Contents
We’re still building our final program.
All listings subject to change.
Due to the cancellation of IMMUNOLOGY2020™, both Dr. Ting and Dr. Boss will have a president’s program at Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™.
Monday, May 10, 2021 10:30 am – 1:00 pm EDT
2021 AAI President’s Address

Jenny P. Ting
Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, AAI President (2020–2021)
The all-encompassing importance of innate immunity
Jeffrey A. Frelinger, Univ. of Arizona and Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Introduction
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
2021 AAI President’s Symposium
The Impact of Immunology on Health and Diseases: As Far as the Eye Can See
Chair:
- Jenny P. Ting, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, AAI President (2020–2021)
Speakers:

Etty (Tika) N. Benveniste
Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham, Sch. of Med.
Neutrophil involvement in autoimmune neuroinflammation

Mary N. Carrington
NCI, NIH
The impact of immunogenetic variation on functional characteristics of the immune response

Blossom A. Damania
Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Modulation of host immunity by human herpesviruses

Laurie H. Glimcher
Dana Farber Cancer Inst.
Stressed out: a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy
Monday, May 10, 2021 10:30 am – 1:00 pm EDT
2020 AAI President’s Address

Jeremy M. Boss
Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
The regulation of immunity
Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to Marc K. Jenkins
Peter E. Jensen, Univ. of Utah
Introduction
Thursday, May 13, 2021 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
2020 AAI President’s Symposium
Genes and Genomes in Healthy and Autoimmune Lymphocytes
Presentation of AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award to Jeffrey A. Bluestone
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Speakers:

Michael S. Krangel
Duke Univ. Med. Ctr.
RAG expression and TCR repertoire formation in double positive thymocytes

Frances E. Lund
Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham
Inflammatory cytokine-mediated control of effector memory B cell development and function

Eugene M. Oltz
The Ohio State Univ. Col. of Med.
Wiring schemes for innate and adaptive lymphoid cells

Max D. Cooper
Emory Univ. Sch. of Med.
The evolution of T and B cells
Due to the cancellation of IMMUNOLOGY2020™, some of the 2020 lectures
and symposia will be presented at Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™.
The 2021 Distinguished Lectures Program is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Wendy Havran. Dr. Havran was selected as a Distinguished Lecturer for IMMUNOLOGY2020™ but she unfortunately died after a brief illness in January 2020. A tribute to her exemplary service to AAI, and to her life and work, may be read at aai.org/tribute.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm EDT
Chair:
- David Masopust, Univ. of Minnesota, AAI Program Committee Chair
Speaker:

Michael P. Cancro
Perelman Sch. of Med., Univ. of Pennsylvania
A tale of two subsets: rethinking B cell selection, homeostasis, and memory
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm EDT
Chair:
- David Masopust, Univ. of Minnesota, AAI Program Committee Chair
Speaker:

Dario A.A. Vignali
Univ. of Pittsburgh Sch. of Med.
Immune inhibitory mechanisms in cancer
Thursday, May 13, 2021 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm EDT
Chair:
- David Masopust, Univ. of Minnesota, AAI Program Committee Chair
Speaker:

Donna L. Farber
Columbia Univ. Med. Ctr.
Human immunity in space and time
Monday, May 10, 2021 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Major Symposium A: Modern World Influences on the Microbiome and their Consequences for Immune-Mediated Diseases
Chairs:
- Cathryn Nagler, Univ. of Chicago
- Barbara Rehermann, NIDDK, NIH
Speakers:
- Barbara Rehermann, NIDDK, NIH, Natural vs. laboratory world: wild mouse microbiota improve host fitness and preclinical models
- Noah Palm, Yale Univ., Illuminating the ‘dark matter’ of the bioactive microbiota metabolome
- June L. Round, Univ. of Utah, Microbe-immune interactions prevent obesity
- Cathryn Nagler, Univ. of Chicago, Intestinal bacteria regulate allergic responses to food
- Neil Surana, Duke Univ., Microbiome engineering to treat inflammatory diseases
Monday, May 10, 2021 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Major Symposium B: Host Immunity to Intracellular Pathogens
Chairs:
- Phillip A. Scott, Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Vet. Med.
- Shabaana A. Khader, Washington Univ., St. Louis
Speakers:
- Phillip A. Scott, Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Vet. Med., Pathways promoting pathology: how CD8+ T cell cytolysis influences disease outcome in cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Shabaana A. Khader, Washington Univ., St. Louis, Role of innate lymphoid cells in tuberculosis
- John T. Harty, Univ. of Iowa, T cell immunity in tissues
- Manuela Raffatellu, Univ. of California, San Diego, Mucosal immunity to Salmonella
- Melissa B. Lodoen, Univ. of California, Irvine, Innate immunity and pathogenesis in the vasculature during Toxoplasma gondii infection
- Maziar Divangahi, McGill Univ., Canada, Hematopoietic stem cells: the target for vaccine or pathogen
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm EDT
Major Symposium C: An Immunological Angle on the Brain and its Diseases
Chairs:
- Jonathan Kipnis, Washington Univ., St. Louis
- Zsuzsanna Fabry, Univ. of Wisconsin Sch. of Med.
Speakers:
- Zsuzsanna Fabry, Univ. of Wisconsin Sch. of Med., Dendritic cells link neuroinflammation and lymphangiogenesis in the brain
- Antoine Louveau, Lerner Res. Inst., Regulation of brain maturation by the meningeal lymphatic vasculature
- Isaac M. Chiu, Harvard Univ., Role of neuro-immune interactions in bacterial host defense
- Ashley Moseman, Duke Univ. Sch. of Med., Coordinating CNS host defense following olfactory neuroinvasion
- Stanley Perlman, Univ. of Iowa, Coronavirus infections of the CNS and immunological responses
- Beth Stevens, Boston Children’s Hosp., Mapping microglia states to function in health and disease
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm EDT
Major Symposium D: Innate Immunity—The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Chairs:
- Clara Abraham, Yale Univ.
- Katherine A. Fitzgerald, Univ. of Massachusetts Med. Sch.
Speakers:
- Clara Abraham, Yale Univ., Modulation of innate immune responses by disease-associated genes
- Katherine A. Fitzgerald, Univ. of Massachusetts Med. Sch., Regulation of inflammation by nucleic acid-binding proteins
- Daniel B. Stetson, Univ. of Washington, Innate immune detection of intracellular DNA
- Raphaela T. Goldbach-Mansky, NIAID, NIH, Innate immune dysregulation in autoinflammatory diseases
- Gregory F. Sonnenberg, Weill Cornell Med., Immune regulation of intestinal health
- Kodi S. Ravichandran, Univ. of Virginia, Soothing messages on the way out: apoptotic cell communication with the neighborhood
Friday, May 14, 2021 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Major Symposium E: Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Immunity
Chairs:
- Thomas E. Gajewski, Univ. of Chicago
- Lisa H. Butterfield, Parker Inst. for Cancer Immunotherapy
Speakers:
- Thomas E. Gajewski, Univ. of Chicago, Mechanisms of cancer immunotherapy efficacy vs. resistance
- Lisa H. Butterfield, Parker Inst. for Cancer Immunotherapy, Cancer vaccines and what does and doesn't matter
- Weiping Zou, Univ. of Michigan, Metabolic impact on cancer immunity and therapy
- Jennifer A. Wargo, Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr., The role of the microbiome in response and toxicity to therapy
- Arlene H. Sharpe, Harvard Med. Sch., Discovery of new immuno-oncology targets leveraging CRISPR
Friday, May 14, 2021 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Major Symposium F: Engineering Immunity
Chairs:
- Dennis Burton, Scripps Res.
- Benjamin A. Youngblood, St. Jude Children’s Res. Hosp.
Speakers:
- Dennis Burton, Scripps Res., Neutralizing antibodies, neutralization, and vaccines
- Laura M. Walker, Adimab, LLC, Broad and potent neutralizing antibodies to combat viral threats
- Darrell J. Irvine, MIT, The impact of vaccine kinetics on humoral immunity
- Alexander Marson, Univ. California, San Francisco, Reprogramming human T cells with CRISPR
- Benjamin A. Youngblood, St. Jude Children’s Res. Hosp., Epigenetic reprogramming of CD8+ T cell differentiation potential
- Anjana Rao, La Jolla Inst. for Immunology, Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in anti-tumor responses
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm EDT
Major Symposium G: B Cell Lineage Signals in Protective vs. Maladaptive Antibody Responses
Chairs:
- Mark R. Boothby, Vanderbilt Univ. Med. Ctr.
- Roberta Pelanda, Univ. of Colorado, Denver
Speakers:
- Roberta Pelanda, Univ. of Colorado, Denver, Molecular control of central B cell tolerance: is it one for all?
- Julie Zikherman, Univ. of California, San Francisco, Negative feedback regulation of normal and autoimmune B cell responses
- João P. Pereira, Yale Univ., B cell circuits in homeostasis and disease
- Pamela L. Schwartzberg, NIAID, NIH, Modulation of B cell responses by activated PI3K-delta
- Mark R. Boothby, Vanderbilt Univ. Med. Ctr., Imag(in)ing a fusion of nutrients, metabolism, and function as B cells effect antibody responses
- Michel C. Nussenzweig, Rockefeller Univ., Human antibody responses to viral pathogens
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm EDT
Major Symposium H: The Stromal Cell Underpinning of Immune Cell Development and Function
Chairs:
- Susan R. Schwab, New York Univ. Grossman Sch. of Med.
- Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker, Univ. of Toronto, and Sunnybrook Res. Inst., Canada
Speakers:
- Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker, Univ. of Toronto, and Sunnybrook Res. Inst., Canada, Thymus stromal cells are plastic
- Mark S. Anderson, Univ. of California, San Francisco, Maintenance of immune tolerance by thymic stromal cells
- Burkhard Ludewig, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland, Fibroblastic reticular cells: subsets and functions
- Susan R. Schwab, New York Univ. Grossman Sch. of Med., Exit strategies: S1P and immune cell migration
- Theresa T.-S. Lu, Hosp. for Special Surgery Res. Inst., Langerhans cells and stromal regulation in lupus
- Melody A. Swartz, Univ. of Chicago, Antigen presentation by lymphatic endothelial cells and T cell memory
Friday, May 14, 2021 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
COVID-19 and the Science of Pandemics—Lessons Learned
Chairs:
- David Masopust, Univ. of Minnesota, AAI Program Committee Chair
- M. Michele Hogan, Executive Director, AAI
Speakers:

Anthony S. Fauci
Director
NIAID, NIH

Linda J. Saif
Distinguished University Professor
The Ohio State Univ.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
AAI Vanguard Lecture
Sponsored by the AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Chair:
- Tonya J. Webb, Univ. of Maryland Sch. of Med., AAI Minority Affairs Committee Chair
Speaker:

De’Broski R. Herbert
Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Vet. Med.
IL-33 regulates the balance between inflammation and immunosuppression
Presented by an AAI member selected by the Minority Affairs Committee for their scientific achievement and exemplary career success
Each year, AAI recognizes the extraordinary professional achievements and career promise of its members. The following are the recipients of 2021 AAI Career Awards.
Monday, May 10, 2021 10:30 am – 1:00 pm EDT
AAI Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation
Presented prior to Dr. Boss's President’s Address
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Award Recipient:


Marc K. Jenkins
Univ. of Minnesota Ctr. for Immunology
Recognizes a member for a career of extraordinary scientific achievement and exceptional leadership and service to AAI
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm EDT
AAI-BD Biosciences Investigator Award Presentation and Lecture
Generously supported by BD Biosciences
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Award Recipient:


Erika L. Pearce
Max Planck Inst. of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Germany; Bloomberg-Kimmel Inst. for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins Univ. (as of January 1, 2021)
Metabolic regulation of T cell function
Recognizes an early-career investigator who has made outstanding contributions to the field of immunology
Thursday, May 13, 2021 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm EDT
AAI-Thermo Fisher Meritorious Career Award Presentation and Lecture
Generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Award Recipient:


Alexander Y. Rudensky
HHMI, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Ctr., Rockefeller Univ. and Weill Cornell Med.
The virtue of restraint in adaptive immunity
Recognizes a mid-career scientist for outstanding research contributions to the field of immunology
Thursday, May 13, 2021 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award Presentation
Presented prior to Dr. Boss's President’s Symposium
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Award Recipient:


Jeffrey A. Bluestone
Univ. of California, San Francisco, and Sonoma Biotherapeutics
Recognizes a member for exemplary career contributions to a future generation of scientists
Friday, May 14, 2021 10:00 am – 11:00 am EDT
AAI-BioLegend Herzenberg Award Presentation and Lecture
Generously supported by BioLegend
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Award Recipient:


Susan K. Pierce
NIAID, NIH
Regulators and influencers of B cell affinity discrimination
Recognizes an individual who has made exemplary research contributions to the field of B cell biology
Saturday, May 15, 2021 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT
AAI-Steinman Award for Human Immunology Research Presentation and Lecture
Chair:
- Jeremy M. Boss, Emory Univ. Sch. of Med., AAI President (2019–2020)
Award Recipient:


Michael J. Lenardo
NIAID, NIH
Identification of novel gene defects leads to precision therapies for congenital immune diseases
Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the understanding of immune processes underlying human disease pathogenesis, prevention, and therapies
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
AAI Distinguished Service Award Presentation
Presented at the Business Meeting
Award Recipient:



Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
Univ. of Toronto, and Sunnybrook Res. Inst., Canada
For outstanding service to AAI and the immunology community as director of the AAI Introductory Course in Immunology, 2014–2019
Recognizes a member for outstanding service to the AAI community
Trainee Abstract Awards
Hundreds of AAI members are eligible to receive Trainee Abstract Awards each year! To be eligible for these awards, individuals must be members of AAI at the time of abstract submission. Details about Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™ awards can be found at aai.org/Awards. Apply by January 26, 2021.
AAI committees host symposia, workshops, lectures, and events that address the most recent advances in their specialty areas of immunology research, as well as issues in public policy and career development.
Monday, May 10, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Careers Roundtable
Sponsored by the AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Chair:
- Tonya J. Webb, Univ. of Maryland Sch. of Med.; AAI Minority Affairs Committee Chair
Networking skills have never been more crucial to ensure success for early/mid-career scientists, including those traditionally under-represented in biomedical research. At the roundtable, take advantage of the opportunity to meet in small-group format with accomplished, senior immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face and learn what they believe will work for you today. Then, practice networking in a relaxed environment offering a structured networking exercise and personalized feedback on communicating your scientific interests/objectives most effectively. Scientists and trainees of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend!
Discussion Topics
- Grad student: finding a mentor, setting sights on postdoc training
- Postdoc: finding a mentor, taking aim at a faculty position
- Junior Faculty: preparing for promotion and tenure
- Academia or Industry: how to decide (or switch sides)
- Government Agency Careers
- Non-Bench-Research Science Careers:
- Entrepreneurship
- Non-profits/Foundations
- Grants Review/Administration
- Research technology
- Science policy
- Scientific publishing
Monday, May 10, 2021 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm EDT
Back to School: A Review of Four Fast-Moving Fields
Sponsored by the AAI Program Committee
This workshop intends to bring a broad audience up-to-date on a few emerging or rapidly changing fields or areas of technological innovation. Expert lecturers will provide an overview of each trending topic with an emphasis on communicating big picture concepts.
Chairs:
- David Masopust, Univ. Minnesota, AAI Program Committee Chair
- Kimberly S. Schluns, Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr.
Speakers:
- David Brooks, Princess Margaret Cancer Ctr., Canada, High-dimensional mass cytometry based immune profiling for basic research and cancer clinical trials
- Dorian McGavern, NINDS, NIH, The neuroimmunology of health and disease
- Beth McCormick, Univ. of Massachusetts, Best practices in analytical methods for studying the microbiome
- Michael Y. Gerner, Univ. of Washington, Quantitative imaging of the immune system
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
AAI Vanguard Lecture
Sponsored by the AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Chair:
- Tonya J. Webb, Univ. of Maryland Sch. of Med., AAI Minority Affairs Committee Chair
Speaker:



De’Broski R. Herbert
Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Vet. Med.
IL-33 regulates the balance between inflammation and immunosuppression
Presented by an AAI member selected by the Minority Affairs Committee for their scientific achievement and exemplary career success
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
The U.S. COVID-19 Response: Successes, Failures, and Ongoing Challenges
Sponsored by the AAI Committee on Public Affairs
Chair:
- Ross M. Kedl, Univ. of Colorado Anschutz Sch. of Med., AAI Committee on Public Affairs Chair
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EDT
Careers in Science Roundtables
Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee & AAI Committee on the Status of Women
Chair:
- Laura A. Solt, Scripps Res., AAI Committee on the Status of Women Chair
At this popular session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with experienced scientists to explore specific career issues important to men and women in science today. Gain insights into issues you are confronting in your own career. Topics include international opportunities in science, succeeding in graduate school, tips on grant writing, considerations for scientists in M.D.-Ph.D. careers, and exciting careers beyond the bench. New to the 2020 session are topics on building productive mentor/mentee relationships, overcoming self-doubt, and tackling gender biases in recruitment, research, and leadership. There are also table discussions on navigating work-life issues, such as balancing careers with family and transitioning from specific career stages, which may be relevant to any work environment (academic research, biotech industry, governmental agencies, non-profit). Don’t miss this great opportunity!
Discussion topics
- New PI (mentoring effectively, recruiting students and postdocs, preparing for promotion, tips for balancing teaching and research)
- Succeeding in Graduate School
- Graduate Student to Postdoc
- Postdoc to PI
- Work/Life Balance
- Building Networking Skills
- Biotech and Industry
- Overcoming Self-Doubt and Becoming a Confident Scientist
- Tackling Gender Biases in Recruitment, Research, and Leadership
- Careers in Government Agencies
- Scientific Publishing
- Opportunities for Scientists in Non-profits/Foundations & Careers in Science Policy
- Grant Writing for PIs
- Research from M.D., Ph.D. Perspective/ The Phsysician Scientist
- International Opportunities
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Zoonotic Pandemics—Immune Factors Contributing to Pathogenesis and Protection
Sponsored by the AAI Veterinary Immunology Committee
Support in part provided by the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI)
Approaches to improve health via immunomodulation or immunotherapy cross into both human and veterinary medicine. Advances in vaccine formulations and therapeutic modalities in domestic animals have translational applications for improving human health. This symposium will highlight the clinical implications of using stem cells as immunomodulators, approaches to modulate immunity to decrease infectious disease, and provide insight on novel therapeutic approaches for animal health. Collectively, the talks presented in this symposium will showcase the translational cohesion between veterinary and human health to support the current “One Health” research concept.
Chairs:
- Crystal Loving, USDA, ARS, Natl. Animal Dis. Ctr., AAI Veterinary Immunology Committee Chair
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Panel Discussion: Minority Scientists’ Experience: Challenging and Overcoming Barriers to Enhancing Diversity and Career Advancement
Sponsored by the AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Chair:
- Tonya Webb, Univ. of Maryland Sch. of Med., AAI Minority Affairs Committee Chair
Thursday, May 13, 2021 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm EDT
Careers in Biotech Panel Discussion
Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee
Chair:
- H. Kiyomi Komori, Arena Pharmaceuticals
Many opportunities exist in biotechnology for scientists with advanced degrees. There are positions in laboratory research, program management, business development, regulatory affairs, clinical trials oversight, medical liaison, and more. This panel features scientists employed in a variety of positions discussing their career paths and the skills required for success in each.
Friday, May 14, 2021 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
How to Write a Scientific Paper, Respond to Reviews, and Disseminate Your Findings
Sponsored by the AAI Publications Committee
In this session sponsored by the AAI Publications Committee, experienced editors and authors will provide valuable insights to the processes of preparing a manuscript, responding to reviewers’ comments, and how to use social media to spread the word about your work. In addition, the Editor-In-Chief of The Journal of Immunology will speak on the career benefits of publishing in The JI.
Chairs:
- Tania H. Watts, Univ. of Toronto, Canada, AAI Publications Committee Chair
- Eugene M. Oltz, The Ohio State Univ. Col. of Med., Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Immunology
Speakers:
- Tania H. Watts, Univ. of Toronto, Canada, What’s your punchline? How to write a compelling manuscript
- Gail A. Bishop, Univ. of Iowa, What to do when reviews arrive
- Akiko Iwasaki, Yale Sch. of Med., How to use Twitter to promote your publication
- Eugene M. Oltz, The Ohio State Univ. Col. of Med., Why you should publish in The JI – and ImmunoHorizons too!
Friday, May 14, 2021 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Immunology Teaching Interest Group
Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee
Chairs:
- Edith Porter, California State Univ., Los Angeles
- Michelle A. Swanson-Mungerson, Chicago Col. of Osteopathic Med., Midwestern Univ.
Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to enliven and improve your teaching? If so, please join us for this special interest group which will focus on strategies that instructors can use to successfully convey immunology concepts to students at the undergraduate and graduate level. The session will explore the use of test-based learning, animated visual models, active learning strategies, and more through talks and structured breakout discussion groups. Current educators, new faculty, and trainees with an interest in teaching are welcome.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EDT
Transforming the Study of Human Disease through Systems Immunology
Sponsored by the AAI Clinical Immunology Committee
Single-cell analytics are changing the way we interpret and understand immunology. In this session sponsored by the AAI Clinical Immunology Committee, top researchers will highlight the use of single-cell analytics to explore human immunology and how such techniques will open doors to tomorrow’s therapeutics.
Chair:
- Jennifer Anolik, Univ. of Rochester Med. Ctr., AAI Clinical Immunology Committee Chair
- American Society for Reproductive Immunology (ASRI) The American Society of Transplantation (AST)
- The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)
- Australasian Society for Immunology (ASI)
- Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI)
- Center for Scientific Review (CSR, NIH)
- Chinese Society for Immunology (CSI)
- Chinese Society of Immunology, Taiwan (CSIT)
- European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS)
- German Society for Immunology (DGfl)
- International Complement Society (ICS)
- The International Cytokine and Interferon Society (ICIS) International Society of Developmental and Comparative Immunology (ISDCI)
- Japanese Society for Immunology (JSI)
- Korean Association of Immunologists (KAI) and The Association of Korean Immunologists in America (AKIA)
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID, NIH)
- National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, NIH)
- National Institute on Aging (NIA, NIH)
- The Obesity Society (TOS)
- Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Society for Leukocyte Biology (SLB)
- Society for Mucosal Immunology (SMI)
- Society for Natural Immunity (SNI)
We're finalizing our schedule of guest society symposia. Check back frequently for updates.
In addition to committee-sponsored sessions, Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™ will provide the following career development programs. AAI will also sponsor a Jobs Board during the meeting.
Monday, May 10, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Careers Roundtable
Sponsored by the AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Chair:
- Tonya J. Webb, Univ. of Maryland Sch. of Med.; AAI Minority Affairs Committee Chair
Networking skills have never been more crucial to ensure success for early/mid-career scientists, including those traditionally under-represented in biomedical research. At the roundtable, take advantage of the opportunity to meet in small-group format with accomplished, senior immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face and learn what they believe will work for you today. Then, practice networking in a relaxed environment offering a structured networking exercise and personalized feedback on communicating your scientific interests/objectives most effectively. Scientists and trainees of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend!
Discussion Topics
- Grad student: finding a mentor, setting sights on postdoc training
- Postdoc: finding a mentor, taking aim at a faculty position
- Junior Faculty: preparing for promotion and tenure
- Academia or Industry: how to decide (or switch sides)
- Government Agency Careers
- Non-Bench-Research Science Careers:
- Entrepreneurship
- Non-profits/Foundations
- Grants Review/Administration
- Research technology
- Science policy
- Scientific publishing
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
NIH Grants Workshop: Demystifying the Grant Application Submission, Review, and Funding Processes
Chair:
- Tina McIntyre, CSR, NIH
This workshop will provide participants with an overview of NIH grant submission, assignment, review, and funding opportunities. Emphasis will be given to identification of the most appropriate funding agencies and mechanisms available through NIH, how to make an application “reviewer friendly,” and other strategies that contribute to applications that succeed in obtaining research funding. The workshop will also provide information on how to understand the peer review system, which is essential to competing successfully for funding, with a focus on recent changes to the review process. NIH review and program staff will provide a broad array of expertise and encourage questions from seminar participants. This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about preparing an NIH grant application and obtaining NIH funding. Trainees and independent investigators are welcome.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EDT
Careers in Science Roundtables
Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee & AAI Committee on the Status of Women
Chair:
- Laura A. Solt, Scripps Res., AAI Committee on the Status of Women Chair
At this popular session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with experienced scientists to explore specific career issues important to men and women in science today. Gain insights into issues you are confronting in your own career. Topics include international opportunities in science, succeeding in graduate school, tips on grant writing, considerations for scientists in M.D.-Ph.D. careers, and exciting careers beyond the bench. New to the 2020 session are topics on building productive mentor/mentee relationships, overcoming self-doubt, and tackling gender biases in recruitment, research, and leadership. There are also table discussions on navigating work-life issues, such as balancing careers with family and transitioning from specific career stages, which may be relevant to any work environment (academic research, biotech industry, governmental agencies, non-profit). Don’t miss this great opportunity!
Discussion topics
- New PI (mentoring effectively, recruiting students and postdocs, preparing for promotion, tips for balancing teaching and research)
- Succeeding in Graduate School
- Graduate Student to Postdoc
- Postdoc to PI
- Work/Life Balance
- Building Networking Skills
- Biotech and Industry
- Overcoming Self-Doubt and Becoming a Confident Scientist
- Tackling Gender Biases in Recruitment, Research, and Leadership
- Careers in Government Agencies
- Scientific Publishing
- Opportunities for Scientists in Non-profits/Foundations & Careers in Science Policy
- Grant Writing for PIs
- Research from M.D., Ph.D. Perspective/ The Phsysician Scientist
- International Opportunities
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 11:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT
How to Have a Successful Postdoctoral Experience
A postdoctoral fellowship is the time to develop research skills you will need to succeed as an independent scientist. It is, however, just as important to realize that you need to prepare for a career path at the same time. This session will highlight ways of getting the most out of your postdoctoral fellowship, relating successfully with your mentor, and understanding how to use the resources available to you to ensure that your training prepares you adequately for a seamless transition into the next phase of your career.
Thursday, May 13, 2021 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm EDT
Careers in Biotech Panel Discussion
Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee
Chair:
- H. Kiyomi Komori, Arena Pharmaceuticals
Many opportunities exist in biotechnology for scientists with advanced degrees. There are positions in laboratory research, program management, business development, regulatory affairs, clinical trials oversight, medical liaison, and more. This panel features scientists employed in a variety of positions discussing their career paths and the skills required for success in each.
Friday, May 14, 2021 10:00 am – 11:00 am EDT
How to Convert Your CV into a Résumé
Speaker:
- Derek Haseltine, Director, Career Develop. Ctr., Baylor Col. of Med.
For anyone seeking a job outside of academe, how you present yourself on paper is critical. A well prepared résumé can make all the difference in securing that interview. The focus of this session will be on the important elements of a résumé, the differences between a résumé and the standard academic curriculum vitae, and the information needed to make a good impression. In this special career development session, attendees will be instructed in how to transform their CVs into professional résumés. Small breakout sessions for individual consulting will follow. Bring your CV!
Friday, May 14, 2021 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Immunology Teaching Interest Group
Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee
Chairs:
- Edith Porter, California State Univ., Los Angeles
- Michelle A. Swanson-Mungerson, Chicago Col. of Osteopathic Med., Midwestern Univ.
Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to enliven and improve your teaching? If so, please join us for this special interest group which will focus on strategies that instructors can use to successfully convey immunology concepts to students at the undergraduate and graduate level. The session will explore the use of test-based learning, animated visual models, active learning strategies, and more through talks and structured breakout discussion groups. Current educators, new faculty, and trainees with an interest in teaching are welcome.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Interviewing for a Job
Speaker:
- Derek Haseltine, Career Develop. Ctr., Baylor Col. of Med.
This session will be focused on tips and techniques to help you successfully navigate the interview process. Emphasis will be on how you can present yourself in the best possible light. You will also learn how to respond to unexpected questions. This session is open to anyone but is especially intended for student and postdoctoral attendees.
Monday, May 10, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Social Event (TBA)
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Social Event (TBA)
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Social Event (TBA)
Thursday, May 13, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Social Event (TBA)
Friday, May 14, 2021 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Social Event (TBA)
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
AAI Business Meeting and Awards Presentation
AAI reports on the “state of the association” to its members at every AAI annual meeting. Members will hear from the Executive Director, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Immunology (The JI), and the Chair of the Committee on Public Affairs on the financial standing of AAI, the status of The JI, important public policy issues, and other items of interest for the membership. Special AAI awards will also be presented during this session.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
AAI Distinguished Fellows Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 Acknowledgment
Acknowledged at the AAI Business Meeting.
The Distinguished Fellows of AAI program annually recognizes members for distinguished careers and outstanding scientific contributions as well as their service to AAI and the immunology community. It honors active, long-term members (25 or more years) who have demonstrated one or more of the following: excellence in research accomplishment in the field of immunology; exceptional leadership to the immunology community in academia, foundations, nonprofits, industry, or government at a national or international level; notable distinction as an educator. Election as a Distinguished Fellow is among the highest honors bestowed by AAI.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
AAI Distinguished Service Award Presentation
Presented at the Business Meeting
Award Recipient:



Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
Univ. of Toronto, and Sunnybrook Res. Inst., Canada
For outstanding service to AAI and the immunology community as director of the AAI Introductory Course in Immunology, 2014–2019
Recognizes a member for outstanding service to the AAI community
AAI annually provides hundreds of meeting awards and grants to recognize the promise and promote the professional development of investigators of all career stages. Meeting award presentations at the business meeting will include:
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Pfizer-Showell Award
This award recognizes the professional promise of an early career investigator (assistant professor or equivalent) by assisting the award recipient with registration for the AAI annual meeting to present their research. This award is supported through an endowment from Henry J. Showell and Pfizer, Inc.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Lefrançois-BioLegend Memorial Award
Established to honor the memory of AAI Member Dr. Leo Lefrançois, this award is intended to advance the career of a trainee who attends the AAI annual meeting and presents an outstanding abstract specifically in the area of mucosal immunology. This award is generously supported by BioLegend and donations from friends and colleagues of Dr. Lefrançois.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Lustgarten-Thermo Fisher Scientific Memorial Award
Established to honor the memory of AAI Member Dr. Joseph Lustgarten, this award is intended to advance the career of a mid-career scientist who attends the AAI annual meeting and presents an outstanding abstract specifically in the area of immune regulation. This award is generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Chambers-Thermo Fisher Scientific Memorial Award
Established to honor the memory of AAI Member Dr. Cynthia Chambers, this award is intended to advance the career of an early career scientist who attends the AAI annual meeting and presents an outstanding abstract specifically in the area of cancer biology. This award is generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
AAI-Thermo Fisher Trainee Achievement Awards
This award recognizes up to six promising trainees in the field of immunology. Selection is based on career promise and presentation of an outstanding first-author abstract selected for a Block Symposium. This award is generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Other Award Presentations
Hundreds of AAI members are eligible to receive Trainee Abstract Awards each year! To be eligible for these awards, individuals must be members of AAI at the time of abstract submission. Details about Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™ awards can be found at aai.org/Awards. Apply by January 26, 2021.
Abstracts of unpublished, original research are slated for presentation at Virtual IMMUNOLOGY2021™ during Poster Sessions and Block Symposia. All abstracts are reviewed by committees of experts in their respective areas and scheduled for presentation. Outstanding abstracts will be selected for inclusion in Block Symposia.
Block Symposia
Monday, May 10, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Monday, May 10, 2021 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm EDT
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Thursday, May 13, 2021 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Friday, May 14, 2021 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Friday, May 14, 2021 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Saturday, May 15, 2021 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EDT
Saturday, May 15, 2021 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
All abstracts–including those selected for Block Symposia–are scheduled for presentation in Poster Sessions. Poster Sessions will be held daily (unopposed by any other session).
Poster Sessions
Monday, May 10, 2021 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 9:00 am – 10:30 am EDT
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Thursday, May 13, 2021 9:00 am – 10:30 am EDT
Friday, May 14, 2021 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Saturday, May 15, 2021 9:00 am – 10:30 am EDT
Refer to our Abstracts page for more information on how the program comes together.
Virtual Exhibit Hall
Leading scientific companies and organizations will showcase their products and services. Attendees will be able to visit booths and learn more through product videos and resources, engage through Live Chat and/or scheduled appointments, and attend workshops.
Plan which exhibits you wish to visit and learn more by viewing the interactive Virtual Exhibit Hall.
Virtual Exhibit Hall Hours
Please note that all times listed are U.S. Eastern Time.
Tuesday, May 11
10:30 AM–8:00 PM
(Unopposed) 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Wednesday, May 12
9:00 AM–6:30 PM
(Unopposed) 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Thursday, May 13
10:30 AM–8:00 PM
(Unopposed) 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Friday, May 14
9:00 AM–6:30 PM
(Unopposed) 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Saturday, May 15
10:30 AM–5:30 PM
(Unopposed) 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
Virtual Exhibitor Workshops
Take advantage of the knowledge-building opportunities presented in Virtual Exhibitor Workshops. These workshops explore the newest technologies, products, and services through presentations, demonstrations, and discussions.
Workshops are planned and conducted by exhibitors. These sessions do not constitute endorsement of any product or service by AAI.