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.
