Report on 4th ESID Prague Spring Meeting
May 9-10, 2005, Prague
Institute of Immunology, 2nd Medical School, Charles University, Prague
On May 9 and 10, 2005, the forth ESID Prague Spring meeting was held in the University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic. This year 32 participants from 10 countries, namely Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Turkey and UK, attended and actively participated in the event.
The main task of Prague ESID meeting is traditionally devoted to the exchange of information on PID between Western and Eastern Europe. This task was accomplished this year by an excellent attendance from both parts of European continent. Invited participating speakers for 2005 were Jean Laurent Casanova, Bodo Grimbacher, Rafaelle Badolato and Part Peterson.
First day was devoted to introductory invited lectures. Exceptionally interesting topics on the interaction between infection and immunity were discussed. Complexity of such interaction underlines the importance of research targeted at pathogenesis of PID. Traditionally the next panel was devoted to registries of PID. Participation of representants of 10 European countries clearly demonstrated the need for joined activities including registry and was beneficial for further development of such concerted actions. Lectures in the afternoon panel covered area between immunodeficiency and autoimmunity with an effort of multidisciplinary approach to autoimmune polyglandular syndrom. This entity that opens new aspects of the establishment of immune tolerance was presented from the point of view of molecular biologist, endocrinologist, pediatrician and immunologist. Laboratory methods and antibody deficiencies were on program second day of the meeting. Substantial part of the program was devoted to the case reports. Unusual and interesting cases were the most valued among all participants.
Complementary activities form traditionally important and interesting part of Prague Spring ESID meeting. Concert in Prague Castle and walks through City of Prague, located in the heart of Europe, reminded participants of one unified Euroepan area, particularly in 2005, the year of 60th anniversary of the end of Second World War.
The meeting was supported by Charles University, Second Medical Faculty, Prague, further by University hospital in Motol, Prague, by Research project 0021620812 of Ministry of Education, Czech Republic, EU 6th Framework Program Allostem LSHB-CT-2004-503319 and by companies Grifols, Exbio and Immunotech.
Meeting was also organized on the occasion of the Day of Immunology, declared by EFIS on 29th April, 2005.
This year meeting confirmed still growing scientific quality of the conference and the usefulness of these educational activities. The tradition will continue on May 8 and 9, 2006.
Anna Sediva
Prague, May 11, 2005
