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Jonas Center Cellular Therapy Symposium
Chicago, IL US
September 26, 2025
Explore the Future of Cellular Therapy at the 2025 Jonas Center Symposium!
Join leading experts from across the country at the forefront of innovation in cellular therapy. Co-hosted by the University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Medical College of Wisconsin, this symposium is your opportunity to connect with pioneers in the field and gain cutting-edge insights into the evolving science of adoptive immunotherapy.
Adoptive immunotherapy is transforming the treatment of hematologic malignancies and holds extraordinary potential for solid tumors and non-oncologic conditions. This annual event convenes leading voices in immunology, oncology, and translational science to share breakthroughs, explore clinical applications, and spark collaboration.
Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or member of the broader healthcare community, this symposium offers a unique chance to deepen your knowledge, engage in forward-thinking discussion, and be part of the movement shaping the future of medicine.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vital conversation. Register now and help advance the science that’s changing lives!
Learn more at the symposium website!
Target Audience
This activity is designed for basic and translational researchers, hematology and medical oncology physicians and fellows, immunologists, and other healthcare professionals interested in tumor immunology and cellular immunotherapy.
Learning Objectives
After this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify key toxicities of CAR T-cell therapy, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS);
- Explain the immunologic and cellular pathways contributing to CAR T-cell–related toxicities;
- Summarize therapeutic applications of cellular and gene therapies in classical hematology;
- Compare existing cellular therapy strategies and their limitations in treating solid tumors;
- Discuss logistical and financial challenges impacting cellular and gene therapy access in hematologic diseases;
- Analyze novel antigen targets and therapeutic constructs for cellular therapy in solid tumor malignancies;
- Evaluate clinical and biological barriers to implementing CAR T-cell therapy in myeloid malignancies;
- Assess the translational potential of emerging cellular therapy strategies for hematologic and solid tumor indications.
| Time | Session | Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration, Exhibits, & Breakfast | |
| 8:30 AM | Welcome and Introductions | Peter Riedell, MD |
| 8:40 AM | Session I: TIL and Transgenic TCR-Based Therapies | |
| 8:40 AM | Introduction | Moderator: Tyce Kearl, MD, PhD |
| 8:45 AM | Anti-Minor Histocompatibility Antigen and Anti-Neoantigen T Cells in the Treatment of Cancer | Warren Shlomchik, MD |
| 9:15 AM | Personalized TCR-Engineered Therapies for Head and Neck Cancer | Joseph Zenga, MD |
| 9:45 AM | Presentation of the Janet Rowley Award | John DiPersio, MD, PhD |
| 9:50 AM | Janet Rowley Lecture: CAR T-Cell Therapy for AML | Saar Gill, MD, PhD |
| 10:30 AM | Break | |
| 10:50 AM | Session II: Complications of Cellular Therapy | |
| 10:50 AM | Introduction | Moderator: Armin Ghobadi, MD |
| 10:55 AM | Cytokine Release Syndrome Following CAR T-Cell Therapy: Mechanism and Mitigation | Michael Slade, MD |
| 11:25 AM | CAR T-Cells and the Brain | Juliane Gust, MD, PhD |
| 11:55 AM | Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | Jonas Memorial Lecture: Presentation of the Jonas Memorial Award | Michael Bishop, MD |
| 1:05 PM | CARs and Armored CARs: T Cells for Cancer Therapy | Renier Brentjens, MD, PhD |
| 1:45 PM | Session III: Novel Cellular Therapies–From Bench to Bedside | |
| 1:45 PM | Introduction | Moderator: Nirav Shah, MD, MS |
| 1:50 PM | Development of Baffrcar T Cell Therapy in B Lymphoid Malignancy | Elizabeth Budde, MD, PhD |
| 2:20 PM | Improving Specificity and Reducing Exhaustion Using Prime-and-Kill CAR-T Strategy | Jennifer Clarke, MD, MPH |
| 2:50 PM | Break | |
| 3:10 PM | Session IV: Cellular and Gene Therapy for Classical Hematology | |
| 3:10 PM | Introduction | Moderator: Justin Kline, MD |
| 3:15 PM | Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease | Mitchell Weiss, MD, PhD |
| 3:45 PM | What Is the Clinical Utility of Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease | James LaBelle, MD, PhD |
| 4:15 PM | High Stakes: Why Being a Financial Center of Excellence Is Critical | Stephanie Farnia, MPH |
| 4:45 PM | Closing Remarks | Peter Riedell, MD |
David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago
1201 E 60th St
Chicago, IL
60637
United States
DAVID RUBENSTEIN FORUM
The David Rubenstein Forum combines a variety of spaces, both formal and informal, large and small, calm and animated, focused and diffuse, scheduled and spontaneous. Its ten-story tower features vibrant and distinct “neighborhoods.” For example, the third and fourth floors are home to Friedman Hall, a 285-seat auditorium optimized for spoken word, including keynote speeches, invited-speaker addresses, and select performances; these floors and other neighborhoods are connected by a two-story lounge. Meeting rooms on the eighth and ninth floors feature premium furnishings, finishes, and equipment, such as the Peter May Boardroom, a tiered meeting space that seats over 70. The Rubenstein Forum’s unique position on the Midway allows for expansive views toward the campus and surrounding communities as well as downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan.
SPECIAL HOTEL RATES ARE AVAILABLE!
A block of rooms has been held at The Study at the University of Chicago! Featuring 167 rooms, including nine brand signature Study units and a complement of premium Suites. Rooms are equipped with all the amenities the modern traveler needs—whether he or she is a scholarly guest seeking the perfect leather reading chair, a visiting executive in need of an expansive work desk, or a prospective student looking for a view of the campus through floor-to-ceiling windows. All guestrooms feature comfortable feather-topped beds, Frette linens and towels, a soft leather chair and ottoman from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, lighting from Spain-based Marset, and modern bathrooms with C.O. Bigelow toiletries. Guests enjoy essential complimentary amenities including wireless high-speed Internet, bottled water, newspapers, and morning coffee available through our Living Room.
The Study is located at 1227 E 60th St, right next door to the Rubenstein Forum.
Guests can reserve rooms by contacting the hotel directly:
The Study is located at 1227 E 60th St, right next door to the Rubenstein Forum.
Guests can reserve rooms by contacting the hotel directly:
- Phone: 773.643.1600
- Email: [email protected]
- Please mention the Jonas Center Cellular Therapy Symposium when booking.
Check-In & Check-Out
- Check-in: After 3:00 PM
- Check-out: By 12:00 PM
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made by 3:00 PM CT at least 24 hours before arrival to avoid charges.
The discounted rate expires on August 21, so reserve your room today!
PARKING
Valet Parking
Complimentary valet parking is available from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm CT. If you will be utilizing valet parking, please drive up to the front entrance of the Rubenstein Building on East 60th Street and inform the valet staff that you are attending the Jonas Symposium.
Free Parking
In addition, street parking is an option, both in the blocks around the Forum and along the Midway. During the school year, it is often more difficult to find a spot on the street, especially in the mornings. There is a free parking lot several blocks east at the corner of E. 60th Street and S. Stony Island.
Complimentary valet parking is available from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm CT. If you will be utilizing valet parking, please drive up to the front entrance of the Rubenstein Building on East 60th Street and inform the valet staff that you are attending the Jonas Symposium.
Free Parking
In addition, street parking is an option, both in the blocks around the Forum and along the Midway. During the school year, it is often more difficult to find a spot on the street, especially in the mornings. There is a free parking lot several blocks east at the corner of E. 60th Street and S. Stony Island.
Visitor Parking
Several options exist around campus for visitor parking. These lots include Young, Chapin, Dorchester, and the community lot at the corner of E. 60th Street and S. Stony Island Avenue. The visitor parking rate at University-operated lots is $4 an hour.
Campus North (Ellis) Garage is another option for visitor parking. Visitor parking rates at Campus North (Ellis) Garage are:
- 0-2 hours – $12
- 2-3 hours – $16
- 3-4 hours – $22
- 4-24 hours – $28
These rates apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Parking rates include any required City of Chicago and Cook County parking taxes.
Temporary parking permits must be obtained for all guests or visitors parking in permit spaces; prices to apply. Visitors may only park at the location designated on the temporary permit. If the parking assignment designation is “various,” the holder may only park in non-gated lots.
Mobile Payment Parking
The University offers a mobile payment solution for visitor parking in the following lots: McGiffert, Wells, Chapin, Young, and Dorchester. Payments can be made by downloading the Passport app from the app store or the Google Play store; through the website ppprk.com or m.ppprk.com from a mobile device; or by calling 312-273-5691. Signs in these lots provide more specific information necessary to complete the mobile payment process.
VISITING CHICAGO
Discover why Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. for a historic sixth year in a row. To help plan your stay in Chicago, visit choosechicago.com.
ACCESSIBILITY The University of Chicago is committed to providing equal access appropriate to need and circumstances and complies fully with legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are in need of special accommodation, please contact our office via email at [email protected].
The University of Chicago reserves the right to cancel or postpone this conference due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event this activity must be cancelled or postponed, the registration fee will be refunded; however, the University of Chicago is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees assessed by airline/travel/lodging agencies.
COURSE DIRECTORS
Disclosure Declarations
As a provider accredited by the ACCME, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine asks everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible companies. This includes any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Financial relationships are relevant if a financial relationship, in any amount, exists between the person in control of content and an ineligible company during the past 24 months, and the content of the education is related to the products of an ineligible company with whom the person has a financial relationship. Mechanisms are in place to identify and mitigate any relevant financial relationships before the start of the activity.
Additionally, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine requires Authors to identify investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration at first mention and, where appropriate,e in the content.
Physician Credit
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Other Participant Credit
Other participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. For information on the applicability and acceptance of Certificates of Participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, please consult your professional licensing board.
Please note: The credit claiming process will close three months after the activity ends. Requests to claim credit after three months may incur additional fees.
REGISTRATION
Early rates expire on August 22 and space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Profession Type | Early Rate | Regular Rate |
|---|---|---|
Physicians | $140 | $175 |
Nurses, Pharmacists, Other Healthcare Professionals | $95 | $120 |
Residents & Fellows with a verification letter | $25 | $25 |
| UChicago, WashU, & MCW Faculty & Staff | $25 | $25 |
| Industry | $495 | $495 |
CANCELLATION POLICY Please see the registration site for the full details. | ||
CLAIMING CREDIT
After creating an account or logging in, enter the access code to unlock the credit claiming process.
Please note: The credit claiming process will close three months after the activity ends. Requests to claim credit after three months may incur additional fees.
Please note: The credit claiming process will close three months after the activity ends. Requests to claim credit after three months may incur additional fees.
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