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Project

Manipulation of dendritic cells and regulatory T cells for tolerance induction in autoimmune disease models.

Autoimmune diseases results from a harmful reaction of the immune system against certain cells or cell components of the patient. For example, in multiple sclerosis, misguided T lymphocytes recognize central nervous system myelin sheet antigens and mount a chronic inflammatory and destructive reaction against it. To initiate an immune reaction properly, T lymphocytes are dependent on specialized antigen-presenting cells: the dendritic cells, which are able to either license or prevent an adaptive immune response. Dendritic cells deliver various so-called costimulatory and third signals (based on cell cell interactions and cytokines respectively) that are required for optimal T cell activation and differentiation. This is also the case for autoimmune reactions. These signals can therefore be manipulated using blocking reagents. Using this approach, it should be possible to retain the activity of a regulatory subset of T lymphocytes (Treg cells), which down-regulate auto-reactivity, as these Treg cells are less dependent on costimulation and are differently influenced by cytokines. This could result in long term effects, even after withdrawal of blocking reagents, and therefore in curative treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Date:1 Jan 2011 →  31 Dec 2016
Keywords:Autoimmunity