POSITIVE STRAND RNA VIRUSES: INTERDISCIPLINARY ADVANCES IN VIROLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, IMMUNOLOGY, AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Positive-strand RNA viruses have proven to be a crucial global health priority that is experiencing a unique moment, which is fueled by the momentum of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the influx of new knowledge and technologies. The success of recent scientific breakthroughs take advantage of existing basic virological understanding and advances in molecular genetics, merging with other fields such as human immunology, structural biology, and vaccine development. Together, these mergers have opened new frontiers and created exciting new opportunities in virology research. This meeting will take a tour of new knowledge in positive-strand RNA virology starting with virus-host interactions and ending with technological and clinical development. The interdisciplinary nature of the meeting will provide novel insights across virology, viral immunity, vaccinology and more. In addition, we will explore a diverse array of positive-strand RNA viruses, including understudied viruses, revealing common themes and distinctions that might be leveraged for clinical utility. Throughout the meeting, we will highlight young fresh investigators alongside field leaders to bring forth new ideas and perspectives for discussion that will advance the field in innovative directions.