HLTH.SP25

For decades, the concepts of ‘self’ and ‘nonself’ have played a central role in immunology. The self-nonself framework defines the biological individual as having an immune system that evolved to target and eliminate pathogens (e.g. viruses and bacteria). However, it is now clear that the immune system performs many important functions in addition to defense. Recent discoveries reveal vital roles for the immune system in development, organismal homeostasis, and tissue repair. In addition, the discovery of a robust and actively tolerated microbiome reveals that the immune system does not target all nonself cells for destruction. This seminar will provide a forum for critical discussion of pressing challenges that confront the field, with an emphasis on how conceptual theories hold potential to advance or stifle progress in the field of immunology.