Project B03
Induction of Antigen-specific Treg cell responses against airborne antigens
Background
Human antigen-specific Treg cell responses are poorly characterized, and our understanding of the physiological conditions leading to the generation of antigen-specific Treg cell responses as well as the Treg cell target antigens is largely incomplete. By employing our sensitive Antigen-Reactive T cell Enrichment (ARTE) technology, we earlier identified airborne particles, such as plant pollen, as major Treg cell target antigens in humans.
We hypothesize that the human respiratory tract is a major site for the generation of antigen-specific Treg cell responses. Especially antigens attached to inhaled particles, such as plant pollen, can potently induce antigen-specific Treg cell responses in humans. Thus, pulmonary application regimes of antigen-loaded particles could represent potent Treg cell vaccination strategies against allergens or autoantigens in human diseases.
Strategy
We use the ARTE technology to identify common human Treg cell target proteins derived from inhaled aeroantigens and define key features contributing to their Treg cell inducing capacity. We further use a murine transfer model, allowing to follow antigen-specific Treg cell reactions in vivo, and to test antigen formulations to optimize antigen-specific Treg cell generation in vivo.