In January 2026, the AI&I community gathered for the kick-off meeting of the Immune Homeostasis theme, “The Immune System Unchecked.” Organized by theme leaders Joep Grootjans, Jan Van den Bossche, and Jochem Bernink, the event brought together researchers from across Amsterdam UMC and beyond to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on immune homeostasis and its disruptions. The meeting featured a strong representation from diverse research areas, including infectious diseases, cancer, and immune regulation.

Disruption of immune homeostasis is linked to a wide range of diseases, from immune-mediated inflammatory conditions like IBD and rheumatoid arthritis to immunodeficiency-related infections and cancers. This multidisciplinary symposium provided a platform for leading experts to discuss the mechanisms that maintain immune balance and those that drive its imbalance.

Inspiring program

The program featured three keynote presentations and two short pitches by Amsterdam UMC researchers:

  • Prof. Lars Vereecke (Ghent University): Host-microbe interactions in the development of inflammatory disease and cancer.
  • Dr. Brenda Raud (Amsterdam UMC) :In-vitro models to understand antigen-specific Treg suppression.
  • Dr. Olaf Perdijk (UMC Utrecht): Microbial metabolites as master regulators of systemic (immune) homeostasis.
  • Prof. Linde Meyaard (UMC Utrecht): Inhibitory pattern recognition receptors in homeostasis and disease.
  • Dr. Xinxin Luo (Amsterdam UMC): Liver X receptor unlinks intestinal regeneration and tumorigenesis.
Prof. Lars Vereecke (Ghent University)
Prof. Lars Vereecke (Ghent University)

Collaboration and innovation

The accessible format, combination of in-depth talks and interactive discussions, and the broad range of immunological topics made the meeting a great success. Attendees valued the opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of ongoing research, share models and techniques, and establish new contacts within the AI&I community.

Open invitation to other theme leaders

Inspired to connect your own research community? We encourage all AI&I topic and theme leaders to consider organizing similar events. If you’re interested, please reach out, we’re happy to help with logistics, including venue and catering arrangements.

Text: Joep Grootjans, Jan van den Bossche, Jochem Bernink and Esmée Vesseur

Read more about other bottom-up events organized by our members:

Successful Kick-off: Sepsis & Complex Bacterial Infections Topic Group (October 2025)

ORCAU Annual Symposium 2024: Pioneering Organoid Research (December 2024)

Joint AI&I and APH Symposium on Migrant Health: Screening and Prevention (November 2024)