Introduction

Populations worldwide are ageing in what seems to be an irreversible trend. The United Nations projects that the number of people 65 or older will increase from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. Preserving good health in old age is of utmost importance to alleviate challenges to societies, economies, and healthcare systems, but of course, it is also essential for the well-being and quality of life of every person.

Like other organ systems, the immune system changes with age. Reduced immune responses result in higher incidence and severity of infectious diseases, reduced efficacy of some vaccines, and an increased risk for cancer. At the same time, dysregulated, excessive inflammatory responses contribute to many age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the ageing process, the immune response in old age, and the role of both processes on the pathophysiology of age-related diseases is crucial for defining strategies and treatments to improve health in old age and thereby developing sustainable future societies. The intricate interplay of immunological and metabolic functions has generated a tremendous amount of research interest over the last few years.

Our FEBS Workshop will combine the topics of Immunology, Metabolism and Ageing in a unique way: Firstly, it will cover the connection between immunological functions (e.g. inflammation, regulatory T cells, etc.) and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. Secondly, it will focus on the role of metabolic regulation for immune cell function, i.e. how changes in the metabolic processes of individual immune cells regulate their function. Thirdly, these processes will be viewed in the context of ageing and cellular senescence.

Our meeting will bring together internationally renowned experts in immunological, metabolic and ageing research and provide ample opportunities for scientific exchange and informal interactions. We particularly aim to connect experienced scientists and young researchers to foster potential collaborations and, hopefully, future careers, in the attempt to provide solutions for the biomedical challenges caused by the ongoing demographic shift.

Max. number of participants: 100

Course organizers 

Birgit WEINBERGER (Main organizer)

Thomas BROCKER, Christina D. CAMELL, Pidder JANSEN-DÜRR, Verena LABI, Patrizia STOITZNER (Co-organizers)