Meeting Summary

July 26-28, 2009
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel, Athens, GA

Organizers: Ralph A. Tripp, Andrew Park, and S. Mark Tompkins

Influenza virus is a constantly changing virus. Regular mutation and selection, or antigenic drift results in loss of immunity and the requirement of regular reformulation of annual influenza vaccines. Influenza viruses are also changing through selective pressure and in nature to be resistant to anti-viral drugs. At the same time, influenza virus is changing hosts. Avian influenza viruses have infected a variety of feline species and equine influenza virus appears to be established in canine populations. Most importantly, H5N1 avian influenza appears poised to shift species and could cause the next pandemic. Recent advances in basic and applied research provide an unparalleled opportunity to understand the interplay between the virus, the host, and the environment, particularly on matters of virus evolution, virus ecology, and the generation of immunity. This meeting will assemble basic and applied scientists from academia, government, and industry to foster effective translation of new findings in basic research into effective vaccines and therapies. It will bring together evolutionary virologists, viral ecologists, viral immunologists, and vaccinologists to discuss influenza virus emergence, biology, immunology, and vaccines. The meeting has an underlying theme of joining empirical research with modeling and each session will feature at least one presentation on the latest advances in modeling. It will also provide an opportunity for students and junior scientists to meet and interact with leading influenza researchers. The goal of the meeting is to increase understanding of influenza virus and virus evolution, immune responses to the virus, and influenza vaccine design in order to improve anti-influenza drugs and vaccines that are better able to control this changing pathogen.

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