Keystone Symposia Multiple Sclerosis (A8)

Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Organizers: James L. Salzer, Anne H. Cross and John Fleming
January 21 - 26, 2009 • Hilton Santa Fe/Historic Plaza • Santa Fe, New Mexico
www.keynotesymposia.org

Despite important recent progress, the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains unknown and important therapeutic needs are unmet. This conference will discuss advances in basic pathogenetic mechanisms and emergent therapies for MS. Emphasis will be on the immunopathogenesis of MS, including mechanisms of lymphocyte activation and trafficking across the blood brain barrier, on sources of axonal pathology, and genetic risk factors. New imaging methods and therapeutic strategies that target the immune system and promote remyelination will be discussed. An important challenge in MS research is to integrate emerging insights in the basic mechanisms of myelination, autoimmune demyelination, and neurodegeneration with translational science. The goal of this meeting is to provide a broad spectrum of MS researchers with a forum to discuss recent advances, and to foster cross-disciplinary interactions and collaborations.