APC-CTL Interaction

Research in this laboratory is focused on achieving a mechanistic understanding of how the signals provided by antigen-presenting cells (APC) are integrated into the programmed response of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). These studies are primarily based on the use of in-vivo animal models in which key parameters of the APC-CTL interaction can be manipulated and the result on the activation, expansion, function, and persistence of CTL can be studied. Specific goals include elucidating the instructional program that guides CTL development, defining the role of CD4+ T cells in providing ?ehelp?f to CTL, and understanding how APC participate in the regulation of CTL activation versus tolerance. It is anticipated that these studies will provide fundamental insights into biology of CTL responses and allow for their strategic manipulation in vaccine and immunotherapeutic settings.