Mechanisms of dendritic cell-induced T-cell tolerance [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Raymond Steptoe (Principal investigator)

Brief description Autoimmune diseases constitute a significant medical problem in the developed world and are increasing in incidence. Many control mechanisms exist in the body, but in people with genetic suceptibility to autoimmune disease, the mechanisms fail and the body's immune sytem attacks normal tissues or organs. We have developed a new approach to using the cells which train the immune system to re-educate the cells that would otherwise attack normal healthy tissues in autoimmune-prone individuals. These cells (dendritic cells) are genetically modified to express the molecular targets of the autoimmune response. This in turn switches off the response to these targets. In this project we will explore how these cells can be used to turn off cells of the immune system and if cells of the immune system in turn control the dendritic cell's ability to do this.

Funding Amount $AUD 314,773.48

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant