposia conference defines a new intersection of RNA biology with immunology by bringing together a diverse group of immunologists, molecular biologists, RNA biochemists, and system biologists to discuss and advance research at the intersection of RNA, epigenetics and immunity. As the first conference of its kind, the program will focus on newly identified connections of these fields, convening scientists working on noncoding RNA, RNA sensors, and RNA ‘epitranscriptomics’ with leading immunologists. This breadth of topics illustrates the emerging interest and the dynamic nature of the field, which spans basic immunological questions to applied and translational research. As the recent pandemic has highlighted, RNA is a central element of immune system development, pathophysiology in viral disease and also in the leading edge of therapeutics. Thus, it is anticipated that the program’s diverse representation of speakers and attendees across academic, clinical, biotech and pharmaceutical sectors will feature leading basic research in the field but also reveal opportunities for therapeutic applications. Finally, because this conference is being held jointly with the Keystone Symposium on Non-coding RNA Biology: New Roles & Diversity, we expect further cross-disciplinary insights and new collaborations to advance mechanistic discoveries and explore the potential impacts of ncRNA on immune system function.
