Stroma immunity and cancer

 

This one-day event will focus on both fundamental and applied research in the rapidly expanding field of stromal (particularly fibroblasts and endothelial cells) and immune cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Over the past decade, the tumor stroma has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) playing a key role in shaping the TME, regulating tumor growth, promoting immune evasion, and contributing to resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The number of experts in France working in this field is growing, and we feel the need to organize a symposium that brings together seasoned researchers and newcomers to foster a sense of community. Inspired by the successful initiatives of past decades around lymphocyte and myeloid cell research, this symposium aims to help a multidisciplinary circle of experts interested in TME fibroblasts to reach consensus on experimental practices, propose unified nomenclatures, share findings, and exchange models.

The goal of this symposium is to strengthen emerging collaborations and increase the international visibility of the Institut Curie and France in the field of stromal research in cancer. It is intended for individuals with at least a basic understanding of biology or immunology (recommended minimum level: Master’s degree).

This event will also be an opportunity to advance translational research and the development of anti-cancer therapies targeting stromal components.

The symposium will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM in the Constant Burg Auditorium (12 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, level -1), the most spacious and comfortable auditorium at the Institut Curie, with 196 seats. We expect to welcome between 120 and 150 participants.

The scientists we have invited and who have confirmed their participation to present their projects and most recent findings in the field of stroma, immunity, and cancer are listed below in alphabetical order:

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

• Alexandra Naba – USA
• Shannon Turley – USA

SPEAKERS

• Corinne Bousquet – France
• Cédric Gaggioli – France
• Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou – France
• Lucie Peduto – France
• Hélène Salmon – France
• Karine Tarte – France
• Danijela Vignjevic – France

In addition to these speakers, three young postdocs/researchers (1 from the EU, 1 from outside Paris, and 1 from Paris) will be selected to give short presentations (10 minutes + 5 minutes for questions). Selection will be based on poster abstracts submitted during registration. We will strive to ensure gender balance among the speakers.

Registration for the symposium will be free but mandatory. We will widely disseminate the symposium announcement to maximize visibility and attract international researchers, students, physicians, and engineers, who will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

A poster session with wine and cheese will be held at the end of the symposium, but posters will be displayed starting in the morning near the coffee/lunch area to encourage exchanges during all breaks.

The Women’s Cancer IHU of the Institut Curie is sponsoring the event, as the theme aligns with one of its research priorities.