This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.We hypothesize that dendritic cells (DCs), which are the most efficient antigen-presenting cells in the body are impaired. In this context, the Specific Aims of the current proposal are: 1) To determine the numbers, phenotype, function and microenvironmental localization of DC subsets in aged versus young mice: 2) To determine whether Flt3-Ligand and GM-CSF, cytokines which enhance DC numbers in vivo, stimulate enhanced antigen-specific B and T-cell responses in aged mice; 3) To determine whether Flt3-ligand and GM-CSF confer enhanced protection against influenza in aged mice. This research provides us with a better understanding of DCs in the control immune responses against influenza in the elderly. it should ultimately permit more effective use of DCs and their growth factors for vaccination of the elderly against influenza and other infections.
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