About the Workshop
DNA damage and inflammation are two major contributing factors of aging that are intimately connected. Indeed, recent ground-breaking studies revealed how DDR can mobilize the immune system by inducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors as well as ligands for immune receptors. The activation of immune response is induced by different DDR components including DNA damage sensors, transducer kinases, and effectors. For instance, the release of DNA fragments in the cytosol activates the cGAS-STING pathway, the expression of interferon genes and the inflammatory response. Conversely, chronic inflammation has recently emerged as an important mutagenic and cancer promoting process by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen reactive species. These discoveries have profound implications not only in aging mechanisms but also in cancer therapy and in strategies to prevent age-related diseases. Thus, linking DNA damage response and immunity in the aging process is a novel concept with rapid intellectual advances that deserve intensive interaction between researchers of different fields.
To ensure in-depth coverage of all topics relating to DNA damage, immunity and aging, the following thematic scientific sessions are planned:
- Session 1: DNA damage and aging
- Session 2: Inflammation, immunity and aging
- Session 3: Generation and signaling of cytosolic DNA
- Session 4: Cancer immunity
This EMBO Workshop on this topic represents the ideal environment to fuel intellectual exchange and build-up of long-term, extensive synergies amongst immunologists and researchers on DNA damage response and aging.
About EMBO Courses and Workshops
EMBO Courses and Workshops are selected for their excellent scientific quality and timelines, provision of good networking activities for all participants and speaker gender diversity (at least 40% of speakers must be from the underrepresented gender).
Organisers are encouraged to implement measures to make the meeting environmentally more sustainable.
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