Role of T Regulatory Cells in Graft Versus Host Disease and Tumor Clearance

Project Description Narrative:

The researchers aim to establish the role of different regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) subsets in tumor killing and in the inhibition of graft-vs.-host disease. They will elucidate the contact-dependent mechanism(s) used by Tregs to suppress immune responses. The proposed projects will provide insights into how the T regulatory cells of the immune system help to control the progression of cancer. In addition, they will help to understand the mechanisms involved in the development of graft-vs.-host disease, a life-threatening complication of bone marrow transplantation.