Ion channels and Transporters (ICTs) regulate key aspects of intracellular signaling, cell physiology and gene expression in the immune system. These membrane proteins have emerged as control switches for electrical signals that shape the immunological and inflammatory responses during infection, cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, in contrast to excitable cell types such as neurons and cardiomyocytes, our understanding of electrical signaling in the immune system is in its nascent stages. Historically, the modern frameworks of both immunology and ion channel physiology have evolved with their own distinct underpinnings of concepts and methods – and this divide is further exacerbated by dauntingly specialized parlance of both fields. Since ICTs have proven to be excellent drug targets, this striking deficit in our knowledge and research effort is a clearly missed opportunity in basic immunology as well its clinical applications.

The 74th Annual Meeting of the Society of General Physiologist will be the first international conference fully dedicated to the topic of Ion Channels and Transporters (ICTs) in the immune system. This meeting will provide a unique opportunity for immunologists and ion channel physiologists to discuss latest advances in the regulation, function and physiological roles of ion channels in innate and adaptive immunity. Leading scientists from academia and industry will present their latest research, and the organizers are especially keen on welcoming trainees and new investigators with budding interests in this rapidly emerging arena.

The keynote address will be given by Michael Cahalan from UC Irvine, who pioneered the first to study ion channels in lymphocytes and who has made numerous important contributions to this field in the last three decades.