Abstract 9604548 Kaattari The International Society of Developmental and Comparative Immunologists, meets triennially, and is the only international organization dedicated to examine the diverse defense mechanisms of disparate phylogenetic groups of organisms. Comparative models in immunology attempt to provide a phylogenetic link between the immunity in vertebrates with the immunity of invertebrates. Comparative models may also provide unique micro environments to study isolated immune functions. Important discoveries have been made exploiting differences among species, e.g. the function of B cells was first characterized in birds, while phagocytic cells were first observed in sea stars. In this meeting, which will be held in July 1997 in Williamsburg, Virginia, there will be a special emphasis on antibody and T cell receptor evolution, newly discovered cytokine-like molecules in invertebrates and phylogeny of the immune neuroendocrine immune system interactions. ***
