Objective
Allergic diseases result from an unbalanced response of the specific immune system, generating allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which mediate various clinical symptoms, such as immediate type hypersensitivity. The disease severity correlates with the activity of CD4+ T cells.
The existence of allergen-specific CD4+ Th2 cells, however, is not sufficient for allergy pathogenesis, since these cells are also found in healthy individuals. In contrast, allergen specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) occur at higher frequency than their effector counterparts in healthy individuals and are capable of suppressing proliferation and cytokine expression of Th1 and Th2 cells.
Tregs are defined on the basis of their function, in contrast to Th1 or Th2 cells, which are characterized by their gene products. The exact definition of the Tregs phenotype is therefore often difficult. Recent evidence revealed that also CD8+ Tregs contribute to peripheral tolerance.
However the contribution of these cells in allergic disease is unclear. We have preliminary evidence showing that CD8+ T cells play an important role in the allergen-specific responses. Aim of the proposal is to analyze the contribution of allergen-specific CD8+ T cells to the tolerance against allergens in healthy and allergic individuals.
Therefore the impact of allergen-specific, effector versus regulatory CD8+ T cells in allergen-driven immune reactions will be investigated along with their crosstalk to CD4 subsets and the antigen presenting cells.
We anticipate an advanced understanding of the cellular players in tolerance and pathogenesis of allergy and in turn new approaches in anti-allergic therapy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-5
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
DAVOS
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.