2011 ASVP Conference, 19 to 21 August
Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne
The theme for our annual conference in 2011 was Respiratory Pathology.
Our invited plenary speaker was Prof. Mark Ackermann, from Iowa State University.
Prof. Ackermann has studied the mechanistic basis for inflammation-induced damage as well as innate immunity of respiratory diseases of poultry, swine, cattle and sheep. For the last ten years his laboratory has studied the effects of pre-term birth on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in an ovine perinatal model. These studies have shown that reduced innate immune responses of lung epithelia are associated with increased disease severity. His team has discovered the administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) enhances lung innate immunity and reduces RSV severity. They are determining the mechanistic basis of this protection in order to identify new/novel therapeutics.
The ASVP Conference hosted international speakers and attracts delegates nationally with the aim of providing a professionally enriching and socially enjoyable event.
The Melbourne Zoo provided a unique environment in which to hold the scientific program, AGM and annual dinner. ____________________________________________________________________________________