Scientists at NCCS are exploring mechanisms for enhancing immune tolerance for the purpose of increasing acceptance of transplants by the body. In particular, they are studying the role of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in increasing immune tolerance. It has been identified that the population of γδ T cells in the body increases with age and interestingly this is also one of the correlates with lower rate of success of transplant in aged population. Further studies are ongoing to verify these findings. Potential use of this research would be in developing therapeutics to increases chances of success in transplant cases.
Reference:
- IL-10 from marginal zone precursor B cells controls the differentiation of Th17, Tfh and Tfr cells during costimulatory blockade induced toleration, Immunology Letters, 2016, 170:52-63 (Article).
- IL-10 from marginal zone precursor B cell subset is required for costimulatory blockade induced transplantation tolerance, Transplantation, 2015, 99(9):1817-28 (Article).
- Phenotypic and functional plasticity of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in inflammation and tolerance, Rev Immunol. 2014, 33(6):537-58 (Article).
- NK cells are required for costimulatory blockade induced tolerance to vascularized allografts, Transplantation, 2012, 94(6):575-84 (Article).
- Distinct inflammatory signals have physiologically divergent effects on epigenetic regulation of Foxp3 expression and Treg function, American journal of Transplantation, (2011), 11(2):203-14 (Article).
Technology Readiness: TRL B1
Technology Status: Proprietary Know-how
Technology Availability:Know-how available for co-development and/or sponsored projects.