Detailed project information

Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for the immune system, because they can activate immune responses as well as induce tolerance. DCs form a heterogeneous population in which subsets can be discriminated based on differential gene expression, localization, and effector functions such as antigen presentation and cytokine production. This heterogeneity is crucial for the immune system because it results in differences in pathogen recognition, the type of immune response elicited, and the potential to induce tolerance. The molecular basis of the functional diversity in DCs is largely unknown, but we have clear evidence that these are determined by signal transduction pathways activated. My aim is to investigate signaling pathways in different DC subsets and determine their specific roles in DC subset homeostasis and effector functions. These studies will elucidate the molecular pathways that shape DC heterogeneity, will provide mechanistic knowledge on DC subsets in the immune response and tolerance induction, and will provide targets to manipulate these functions.