Grant: Operating Grant - PA: Regional Partnership Program : Manitoba

Induction of proper immune responses against invading bacteria and viruses is vital in clearance of infection. Deregulations of this host defense system account for a large number of immune disorders in Canada (eg. AIDS, cancers, allergy, autoimmune diseases, and graft rejections in transplantation). According to World Health Organization estimates, 480 millions people suffer from asthma or diabetes in 2005. At present, non-specific approaches that suppress both the de-regulated and proper immune responses essential to keep individuals against new infections are used. A better understanding of the basic mechanisms that regulate activation of the immune system will allow development of selective therapeutic approaches that turn on or off specific immune responses without interfering with the remaining human immune capacity. In order to manipulate immune responses in a specific manner, one needs to understand the basic mechanisms that regulate activation of the immune system. Here, we will define the parameters that determine the ability of a subset of blood cells (termed dendritic cells) to regulate different T cell functions. The results obtained in the study will allow us to generate a defined population of dendritic cells to control proper induction of T cell functions specifically. It will lead to novel immunotherapy for type I diabetes.