Regulation and function of the high affinity Fc receptor for IgE on dendritic cells in patients with allergic diseases
Thursday 16 April 2009
Project
Allergy is an important disease that affects a substantial proportion of the general population, and which has seen an increasing incidence during the past three decades. In the allergic response a strong immune reaction is induced by relatively low doses (< 1 mg/year) of allergens. One of the proposed mechanisms that makes the immune system so sensitive is the uptake of an antigen by dendritic cells through IgE on their cell membrane. Originally, this was shown to occur in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis, but recently this was demonstrated also for blood dendritic cells in atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma patients. Surprisingly, this was mediated through the high affinity receptor for IgE (FceRI), a receptor previously shown to be limited to mast cells and basophils.
In this project we want to examine the subtype of blood DC’s that express the FceRI. Moreover, in vitro the modulation of the expression of FceRI on mature and immature dendritic cells will be examined by cytokines and inflammatory meditors.
Techniques
Cell culture, in vitro differentiation of dendritic cells from blood monocytes and cord blood stem cells, ELISA, flowcytometry, cell proliferation assays, monocyte isolation from blood.
Duration
Due to the duration of the in vitro maturation system a 9 months period is preferred.
Contact
Dr. Edward Knol, tel 088 75 562 67, e.f.knol@umcutrecht.nl
More info
Website Dermatology Utrecht
back