Molecular basis for growth factor surveillance in plasmacytoid dendritic cells
-
Project Leader
Dr Alexander David Barrow+61390356297
Project Details
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are rare cells that secrete large quantities of type-I interferon (IFN-I) in response to viral infections. Some viruses encode growth factors (GFs) to induce proliferative lesions that are required for host infectivity. We have found that some GFs can enhance IFN-I production by pDCs. These results suggest that GFs can synergise with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to enhance IFN-I secretion by pDCs. Alex’s group is interested in identifying how the GF and TLR signaling pathways intersect to enhance IFN-I secretion by pDCs to evoke effective anti-viral immunity.
Researchers
Dr Patrick Constantinescu, Research Officer
Alexander James Sedgwick, Masters student
Yuhan Sun, Masters student
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to Honours students to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.