Cell Death: Mechanisms, Pathways and Therapeutic Innovations

Cell death is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining the balance and health of multicellular organisms. It transcends mere cellular demise, representing a sophisticated mechanism that ensures proper development, homeostasis, and defense against diseases. Dysregulation of cell death processes can lead to various pathological conditions, including cancer, psoriasis, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. Understanding these mechanisms opens avenues for therapeutic interventions. Cell death knowledge is paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches, such as anticancer treatment, therapies against inflammatory diseases or precision medicine. The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Cell Death aims to accelerate discovery, foster collaborative opportunities, and expedite therapeutic interventions in clinical settings by promoting the exchange of unpublished information and ideas. This conference will explore the scientific frontiers of cell death research, with a focus on newly identified molecules, pathways, and mechanisms, alongside strategies for clinical exploitation. A series of sessions and speakers will cover core cell death pathways, emphasizing their impact on inflammation in immune responses and potential therapeutic applications for infection, immunological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This conference aims to enhance dialogue between basic researchers, industry leaders and clinician scientists to deepen the understanding of the translational potential of cell death research.