Control of T Helper Type 2 Responses by Dendritic Cells

Immunology Interest Group Seminar Series In my laboratory the focus will be on two main areas of research: (1) the mechanisms determining the commitment and plasticity of memory follicular helper CD4 T cells (Tfh) cells and their role in allergy, and (2) the roles that dendritic cell (DC) subpopulations play in the induction of T Helper 2 (Th2) responses to common allergens that trigger allergic asthma. Our data indicate that IL-4-committed Tfh cells are precursors of house dust mite (HDM)-specific Th2 cells and reveal an unexpected role of B cells and Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. In addition, new data show that airway exposure levels of endotoxin provide different protection against asthma and allergies in adults and infants and suggest that infants are more vulnerable to prime type 2 cell dominant responses to inhaled allergens in the presence of low dose endotoxin. Endotoxin induces different activation of DCs subpopulations in infant and adults, thus inducing different activation of allergen-specific T cell responses. Thus, the levels of environmental endotoxin during infancy are critical to fine-tune DC activation and protect from allergy.Air date: 2/15/2017 4:15:00 PM
Source: Videocast - All Events - Category: Journals (General) Tags: Upcoming Events Source Type: video