Self-tolerance: Interactions between thymic stroma and dendritic cells

Project Details

The process by which the thymus maintains self-tolerance to peripheral tissue antigens has been a long-term puzzle for immunologists. Significant progress was made with the discovery of the AIRE locus and the associated ectopic expression of tissue-specific antigens by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) as a mechanism to delete self-reactive T cells and limit auto-immunity. Using our well-established model with ovalbumin (OVA) specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, we have previously defined a role for Aire in the transfer of tissue specific antigens from mTEC to dendritic cells for induction of thymic tolerance (Hubert FX et al. Blood 2011; 118(9): 2462-2472). In current work we are examining new cell signalling candidates to dissect the interactions between mTECs and dendritic cells in the thymus.

Researchers

Gayle Davey

Research Group

Heath laboratory: CD8 T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, self tolerance and immunity



Faculty Research Themes

Infection and Immunology

School Research Themes

Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Cellular Imaging & Structural Biology



Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Microbiology and Immunology

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