Preface

Dear Colleagues

On behalf of the organizing committee, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the 10th Japanese Society of Hematology (JSH) International Symposium. This symposium will be held at Toba Hotel International in the Ise-Shima region, Mie, Japan, on May 17 and 18, 2019. The theme is “Connecting hematopoiesis, oncogenesis, and immunity”.
Based on normal human hematopoietic stem cell biology, the concept of human cancer stem cells was established in myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, and then these cells have been identified and characterized. A small population of leukemic stem cells capable of self-renewal is responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and relapse of myeloid malignancies. Acquired aplastic anemia is featured by the immune-mediated suppression of hematopoiesis. Genetic alterations and clonal hematopoiesis are also observed, as in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or myelodysplasia. The properties of cancer stem cells in lymphoid malignancies remain elusive. However, the comprehensive studies of cytological characteristics and underlying oncogenic mechanisms of lymphoid malignancies as well as normal lymphocyte ontogeny have contributed to the development of new therapeutic strategies. During analysis of the response and regulation of innate and acquired immunities, a new subset of T cells such as regulatory T cells was found and their function has been extensively investigated. The genetically modified T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) were developed and clinically applied to adoptive immunotherapy against hematological malignancies. We have now reached the time when the collaboration of hematology, oncology, and immunology is required for exploring the pathophysiology of blood cell disorders and generating a new class of therapeutics. We hope that the participants will discuss normal, pathologic, and modified blood cells in various aspects to better understand hematopoiesis, oncogenesis, and immunity in the hematology field. This symposium also includes two joint sessions: one between the JSH and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the other between the JSH and the European Hematology Association (EHA). We will offer a poster session and numerous networking opportunities.
The Ise-Shima region is one of the national parks where you can enjoy the beautiful sceneries. You can also have the opportunity to visit the most venerable shrine, Ise Grand Shrine. We look forward to welcoming you to Ise-Shima in May 2019.

Naoyuki Katayama
President, The 10th JSH International Symposium
Mie University Graduate School of Medicine