Defining the Role of Human Dendritic Cell Subsets in Host Immune Responses to Mycobacterial Infection

Lead Researcher:

Dr Mary O'Sullivan

Award Date:

1 January 2013

Host Institution:

Trinity College Dublin

Scheme:

Health Research Award

Summary:

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized cells of the immune system found in organs such as the lung and are involved in immune defence against cancer and infection. These cells can be subdivided into to several subsets with distinct properties and functions. The aim of this project is to investigate the role of DC subsets in the bacterial infection that causes tuberculosis. We will purify DC subsets from the blood and the lung and assess the effect of infection on their function. Learning how to manipulate DCs to improve immunity will help us to develop better vaccines against tuberculosis.