VIB is pleased to announce the upcoming conference on Periphery-brain Interplay and CNS Disease. The conference will bring together experts from various fields to shed light on the intricate interaction between the central nervous and peripheral systems. The event promises a comprehensive program in the picturesque city of Leuven, Belgium, from November 14th to 15th. The organizing committee has assembled keynote presentations by eminent scientists, selected talks, engaging poster sessions, and social activities designed to facilitate networking and collaboration.
Conference highlights
This conference edition will be centered around exploring the pivotal role of the periphery-brain interplay in the context of CNS diseases. Traditionally, CNS diseases were believed to originate primarily within the CNS itself. However, emerging research has brought to light the significant influence of peripheral signals on the development and progression of these disorders. During the conference, we will delve deeper into various mechanisms contributing to the periphery-brain interplay in CNS diseases.
One crucial mechanism is the immune system, which can affect CNS health through inflammatory processes. The brain was traditionally considered an immune-privileged organ, believed to be protected from immune cell infiltration. However, emerging evidence contradicts this idea and highlights the active surveillance mechanisms that safeguard the CNS from potential harm. Immune cells constantly monitor the brain barriers, and certain molecules can traverse the brain barriers, thereby impacting CNS homeostasis, inflammation, and damage. Another important aspect of periphery-brain interplay is the gut-brain axis. The gut possesses its own extensive nervous system called the enteric nervous system, which communicates bidirectionally with the CNS. Imbalances in the gut microbiota composition have been linked to various CNS disorders such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Furthermore, the conference will focus on the intricate interplay between the body and the brain, exploring how the body communicates with the brain through various signaling pathways and the subsequent impact on homeostasis.
Roosmarijn Vandenbroucke, a member of the organizing committee and VIB-UGent group leader, shares her enthusiasm for the conference, stating:
"By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, facilitate knowledge exchange, and inspire innovative approaches addressing the most challenging neurological disorders of our time."
An impressive roster of speakers
The conference will feature a list of renowned speakers, including Menna Clathworthy of the University of Cambridge, Michael Heneka of DZNE, Jane Foster of UT Southwestern Medical Center, Melanie Greter of the University of Zurich, and many more.
We invite all researchers, clinicians, and professionals with an interest in neuroscience, immunology, microbiology, and related fields to join us at the Periphery-brain Interplay and CNS Disease conference.
