Mutual interaction between the nervous and immune systems is emerging as a key process in which immune cells and neurons profoundly influence each other’s behavior. In the last years a wealth of studies started to uncover roles for innate and adaptive immunity in both brain physiology and pathology and to unravel how the brain can modulate the immune system. Accumulating evidence even shows that disrupted neuro-immune communication might be at the origin of many brain diseases, from neurodevelopmental to neurodegenerative disorders. However, how such crosstalk is fine-tuned and regulated remains object of intense investigation. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuro-immune interactions in the healthy brain will be instrumental to dissect -and possibly target- dysfunctional communications in disease.
In this FENS-Hertie Winter School, we will cover different topics focusing on the reciprocal interaction between neurons and microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the central nervous system, but also with other players such as infiltrating T cells and monocytes. We will review the relevance of this crosstalk in a variety of contexts, ranging from brain development and homeostasis to neurodegenerative disorders. This course will provide students with the latest insights into the biology on neuro-immune interaction, emphasizing the molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated.
The course is meant for PhD students and early-career postdocs with a neurobiological background and preferably some knowledge of the subject.
There will be significant time dedicated to discussions around posters and during the speaker’s talks, and social activities. We really aim at fostering interactions between the attendees, i.e. faculties and the PhD students and postdocs. Besides, Obergurl is a beautiful ski station in the Tyrol and there will be some time for skiing.
Last but not least, there are stipends available!
Application deadline is approaching: 6 September 2022.
All the information and the application form can be found at:
https://www.fens.org/news-activities/fens-and-societies-calendar/training-event/fens-hertie-winter-school-neuro-immune-interactions-in-health-and-disease
These schools are a real opportunity for PhD students and postdocs to get insight in their work and develop their network, thus I wish you can forward this message to PhD students and postdocs that could be interested, as well as to your colleagues in the field.
