Project Details
Projekt
Defining the microenvironment for maintenance of CD8+ memory T cells in the bone marrow
Applicant
Dr. Fanny Edele
Subject Area
Immunology
Term
from 2009 to 2013
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 151655463
The induction of immunological memory is the basis for vaccine efficacy and efficient protection of the host from re-infection. During first exposure to pathogens, lymphocytes recognize infectious agents, proliferate and differentiate into effector cells, the majority of which die after the infection is cleared. A small population of cells become memory cells that require survival signals between initial and subsequent antigen exposure for their maintenance. The microenvironment and the cells providing these signals are not well defined. For CD8+ memory T cells, a member of the Tumor necrosis factor receptor family, 4-1BB provides an important survival stimulus. Our preliminary results show that radio-resistant, non hematopoietic stromal cells in mice are the source of 4-1BB ligand, maintaining CD8+ T cell memory. In my study I will: 1. track the rate of entry and survival/retention time of memory T cells in bone marrow, 2. study the nature of cell/cell interaction between memory cells and bone marrow cells and 3. mimic conditions for maintaining CD8+ memory T cell survival in vitro. Understanding how memory T cells are maintained will help in the design of vaccines that could give rise to long term immune protection.
DFG Programme
Research Fellowships
International Connection
Canada
