Lipid metabolism, immunity and metabolic diseases

Abstract

The 2012 South East Lipid Research Conference was held in Pine Mountain (GA, USA) at the wonderful Callaway Gardens, which were originally founded in 1952 to promote and protect the native azalea species. Today these gardens feature a large enclosed butterfly habitat, the Cecil B Day Butterfly Center and the John Sibley Horticultural Center, known for its wide variety of cultivars and native plants. This 2 and a half day conference included themed sessions with plenary lectures from invited speakers, all focused on the role of lipids in regulating metabolic diseases and immune function. In addition to cutting edge science, the meeting also offered opportunities for discussions and social activities. Continuing the tradition of the South East Lipid Research Conference, significant focus was on education and training of budding scientists (graduate students and research fellows) with special events organized for this purpose. I am delighted and honored to provide a summary of this exciting meeting. © 2013 Future Medicine Ltd.