Clinicians and basic scientists working for immune mediated human diseases synergistically advanced our understanding in the field. Well characterized human cohorts of different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases contributed to a spectrum of biosamples for phenotypic and functional characterization. Basic scientists applying novel technologies for cellular/molecular analysis, bioinformatics and imaging, provided unprecedented information of large scale. Part of the knowledge has been translated into successful in novel therapies and diagnostic tools. Physicians of several medical fields, amongst them rheumatology, oncology, nephrology, neurology, gastroenterology, hematoly and dermatology, have capitalized on basic science advances and changed clinical practice. Knowing the mechanisms of immune system operation in health and disease, is the basis to understand the mechanisms of action, possible toxicities and limitations of novel therapies. Thus, basic immunology concepts as well as pathomechanisms of human disease should be in the centre of our education and training.

This meeting aims as the 4 previous meetings to: 1. Offer an intense course of basic immunology and of the immune mechanisms contributing to human diseases. It is oriented to refresh established knowledge and introduce to clinicians the novel knowledge in the field of immunology. 2. Serve as a forum where basic scientists and physicians actively interact.

Lectures will be given by immunologists with research experience in the field of immune mediated human diseases and by clinicians with a special interest and experience in the field.

This School, like the four previous ones, aims to:

• Provide an intensive educational program on the fundamental functioning of the immune system, as well as on the mechanisms involved in the development of diseases.
• Support a forum for interaction between clinical and basic scientists in the field.

This intensive and focused program in basic and clinical immunology includes:

• Reminder of basic mechanisms and presentation of new knowledge in the field of immunology.
• Focus on human diseases, providing current knowledge on pathogenesis, new therapies, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
• Session featuring the presentation of research work from laboratories/clinics in the field of immunology/inflammation.
• Session dedicated to the presentation of clinical cases of immunological interest.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Rheumatologists, oncologists, nephrologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, hematologists and dermatologists.
• Students of pre- and post-graduate studies in the field of biomedical sciences.
  Approximately 150-180 participants

PRESIDENTS OF THE SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Prodromos Sidiropoulos (UoC)

Panos Verginis (UoC)