PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACTWe are requesting funds to support the 9th Tetraspanin meeting enititled Tetraspanin Scaffolds as Targetsand Markers of Cancer and Infectious Disease which will be held in Tucson AZ on April 11-14 2018. Thefunds requested from NCI/NIAID will support disadvantaged and minority trainees and/or junior investigatorswho submit research abstracts to participate in the meeting who otherwise might not be able to attend withoutfinancial help. Their participation is crucial for exploring and advancing new ideas in the Tetraspanin field. Thisseries of biannual tetraspanin meetings over the last 17 years have been the only forum for researchers acrossdiverse fields such as cancer immunology development and infectious disease to come together and shareexperiences and research outcomes on a set of 33 different tetraspanin molecules. This kind of interaction isrequired to enhance our understanding of how these molecules function how they contribute to disease andhow to use this information therapeutically. The 2018 meeting will emphasize the latest data that are emergingon tetrasapanin functions in cancer immunity and infection including new data suggesting that tetraspaninscould make good therapeutic targets. The other major focus of the meeting will be on the role of tetraspanins innormal cellular homeostasis and the molecular mechanisms by which they function. We will focus on theseareas to continue to build a unifying hypothesis and understanding of tetraspanins in normal biology anddisease. Our goals are to 1) provide a forum for dissemination and discussion of the latest findings andtechnology in the field of tetraspanin biology; 2) promote integration and collaboration between scientists at allcareer stages through comparative and shared strategic approaches; and 3) provide a nurturing and diverseenvironment to support the success of young trainees and investigators for the next generation of tetraspaninbiologists. We expect this meeting will disseminate cutting-edge information that to be used collaboratively toadvance the field by supporting young scientists and driving new discoveries to improve health and quality oflife.!