SUPPORT FOR THE 30TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY

This Conference Proposal seeks support for the 30th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Immunology. The overall goal for this proposal is to enhance participation of animal scientists in the ASRI meeting; particularly those from underrepresented groups and from underdeveloped countries that use domestic animal models in their research. An additional goal is to enhance participation to trainees using large animal models in the annual meeting. Reproductive immunology has a large impact on profitability of animal production systems. For example, 15-20% of dairy cows experience microbial diseases that significantly reduce fertility. Furthermore it is becoming increasingly clear that the immune system plays a role in pregnancy and delivery of a viable offspring. Vaccine strategies are currently under development that will render animals sterile or that can enhance the ovulation and embryo transfer protocols. Sexually transmitted infections continue to the be a problem in a number of farm species. Finally, successful pregnancies is increasingly recognized to depend on how the maternal immune system interacts with the developing plancenta to support its growth and function. The meeting has been organized into eight plenary sessions over 3 days and includes experts in reproductive immunology and related disciplines utilizing diverse models ranging from humans, to rodents to domestic farm animals. This proposal seeks funding to cover meeting costs for 4 plenary speakers and to provide travel grants to 4 trainees using domestic animal models in their research. This meeting will bring together international experts in reproductive immunology in a venue that is conducive to scientific exchange, development of collaborative projects and cross-fertilization of ideas between basic and clinical reproductive scientists with the goal of advancing understanding of how the immune system affects reproductive tract function and fertility.