Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026
Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 | Inborn Errors of Immunity, CVID, APDS, Antibody Deficiency, Hematologic Complications, Cellular Immune Disorders, Immunoglobulin Replacement, AI & Stem Cell Transplantation
The Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 symposium provides a comprehensive, evidence-based educational review of common and rare primary immunodeficiency disorders, also known as inborn errors of immunity (IEI).
Organized by the Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education, this two-day educational program brings together nationally recognized experts in clinical immunology, allergy, hematology, rheumatology, infectious diseases, dermatology, and transplantation.
Held September 18–19, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center in Cleveland, Ohio, with in-person and livestream participation options, the symposium examines important advances in the diagnosis, classification, and management of complex immune system disorders.
Inborn errors of immunity represent a group of more than 600 complex, chronic disorders affecting different components of the immune system. Patients may experience recurrent infections, autoimmune complications, hematologic abnormalities, chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and increased susceptibility to certain malignancies.
The Cleveland Clinic Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 curriculum addresses common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS), specific antibody deficiency, chronic neutropenia, immune thrombocytopenia, cellular immune defects, idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia, chronic granulomatous disease, and complex immunologic conditions.
The symposium also examines emerging approaches involving artificial intelligence, immunoglobulin replacement therapy, biologic medications, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Through expert presentations, multidisciplinary panel discussions, and challenging clinical cases, the program emphasizes earlier recognition of immune dysfunction, accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment strategies, and improved patient outcomes.
Course Details
- Course: Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026
- Official Event: Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 CME Symposium
- Provider: Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education
- Institution: Cleveland Clinic
- Dates: September 18–19, 2026
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Venue: InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center
- Venue Address: 9801 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
- Official Conference Format: In-Person and Live Stream
- Duration: Two Days
- Primary Specialty: Allergy & Immunology
- Additional Focus: Hematology, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Transplantation
- Language: English
- Course Director: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
- Educational Sessions: 6 Major Sessions
- Official AMA CME: Up to 12.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- AAPA CME: Up to 12.50 Category 1 CME Credits
- ANCC Nursing Credit: Up to 12.50 Contact Hours
- Original Participant Materials: Faculty Presentations in PDF Format and Post-Course Recordings
Cleveland Clinic confirms that registered in-person and livestream participants receive access to faculty presentation PDFs and post-course recordings, with the recordings designated as non-CME.
These benefits apply to eligible participants in the original educational activity and are not automatically included in separately distributed MedicalAmboss educational files.
Target Audience
The symposium is designed for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing and managing patients with primary immunodeficiency, immune dysregulation, and complex or recurrent infections.
The target audience includes:
- Clinical Immunologists
- Allergists
- Allergy and Immunology Specialists
- Infectious Disease Physicians
- Rheumatologists
- Hematologists
- Medical Oncologists
- Pediatricians
- Internal Medicine Physicians
- Primary Care Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Dermatologists
- Transplant Specialists
- Clinical Pathologists
- Physician Assistants
- Nurse Practitioners
- Registered Nurses
- Advanced Practice Providers
- Medical Residents
- Clinical Fellows
- Other Healthcare Professionals Interested in Immune Disorders
The program is particularly relevant to clinicians managing patients with recurrent infections, unexplained immune abnormalities, autoimmune complications, hematologic disorders, and suspected inborn errors of immunity.
Program Overview
Primary immunodeficiency disorders represent a diverse group of inherited and acquired immune system abnormalities that can affect antibody production, cellular immunity, immune regulation, and host defense.
Although historically recognized through recurrent infections, inborn errors of immunity may also present with autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, hematologic complications, malignancy, and other complex clinical manifestations.
The Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 program addresses these clinical challenges through six structured educational sessions.
The curriculum covers:
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency
- CVID-Like Syndromes
- Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome
- Specific Antibody Deficiency
- Diagnostic Vaccination Guidelines
- Immunoglobulin E Interpretation
- Chronic Neutropenia
- Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Cancer Risk in Immunodeficiency
- Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
- Job’s Syndrome
- Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
- Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease
- Complex Immunology Diagnostic Evaluation
- Artificial Intelligence in Immunology
- Biologic Therapy in Immunocompromised Patients
- Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy
- Antibiotic Resistance
- Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Musculoskeletal Pain in Antibody Deficiency
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Challenging Clinical Cases
- Multidisciplinary Management
The course integrates clinical diagnosis, immunologic investigation, treatment advances, and practical case-based decision-making.
Learning Objectives
After completing the original educational activity, participants should be better able to:
- Provide an update on common variable immunodeficiency syndrome and research on IgE levels in immunodeficiency.
- Describe advances in specific antibody deficiency and utilize vaccine testing guidelines.
- Summarize recent advancements in identifying and treating hematologic complications, including chronic neutropenia and immune thrombocytopenia.
- Discuss the increased cancer risks in immunocompromised patients and their implications for cancer screening.
- Review the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of various immune disorders caused by cellular defects.
- Recognize, assess, and diagnose common symptoms seen in immunocompromised patients to help improve patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis.
- Define uses of artificial intelligence to improve and individualize therapy in patients with immune dysfunction.
- Critically appraise innovations in immunoglobulin replacement therapy, gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation in the treatment of immunodeficiency syndromes.
- Summarize the efficacy, side effects, and clinical implications of therapeutic options in management strategies for patients with complex immunodeficiency diseases.
Official Program Topics
Day 1 – Friday, September 18, 2026
All times are Eastern Time.
Welcome and Introductions
7:50 AM
Faculty: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
The opening session introduces the educational objectives of the symposium and its focus on contemporary diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency disorders.
Session 1 – Humoral Deficiency
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
CVID – The Latest
8:00 AM
Faculty: Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, MD, PhD
This presentation reviews common variable immunodeficiency, one of the most clinically recognized primary antibody deficiency syndromes.
Important considerations include:
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency
- Antibody Production Defects
- Hypogammaglobulinemia
- Recurrent Infections
- Immunoglobulin Assessment
- Vaccine Antibody Responses
- Immune Dysregulation
- Autoimmune Manifestations
- Noninfectious Complications
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Treatment Principles
- Long-Term Monitoring
The discussion emphasizes developments in CVID research and practical considerations for clinical management.
CVID Like Syndromes – APDS and Beyond
8:30 AM
Faculty: Jocelyn Farmer, MD, PhD
This session examines immune disorders that may resemble common variable immunodeficiency.
A major educational focus is activated PI3K delta syndrome and related conditions.
Important concepts include:
- CVID-Like Disorders
- Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome
- Primary Immune Dysregulation
- Recurrent Infections
- Lymphoproliferation
- Abnormal Antibody Responses
- Genetic Immune Disorders
- Molecular Diagnosis
- Differential Diagnosis
- Targeted Treatment Considerations
The session supports recognition of complex immune disorders that share clinical features with more common antibody deficiencies.
Updates in Specific Antibody Deficiency and Diagnostic Vaccination Guidelines
9:00 AM
Faculty: Kelli Williams, MD, MPH
This presentation reviews specific antibody deficiency and the clinical use of vaccination responses in immunologic assessment.
Important considerations include:
- Specific Antibody Deficiency
- Humoral Immune Evaluation
- Vaccine Response Testing
- Pneumococcal Antibody Assessment
- Diagnostic Vaccination Guidelines
- Functional Antibody Responses
- Interpretation of Laboratory Results
- Recurrent Respiratory Infections
- Diagnostic Decision-Making
- Clinical Management
The discussion emphasizes appropriate interpretation of vaccine responses in patients with suspected immune dysfunction.
IgE Levels – What Does It Tell Us?
9:30 AM
Faculty: Monica Lawrence, MD
This session examines the significance of immunoglobulin E levels in the assessment of immune disorders.
Topics include:
- Immunoglobulin E
- Elevated IgE
- Low IgE
- Antibody Deficiency
- Allergic Disease
- Immune Dysregulation
- Clinical Interpretation
- Laboratory Evaluation
- Diagnostic Considerations
- Primary Immunodeficiency
The presentation reviews how IgE measurements may contribute to broader clinical and laboratory assessment.
Humoral Deficiency Panel Discussion
10:00 AM
Faculty: Course Faculty
Interactive discussion addressing clinical questions involving antibody deficiency, CVID, APDS, vaccination responses, and IgE interpretation.
Session 2 – Hematologic Complications
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
Chronic Neutropenia – How to Handle
10:40 AM
Faculty: Serhan Unlu, MD
This presentation examines chronic neutropenia and its relationship to immune abnormalities.
Relevant clinical considerations include:
- Chronic Neutropenia
- Neutrophil Disorders
- Recurrent Infections
- Autoimmune Neutropenia
- Hematologic Evaluation
- Differential Diagnosis
- Laboratory Investigation
- Infection Risk
- Clinical Monitoring
- Treatment Considerations
The session focuses on a systematic approach to patients with persistent neutropenia.
ITP in Immune Disease
11:10 AM
Faculty: Alan Lichtin, MD
This session reviews immune thrombocytopenia occurring in association with immune system disorders.
Important concepts include:
- Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Autoimmune Cytopenias
- Platelet Destruction
- Bleeding Risk
- Immunodeficiency-Associated Autoimmunity
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Differential Diagnosis
- Treatment Considerations
- Monitoring
- Multidisciplinary Management
The presentation highlights hematologic complications as important manifestations of immune dysregulation.
Cancer in Immunodeficiency – Screening Recommendations
11:40 AM
Faculty: John McDonnell, MD, MS
This presentation reviews malignancy risk in patients with immunodeficiency syndromes.
Important topics include:
- Immunodeficiency and Cancer Risk
- Immune Surveillance
- Lymphoproliferative Disorders
- Cancer Risk Assessment
- High-Risk Populations
- Screening Considerations
- Individualized Surveillance
- Early Cancer Detection
- Clinical Monitoring
- Referral Pathways
The discussion examines the implications of impaired immune function for malignancy risk and screening.
Hematologic Complications Panel Discussion
12:10 PM
Faculty: Course Faculty
Expert discussion covering neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, cancer susceptibility, and hematologic abnormalities in patients with immune disorders.
Session 3 – Cellular Defects
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
1:30 PM
Faculty: Jonathan Bernstein, MD
This presentation examines idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia and the clinical implications of reduced CD4 T-cell counts.
Important considerations include:
- CD4 T Lymphocytes
- Cellular Immune Deficiency
- Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
- Opportunistic Infections
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Differential Diagnosis
- Immune Function Testing
- Clinical Monitoring
- Infection Prevention
- Treatment Considerations
The session supports recognition of uncommon cellular immune disorders.
Job’s Syndrome and CMCC – A Dermatologist’s View
2:00 PM
Faculty: Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD
This presentation explores skin manifestations of selected inborn errors of immunity.
The educational focus includes Job’s syndrome and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Topics include:
- Job’s Syndrome
- Hyper-IgE Syndromes
- Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
- Dermatologic Manifestations
- Recurrent Skin Infections
- Immune Dysregulation
- Clinical Recognition
- Genetic Considerations
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Multidisciplinary Treatment
The presentation emphasizes dermatologic findings as potential clues to underlying immune dysfunction.
Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease
2:30 PM
Faculty: Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, MD
Reviews inherited immune defects associated with increased susceptibility to certain mycobacterial infections.
Important concepts include:
- Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease
- Genetic Immune Defects
- Cellular Immunity
- Interferon-Gamma Pathways
- Mycobacterial Infections
- Immune Signaling
- Clinical Presentation
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Genetic Testing
- Treatment Considerations
The discussion examines how specific defects in immune function may contribute to unusual or recurrent infections.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease in Adults (Including X-Linked)
3:00 PM
Faculty: Antoine Azar, MD
This session reviews chronic granulomatous disease and its manifestations in adult patients.
Topics include:
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease
- X-Linked CGD
- Phagocyte Dysfunction
- NADPH Oxidase Defects
- Recurrent Bacterial Infections
- Fungal Infections
- Granulomatous Inflammation
- Diagnostic Testing
- Infection Prevention
- Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
- Long-Term Management
The presentation emphasizes recognition of this important phagocytic immune disorder.
Cellular Defects Panel Discussion
3:20 PM
Faculty: Course Faculty
Interactive discussion examining uncommon cellular immune defects and clinical approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Session 4 – Complex Disease and Future Options
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
Thinking Outside the Box: Diagnostic Immunology Evaluation of the Complex Immunology Patient
4:00 PM
Faculty: Roshini Abraham, PhD, D(ABMLI)
This session examines advanced diagnostic approaches to patients with complex or unexplained immunologic abnormalities.
Important areas include:
- Complex Immunology Evaluation
- Clinical Phenotyping
- Immunoglobulin Testing
- Lymphocyte Subset Analysis
- Functional Immune Testing
- Genetic Testing
- Laboratory Interpretation
- Immune Dysregulation
- Diagnostic Algorithms
- Specialized Immunology Assessment
The session emphasizes integrating clinical findings with laboratory investigations.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Your Advantage in Practice
4:30 PM
Faculty: Nicholas Rider, DO
This presentation examines the potential applications of artificial intelligence in immunology practice.
Relevant considerations include:
- Artificial Intelligence in Immunology
- Clinical Decision Support
- Pattern Recognition
- Diagnostic Assistance
- Medical Data Analysis
- Personalized Treatment
- Clinical Workflow
- Research Applications
- Limitations of AI
- Human Clinical Oversight
The discussion explores how emerging digital tools may support, rather than replace, clinical expertise.
Biologics Use in the Immunocompromised
5:00 PM
Faculty: Jolan Walter, MD, PhD
This session reviews the clinical considerations surrounding biologic therapy in patients with impaired immune function.
Important topics include:
- Biologic Medications
- Immune Modulation
- Targeted Therapy
- Infection Risk
- Immunodeficiency
- Autoimmune Complications
- Immune Dysregulation
- Treatment Selection
- Patient Monitoring
- Medication Safety
The presentation addresses the balance between therapeutic benefits and immune-related risks.
Complex Disease Panel Discussion
5:30 PM
Faculty: Course Faculty
Expert discussion of diagnostic challenges, artificial intelligence, biologic therapies, and future treatment strategies.
5:45 PM – Day 1 Adjournment
Day 2 – Saturday, September 19, 2026
Session 5 – Therapies for IEI & Cases with the Experts
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
The Headaches of Immunoglobulin Replacement – Literally and Figuratively
8:00 AM
Faculty: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
This presentation reviews clinical challenges associated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
Important considerations include:
- Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin
- Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin
- Primary Antibody Deficiency
- Treatment Selection
- Dosing Considerations
- Adverse Effects
- Infusion-Related Headaches
- Treatment Tolerability
- Long-Term Monitoring
- Individualized Therapy
The session examines practical management issues encountered during immunoglobulin replacement treatment.
Antibiotic Resistance and Prophylaxis
8:30 AM
Faculty: Carlos Isada, MD
This presentation reviews infection prevention and antimicrobial management in immunocompromised patients.
Important topics include:
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Recurrent Bacterial Infections
- Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
- Infection Prevention
- Antibiotic Selection
- Resistance Patterns
- Risk-Benefit Assessment
- Long-Term Antimicrobial Exposure
- Clinical Monitoring
- Infectious Disease Consultation
The presentation addresses antimicrobial strategies relevant to patients with immune dysfunction.
HSCT for Adults with Immunodeficiencies
9:00 AM
Faculty: Larisa Broglie, MD, MS
This session examines hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a treatment option for selected adults with primary immunodeficiency disorders.
Relevant areas include:
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Inborn Errors of Immunity
- Adult Transplant Candidates
- Transplant Eligibility
- Donor Selection
- Conditioning Regimens
- Immune Reconstitution
- Transplant-Related Complications
- Long-Term Outcomes
- Multidisciplinary Transplant Care
The discussion explores transplantation as a potentially disease-modifying therapeutic approach in selected immune disorders.
Difficult Cases with the Experts – Case 1
9:30 AM
Presenter: John McDonnell, MD, MS
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
A case-based discussion examining complex diagnostic and management challenges in immunodeficiency.
The session emphasizes:
- Clinical Reasoning
- Differential Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Testing
- Immune Phenotyping
- Treatment Selection
- Expert Consultation
- Multidisciplinary Management
Difficult Cases with the Experts – Case 2
10:00 AM
Faculty:
- Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, MD, PhD
- John McDonnell, MD, MS
- Jolan Walter, MD, PhD
A multidisciplinary case discussion exploring the clinical evaluation and management of complex immunologic conditions.
The format provides opportunities to compare diagnostic strategies and therapeutic considerations.
Session 6 – Common Symptoms in the Immunocompromised
Moderator: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
Difficult Cases with the Experts – Case 3
10:40 AM
Faculty: Dylan Timberlake, MD
This case-based presentation examines challenging clinical situations involving patients with suspected or established immune dysfunction.
The session focuses on diagnostic interpretation, clinical reasoning, and individualized management.
Musculoskeletal Pain in AB Def Patients – Diagnostic and Therapeutic Difficulties
11:10 AM
Faculty: Cassandra Calabrese, DO
This presentation reviews musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with antibody deficiency.
Important considerations include:
- Antibody Deficiency
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Autoimmune Manifestations
- Chronic Inflammation
- Differential Diagnosis
- Rheumatologic Assessment
- Immunologic Evaluation
- Treatment Challenges
- Multidisciplinary Care
The session highlights the intersection of rheumatology and immunology in patients with complex immune disorders.
Chronic Sinusitis – When to Be Concerned
11:40 AM
Faculty: Troy Woodard, MD
This session examines chronic sinusitis and its potential relationship to underlying immunodeficiency.
Important topics include:
- Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- Recurrent Sinus Infections
- Antibody Deficiency
- Immune Dysfunction
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Clinical Warning Signs
- Imaging Considerations
- Microbiological Assessment
- Medical Management
- Immunology Referral
- ENT Collaboration
The presentation focuses on recognizing patients whose recurrent or persistent sinus symptoms may warrant an immunologic investigation.
Common Symptoms Panel Discussion
12:10 PM
Faculty: Course Faculty
Expert discussion addressing diagnostic and therapeutic questions related to complex immunodeficiency cases, musculoskeletal symptoms, and chronic sinusitis.
Closing Remarks
12:30 PM
Faculty: James Fernandez, MD, PhD
12:35 PM – Conference Adjournment
Major Topics Covered
- Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026
- Primary Immunodeficiency
- Inborn Errors of Immunity
- Clinical Immunology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency
- CVID-Like Syndromes
- Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome
- Specific Antibody Deficiency
- Diagnostic Vaccination Guidelines
- Immunoglobulin E
- Immunoglobulin Testing
- Hypogammaglobulinemia
- Chronic Neutropenia
- Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Autoimmune Cytopenias
- Malignancy Risk in Immunodeficiency
- Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
- Job’s Syndrome
- Hyper-IgE Syndrome
- Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
- Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease
- Cellular Immune Defects
- Phagocytic Immune Disorders
- Immunology Diagnostic Testing
- Immune Phenotyping
- Artificial Intelligence in Immunology
- Biologic Therapy
- Immunoglobulin Replacement
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin
- Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Antibiotic Prophylaxis
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Immune Reconstitution
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Autoimmune Complications
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Recurrent Infections
- Diagnostic Immunology
- Clinical Case Discussions
- Personalized Immune Therapy
- Multidisciplinary Immunodeficiency Care
Humoral Immunodeficiency and Antibody Disorders
Humoral immunodeficiencies involve abnormalities affecting antibody production, function, or immune regulation.
Patients may present with recurrent respiratory infections, abnormal vaccine responses, or systemic complications.
The curriculum examines several important disorders and diagnostic concepts:
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency
- CVID-Like Syndromes
- Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome
- Specific Antibody Deficiency
- IgE Interpretation
- Diagnostic Vaccine Testing
The educational program emphasizes integrating clinical history, immunoglobulin measurements, functional antibody assessment, and specialized immunologic investigations.
Hematologic Complications of Immunodeficiency
Patients with primary immunodeficiency may develop hematologic complications beyond recurrent infections.
These complications may include immune thrombocytopenia, chronic neutropenia, autoimmune cytopenias, and increased susceptibility to certain malignancies.
The symposium reviews:
- Neutropenia Assessment
- Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Hematologic Autoimmunity
- Cancer Risk
- Diagnostic Evaluation
- Screening Considerations
- Management Strategies
The sessions highlight the importance of collaboration between immunologists, hematologists, and other specialists.
Cellular Immune Defects and Rare Immunodeficiency Syndromes
Cellular immune disorders may impair host defense against selected infectious organisms or lead to unusual inflammatory and immune manifestations.
The program includes presentations covering:
- Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
- Job’s Syndrome
- Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
- Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease
These disorders illustrate the clinical diversity of inborn errors of immunity and the importance of appropriate immune evaluation.
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy
Immunoglobulin replacement is an important therapeutic approach for selected patients with clinically significant antibody deficiencies.
The symposium includes a dedicated discussion of treatment-related challenges.
Relevant considerations include:
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin
- Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin
- Treatment Indications
- Administration Approaches
- Adverse Reactions
- Treatment-Associated Headaches
- Long-Term Monitoring
- Individualized Treatment Planning
The educational emphasis supports informed selection and ongoing evaluation of replacement therapy.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Immunology Diagnostics
Artificial intelligence and advanced laboratory investigations are becoming increasingly relevant to the assessment of complex immunologic conditions.
Potential clinical applications include:
- Recognition of Disease Patterns
- Interpretation of Complex Laboratory Results
- Clinical Decision Support
- Risk Stratification
- Diagnostic Assistance
- Personalized Treatment Considerations
- Research and Data Analysis
The program includes sessions exploring the potential benefits, limitations, and responsible clinical application of emerging diagnostic technologies.
Stem Cell Transplantation and Advanced Therapy
For selected patients with serious inborn errors of immunity, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may offer an important treatment option.
The symposium examines transplantation in adults with immunodeficiency disorders.
Important considerations include:
- Patient Selection
- Transplant Eligibility
- Donor Compatibility
- Immune Reconstitution
- Treatment-Related Complications
- Post-Transplant Monitoring
- Long-Term Outcomes
The wider educational objectives also address innovations in gene therapy and other emerging interventions for immunodeficiency syndromes.
Recurrent Infections and Clinical Warning Signs
Recurrent or unusually severe infections may suggest an underlying immune abnormality.
Clinical presentations requiring careful assessment may include:
- Recurrent Sinusitis
- Recurrent Respiratory Infections
- Persistent or Unusual Infections
- Mycobacterial Infections
- Fungal Infections
- Chronic Neutropenia
- Unexplained Immune Abnormalities
- Associated Autoimmune Symptoms
The course emphasizes early recognition, appropriate investigation, and coordinated specialist referral.
Evidence-Based and Multidisciplinary Immune Care
Effective care for patients with primary immunodeficiency often requires collaboration across several specialties.
Healthcare teams may include:
- Immunologists
- Allergists
- Infectious Disease Specialists
- Hematologists
- Rheumatologists
- Dermatologists
- Transplant Physicians
- ENT Specialists
- Primary Care Clinicians
The program emphasizes integrating diagnostic evidence, clinical presentation, immune function testing, treatment options, and patient-specific risks into management decisions.
Course Leadership
James Fernandez, MD, PhD
Course Director
- Vice Chair of Research, Allergy & Immunology
- Department of Allergy & Clinical Immunology
- Medical Specialty Institute
- Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Fernandez serves as the official course director and moderates the six principal educational sessions.
Official Faculty
The published faculty includes experts from Cleveland Clinic and other major academic medical institutions.
Guest Faculty
- Roshini Abraham, PhD, D(ABMLI)
- Antoine Azar, MD
- Jonathan Bernstein, MD
- Larisa Broglie, MD, MS
- Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, MD, PhD
- Jocelyn Farmer, MD, PhD
- Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, MD
- Monica Lawrence, MD
- Nicholas Rider, DO
- Jolan Walter, MD, PhD
- Kelli Williams, MD, MPH
- Troy Woodard, MD
Cleveland Clinic Faculty
- Cassandra Calabrese, DO
- Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD
- Carlos Isada, MD
- Alan Lichtin, MD
- John McDonnell, MD, MS
- Dylan Timberlake, MD
- Serhan Unlu, MD
The faculty bring expertise in antibody deficiencies, complex immune disorders, hematologic complications, recurrent infections, clinical immunology, dermatology, and advanced therapeutic strategies.
Continuing Medical Education
Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education designated the original live activity for a maximum of:
- 12.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 12.50 AAPA Category 1 CME Credits
- 12.50 ANCC Contact Hours
The course also qualified as an American Board of Allergy & Immunology Lifelong Learning CME Activity for relevant continuing certification requirements.
Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education is jointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC to provide continuing education for healthcare professionals.
Important CME Notice
The credits described above apply to eligible participants in the original Cleveland Clinic educational activity.
Cleveland Clinic states that recordings supplied to official participants after the course are non-CME recordings.
Purchasing separately distributed educational files through MedicalAmboss does not provide:
- Official Cleveland Clinic CME Credits
- Continuing Certification Credits
- Official Certificates
- Cleveland Clinic Course Registration
- Live Attendance
- Publisher Livestream Access
- Official Cleveland Clinic Account Access
- Publisher-Hosted Educational Extras
Why This Course Is Relevant
The Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 symposium addresses an important and rapidly developing area of clinical medicine.
Inborn errors of immunity include hundreds of disorders with diverse clinical presentations and potentially serious complications.
Healthcare professionals may encounter patients with:
- Recurrent Infections
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Abnormal Vaccine Responses
- Antibody Deficiencies
- Cellular Immune Defects
- Chronic Neutropenia
- Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Autoimmune Manifestations
- Increased Cancer Risk
- Complex Diagnostic Findings
The educational program brings together practical diagnostic strategies, specialized immune disorders, treatment advances, and complex clinical cases.
Its multidisciplinary focus is relevant to immunologists, allergists, infectious disease specialists, hematologists, rheumatologists, pediatricians, internists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of immunocompromised patients.
Official Program Reference and MedicalAmboss Purchase Scope
Official Cleveland Clinic Course:
https://clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/immunodeficiency/
Official 2026 Agenda:
https://clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/immunodeficiency/agenda.asp
Official Faculty:
https://clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/immunodeficiency/faculty.asp
Official Accreditation Information:
https://clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/immunodeficiency/geninfo.asp
These references describe the original educational program, faculty, accreditation, and scheduled presentations. They do not establish the exact inventory of files available through a separately distributed MedicalAmboss listing.
MedicalAmboss File Scope: This listing describes the educational subject matter for reference. Provider registration, live attendance, streaming-platform access, CME or other credit, certificates, memberships, apps, accounts, and publisher-hosted extras are not included unless explicitly listed as store files.
Short Description
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Cleveland Clinic Updates in Primary Immunodeficiency 2026 provides a comprehensive, evidence-based review of inborn errors of immunity, including common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), antibody deficiencies, cellular immune disorders, hematologic complications, recurrent infections, and emerging treatment strategies.
The September 18–19, 2026 symposium features expert-led educational sessions covering immune dysregulation, diagnostic vaccination guidelines, chronic neutropenia, immune thrombocytopenia, cancer risk, artificial intelligence, biologic therapy, immunoglobulin replacement, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and stem cell transplantation.
Topics:
Friday, September 18, 2026
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7:15 am
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Registration, Breakfast and Visit Exhibits |
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7:50 am
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Welcome & Introductions James Fernandez, MD, PhD |
Session 1 – Humoral Deficiency
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8:00 am
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CVID – the latest Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, MD, PhD |
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8:30 am
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CVID like syndromes – APDS and beyond Jocelyn Farmer, MD, PhD |
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9:00 am
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Updates in Specific Antibody Deficiency and Diagnostic Vaccination Guidelines Kelli Williams, MD, MPH |
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9:30 am
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IgE levels – what does it tell us? Monica Lawrence, MD |
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10:00 am
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Panel Discussion Course Faculty |
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10:20 am
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Refreshment Break & Visit Exhibits |
Session 2 – Hematologic Complications
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10:40 am
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Chronic Neutropenia – how to handle Serhan Unlu, MD |
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11:10 am
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ITP in immune disease Alan Lichtin, MD |
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11:40 am
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Cancer in Immunodeficiency – screening recommendations John McDonnell, MD, MS |
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12:10 pm
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Panel Discussion Course Faculty |
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12:30 pm
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Lunch, Visit Exhibits, and Optional Non-CME Satellite |
Session 3 – Cellular Defects
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1:30 pm
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Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia Jonathan Bernstein, MD |
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2:00 pm
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Job’s Syndrome and CMCC – a dermatologist’s view Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD |
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2:30 pm
|
Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, MD |
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3:00 pm
|
Chronic Granulomatous Disease in adults (including X-linked) Antoine Azar, MD |
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3:20 pm
|
Panel Discussion Course Faculty |
|
3:40 pm
|
Refreshment Break and Visit Exhibits |
Session 4 – Complex Disease and Future Options
|
|
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4:00 pm
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Thinking outside the box: diagnostic immunology evaluation of the complex immunology patient Roshini Abraham, PhD, D(ABMLI) |
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4:30 pm
|
Using Artificial Intelligence to your advantage in practice Nicholas Rider, DO |
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5:00 pm
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Biologics use in the immunocompromised Jolan Walter, MD, PhD |
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5:30 pm
|
Panel Discussion Course Faculty |
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5:45 pm
|
Adjourn Reception and Optional Non-CME Satellite |


