Discovering Neuroimmunology

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Experts share the latest developments in neuroimmunology research.
Posted On: December 14, 2017
Image Caption: 
Conference attendee and graduate student Jonathon Chio (pictured) works in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Fehlings, Krembil Research Institute part of University Health Network.

Conference: 2nd Americas School of Neuroimmunology (ASNI), October 3-6, 2017, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

Conference Highlight: ASNI 2017 showcases the tremendous physiological influence of neuroimmune crosstalk on neurodevelopment and recovery after nervous system disorders.

Conference Summary: The 2nd ASNI was organized by Dr. Jonathan Kipnis from the University of Virginia and Dr. V. Wee Yong from the University of Calgary. Attended by 120 trainees from North America, Europe and Asia, ASNI 2017 strengthens neuroimmunology research by encouraging neuroscientists and immunologists to network, learn and collaborate.

The conference was divided into four different topics:

1. Immunology, Neuroscience, Phagocytosis and Imaging

2. Development, Microglia and other Glia, Brain Diseases with a Neuroimmune Component

3. CNS Barriers and Cell Trafficking

4. Immune Molecules in CNS Function, Development and Disease

Throughout the talks, neuroimmunology experts constantly addressed how outcomes in their animal models were influenced by individual contributions from the central nervous and immune systems, and more importantly, their crosstalk. This was very beneficial for the audience, as majority of the attendees had strong backgrounds in neuroscience or immunology. However, the importance of nervous and immune system crosstalk is starting to be reflected by the use of animal models to study such interactions. This reflects the major theme of ASNI 2017. Neuroimmunology was built upon fundamental knowledge of the nervous and immune systems but the future lies in studying how they work together.

A future hotspot in neuroimmunology will be to evaluate how the maternal immune system influences fetal neurodevelopment. This was highlighted by a presentation from Dr. Kimberly McAllister (University of California, Davis). During pregnancy, the maternal immune system will produce antibodies upon challenge from infection, stress and poor nutrition. These antibodies have been demonstrated to bind onto neural progenitor cells and reduce their mitotic divisions. Interestingly, children positive for these antibodies are developmentally delayed; suggesting a relationship between immune products and neural development.

Overall, attending ASNI 2017 was a fantastic learning experience that allowed me to gain insight and develop professional networks that will be beneficial for my current and future neuroimmunology research.