The majority of emerging infectious diseases are of zoonotic origin, i.e.? transmissible between humans and animals causing infection in both species. Many of the? most dangerous and easily transmitted of these agents are viruses. The majority of the? emerging or re-emerging human viruses lack an effective vaccine or anti-viral drug? treatment. The recent emergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1? emphasizes this unmet need. Recent advances in basic and applied research have? provided an unparalleled opportunity to understand the interplay between the virus, the? host, and the immune system, particularly on matters of immune cells and molecules? involved in the generation of immunity, effector mechanisms, and mechanisms involved? in the generation and maintenance of immune memory responses. This meeting will? assemble basic and applied viral immunologists from academia, government, and? industry to foster effective translation of new findings in basic research into effective? vaccines and therapies. The goal of the meeting is to accelerate anti-viral vaccine and? therapeutic development, to facilitate a rapid response to the threat of emerging viruses,? with the focus of the meeting centered on influenza viruses.
