Rho-GTPase-dependent plasmacytoid dendritic cell seeding, retention and recruitment in vivo (A06)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 165054336

We propose a new scheme of pDC-migration: seeding from blood to peripheral tissues in steady-state and recruitment to site of inflammation by appropriate stimuli with peripheral tissues as pDC-reservoirs. First results indicate that pDCs are controlled by the Rho-family GTPase Cdc42, as Cdc42-ko pDCs display impaired recruitment. A specific focus will be given to the kinetic, route and interac-tion sequences of pDCs with other cells before they re-renter the circulation. Analyses of molecular mechanisms of turnover, proliferative capacity and homing will reveal the involvement of Cdc42 in pDC development, function and distribution.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 914: Trafficking of Immune Cells in Inflammation, Development and Disease
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Thomas Brocker; Dr. Susanne Stutte