IMS-JSI International Symposium on Immunology 2025

The IMS-JSI International Symposium on Immunology, hosted by the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in conjunction with the Japanese Society for Immunology (JSI), was held on June 26-27, 2025, at the Ito Hall, the University of Tokyo. This was the third symposium, following three postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The symposium, entitled “The Power of Co-Creation: Shaping the Next Era in Immunology” featured 21 outstanding speakers, including early-career researchers, and attracted more than 300 participants. The program consisted of four sessions: (1) Barrier Immunology, (2) Cancer Immune-therapy, (3) B cell and antibody, and (4) Ageing and regeneration in immunity. According to our survey, the program was well received by the audience. Recent investigations in Barrier Immunology provided new insights into host-microbiota interaction, antigen-presenting, and the layered defense mechanisms at the skin barrier. Emerging studies in cancer Immune-therapy highlighted novel roles of xanthine, mitochondrial transfer, tissue macrophage heterogeneity, and new strategies to advance CAR-T therapy. Particularly impressive were the presentations by young investigators, whose work demonstrated significant potential for the future of immunological research. Participants also enjoyed a rare opportunity to communicate directly with a journal publisher and gain insights into effective scientific presentation. These face-to-face discussions were highly appreciated by attendees. Unfortunately, this symposium was the last to be held in the traditional two-day format; beginning next year, RIKEN IMS and JSI will launch a joint symposium session within the JSI Annual Meeting.

Finally, we sincerely appreciate the generous support from the Naito Foundation, Japan.