2018 participants
Jennifer Lumley
The immune system is the body’s defence against diseases such as cancer, and those caused by viruses and bacteria. Dendritic cells are a type of white blood cell that can activate and control immune responses. Manipulating these cells could potentially be used as a therapy to stimulate a stronger response against chronic viral infections and cancer, or to make a vaccine more effective.
Recent work has identified that a cell signal known as notch ligand enhances a specific type of dendritic cell, classical dendritic cell type 1. This type of cell is good at generating a strong immune response. However, it is not yet known in which body tissues notch ligand is found in. This project aims to determine whether notch ligand is found in human bone marrow, skin or spleen, allowing us to better understand dendritic cell development in the body and the opportunities for therapeutic manipulation.
Funding source: Newcastle University
Supervisor: Dr Venetia Bigley