The gastrointestinal tract is a densely innervated organ that also contains the largest number of immune cells in the body. In addition, the gut lumen harbours a complex microbial community known as gut microbiota. Therefore, gut tissue constitutes a unique environment where microbes, neurons and immune cells are closely interacting within the same organ. This symposium will bring together researchers from across the fields of immunology, neuroscience, and microbiology, and will focus on how intestinal homeostasis is maintained by the gut tissue circuits. This symposium is supported by JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).

As part of the cultural collaboration, the symposium will also host art works by artist and scientist Dr. Jasmine Pradissitto whose work examines not only our physiological links to our brains, but also to the environment.

Speakers
Dr. Matthew R. Hepworth, The University of Manchester, UK
Dr. Yosuke Kurashima, Chiba University, Japan
Dr. Hilary Brown, Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK
Mr. Junya Isobe, Keio University, Japan
Dr. Kendle M. Maslowski, University of Birmingham, UK
Dr. Shin-ichiro Sawa, Kyushu University, Japan
Dr. Chris Schiering, Imperial College London, UK
Dr. Ana Oliveria, The Francis Crick Institute, UK

Keynote lecture
Dr. Gérard Eberl, Pasteur Institute, France