Stromal Cell Coordination of Inflammation and Immunity

Description:
Fibroblasts are important cells in supporting homeostatic tissue function. In inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and interstitial lung disease, fibroblasts take on different roles 1) as inflammatory cells themselves and 2) in recruiting leukocytes, driving angiogenesis, and enabling chronic inflammation in tissues. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics have transformed the ability to examine fibroblast states in inflamed tissues, providing previously underappreciated heterogeneity and disease-associated fibroblast populations. These studies provide new insights into the role of fibroblasts in inflammatory pathology. In addition, new molecular insights into the mechanisms of fibroblast activation reveal novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Speakers will cover novel insights into fibroblast biology and molecular pathways controlling fibroblast pathology. Attendees will acquire critical knowledge related to the role of fibroblasts in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases

Chair:
Kevin Wei, MD, PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Program Agenda:
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Establishment of a Th2 Cell Niche in Skin
Maxime Kinet, MD, PhD
University of California, San Francisco

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Stromal and Immune Interactions in the Generation and Resolution of Lung Pathology
Paul Thomas, PhD
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

3:30pm - 4:15pm
Vascular Fibroblasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Kevin Wei, MD PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

4:15pm - 5:00pm
Immunofibroblasts in Sjogren’s Syndrome
Francesca Barone, PhD
University of Birmingham (UK); Candel Therapeutics