# FASEB's The Autoimmunity Conference

> **NIH NIH R13** · FEDERATION OF AMER SOC FOR EXPER BIOLOGY · 2021 · $10,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
There has been enormous growth in the past few years in our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in
autoimmunity, and a new recognition of the similarities and important distinctions between different autoimmune
diseases. Examples of rapidly moving areas of research in autoimmunity are the identification and
characterization of subsets of pathogenic T and B cells that secrete unique inflammatory mediators and novel
insights into the interface between genetic susceptibility, environmental stress, and the microbiome and
metabolome. These findings have emerged largely from the work of basic scientists and the FASEB summer
conference on Autoimmunity has historically focused on discussion of new findings in basic research. However,
we believe that it is crucial for basic scientists to establish and maintain connections to scientists who are working
to translate mechanisms into therapeutic targets. For example, the unexpected efficacy of therapeutic B cell
depletion in some autoimmune diseases has prompted intense investigation by basic scientists into the role of
B cells in pathogenic pathways. Likewise, the understanding of the role of the microbiome influencing immune
regulation has led to the discussion and development of potentially novel therapeutic strategies for other illnesses,
such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Basic information on metabolism in regulatory and
effector T cells has spurred interest in the drive toward metabolic manipulations as therapeutic strategies, not
only in cancer, but also in autoimmunity. Notably one of the major complications of cancer immunotherapy with
checkpoint inhibitors is the development of a wide-range of autoimmune complications. Therefore, while
maintaining a focus on cutting edge basic research in autoimmunity, we will continue to involve translational
scientists that study mechanisms of tissue injury in human disease to discuss novel treatment strategies and
data on the successes and failures of manipulating the immune system in autoimmune humans and cancer
patients. We expect that emphasis on therapeutic treatment of autoimmune disease will attract both basic and
industry scientists and will stimulate strong interest among both junior and established investigators. Our
program combines a focus on diversity with an emphasis on involving and mentoring trainees at all levels. The
size and setting of this meeting are ideal to promote the open exchange of data and cross-fertilization of ideas
that will stimulate new hypotheses and attract more trainees into autoimmunity research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10233449
- **Project number:** 1R13AI161862-01
- **Recipient organization:** FEDERATION OF AMER SOC FOR EXPER BIOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Dario AA Vignali
- **Activity code:** R13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $10,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10233449

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10233449, FASEB's The Autoimmunity Conference (1R13AI161862-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10233449. Licensed CC0.

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