The 2011 Viruses and Cells Gordon Research Conference, the premier conference in the field of virology, will focus on the cell biology of virus infection, mechanisms of virus-host interactions, viral emergence and evolution, and development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. The 2011 meeting will be held at Il Ciocco, the beautiful GRC conference site in Barga, Italy, from May 29 to June 3, 2011.

Invited speakers will present new findings on the dynamic interactions of viruses with host cells and organisms, mechanisms of viral evasion and antagonism of host immune responses to infection, and the ecology of viruses and virus transmission. Topics will include: pathogenesis and immune responses; virus discovery, evolution, and fitness; receptors and signaling; entry and assembly; translational control; regulation of nuclear functions; virus-induced organelles; antivirals and vaccines; and structure and catalysis. Session conveners, who are experts in the topics covered in each session, will lead lively discussions following each presentation. In addition to the invited speakers, shorter talks will be chosen at the time of registration from the abstracts submitted for the poster sessions. Selections will be made to highlight exciting new developments in virology research with an emphasis on younger scientists. The evening poster sessions are a prominent part of this conference and will provide an important opportunity for participants to present and discuss their research findings in a congenial atmosphere. The conference will bring together investigators at the forefront of the field, young investigators launching independent research careers, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and investigators from industry to discuss new ideas and foster collaborations.