Dendritic cells are potent and essential initiators of immune responses. This quality has begun to be harnessed for experimental use in human disorders and animal models. Though much information is coming to light about the nature of dendritic cell interactions with T and B cells, this remains a rapidly evolving field. Using stably marked, cultured dendritic cells, persistent survival and expansion of donor cells have been noted in vivo after I.V. administration. These expanding cells have been identified as B cells which represent a small (1 %) contaminating population in bone marrow derived dendritic cells, but which expand significantly after dendritic cell transfer to animals. Experiments will be performed to determine the nature of dendritic cell-B cell interactions which allow for both the survival and proliferation of these B-cells in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, the role of antigen will be dissected in this phenomenon. The potential impact of this donor B-cell expansion on concurrent T cell responses will be examined as well. The Kappler/Marrack laboratory is an ideal and stimulating environment in which to launch a research career. This laboratory, as well as the University of Colorado community, and the Department of Pediatrics have been very supportive of my goal to initiate a successful career as a physician scientist. As a pediatric hematologist/oncologist , I have the good fortune of working in a field that is tied closely to the basic sciences, and one that will benefit greatly from translational endeavors. My near term career path will involve ongoing basic research and study in order to improve my ultimate scientific productivity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
1K08AI050802-01A1
Application #
6547247
Study Section
Allergy & Clinical Immunology-1 (AITC)
Program Officer
Prograis, Lawrence J
Project Start
2002-06-15
Project End
2005-05-31
Budget Start
2002-06-15
Budget End
2003-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$126,090
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045
Jordan, Michael B; Mills, David M; Kappler, John et al. (2004) Promotion of B cell immune responses via an alum-induced myeloid cell population. Science 304:1808-10
Jordan, Michael B; Hildeman, David; Kappler, John et al. (2004) An animal model of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): CD8+ T cells and interferon gamma are essential for the disorder. Blood 104:735-43