Objectif Dendritic cells (DC) are a heterogeneous family of leucocytes with important functions in immunity. Little is known about the role of distinct DC subtypes in vivo. In the mouse, a subset known as CD8alpha+ DC has been argued to represent a discrete DC lineage with specialised properties. These include a superior capacity for presenting exogenous antigens to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, which makes CD8alpha+ DC an attractive target in vaccination and tolerisation. However, it is unclear whether CD8alpha+ DC fulfill unique and non-redundant roles in the immune system. In addition, the reported restriction of CD8alpha+ DC to thymus and secondary lymphoid organs is hard to reconcile with their documented capacity to act as presenting cells for antigens outside those organs. Finally, CD8alpha+ DC have not been identified in humans, greatly restricting their use in immunotherapy. In this proposal, we exploit the recent finding that DNGR-1 (CLEC9A) acts as a new and specific marker for the CD8alpha+ lineage to address these issues. We will generate DNGR-1-Cre mice as a universal tool to manipulate gene expression in the subset. We will use such mice to render CD8alpha+ DC sensitive to toxic proteins that permit constitutive or transient ablation of the subset for functional studies. DNGR-1-Cre mice will further be used to express fluorescent proteins in CD8alpha+ DC, allowing tracing of the lineage in vivo, both in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. Finally, we will use the DNGR-1 marker to identify and characterise putative CD8alpha+ DC equivalents in humans. The results from this proposal will illuminate the function of CD8alpha+ DC across species and open the door for using this intriguing DC subset in immunotherapy of cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyautoimmune diseasesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyimmunotherapy Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-AG-LS6 - ERC Advanced Grant - Immunity and infection Appel à propositions ERC-2010-AdG_20100317 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institution d’accueil THE FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE LIMITED Contribution de l’UE € 2 499 998,20 Adresse 1 MIDLAND ROAD NW1 1AT London Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif Stéphane Maikovsky (Mr.) Chercheur principal Caetano Maria Pacheco Pais Dos Reis E Sousa (Dr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (2) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire THE FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE LIMITED Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE € 2 499 998,20 Adresse 1 MIDLAND ROAD NW1 1AT London Voir sur la carte Région London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif Stéphane Maikovsky (Mr.) Chercheur principal Caetano Maria Pacheco Pais Dos Reis E Sousa (Dr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée CANCER RESEARCH UK LBG Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 2 Redman Place E20 1JQ LONDON Voir sur la carte Région London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif Holly Elphinstone (Ms.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée