Dear Colleagues,

CO - CHAIRMEN

P.L. Meroni, Italy Y. Shoenfeld, Israel T. Koike, Japan

The 5th International Congress of Autoimmunity has become established as one of the major meetings in the field of immunology. The lectures and discussions during this Congress will cover every aspect of basic research attempting to clarify etiology or pathogenesis, and will also bring forth the latest innovations in biological and other modes of treatment.

As in the previous Congress on Autoimmunity, where three of the leaders of the field of autoimmunity (Donato Alarcon-Segovia, Ian R. Mackay, Noel R. Rose) were awarded with the Aesku Prize for Life Contribution to Autoimmunity – so, similarly, three other eminent scientists will receive this year's Aesku Prize, and be acknowledged as path finders.

We aim to make the surrounding conditions of the Congress of a high standard, so that participants will enjoy spending all the days of the Congress in the lecture halls. However, yielding to the attractions and the enticing beautiful area of Sorrento and its vicinity – daytime excursions and relaxing cultural events in the evenings will also be arranged.

It is our sincere hope that the assembly of hundreds of physicians and researchers interested in autoimmunity in Sorrento, will create new collaborations and pave the road for new and bold breakthroughs in research – serving the purpose of assuring better care of autoimmune diseases, or even finding the ultimate cure.

The Congress will be covered by the following journals: "Autoimmunity Reviews", "Developmental Immunology", “Autoimmunity” and "Ann NY Acad of Science".

We will be happy to see you among the participants of the 5th Congress on Autoimmunity, which will cater to your needs with both a romantic atmosphere and wonderful Italian food.

Sincerely yours,
Yehuda Shoenfeld, MD, FRCP
Pier Luigi Meroni, MD
Takao Koike, MD