Guest Speaker Seminar - Dr. Connie Krawczyk

Dr. Connie Krawczyk

Merck-Frosst Canada

"Shaping T-cell responses; the Power of Dendritic Cells"

Abstract

When directed appropriately, the immune response is a powerful system capable of eliminating potentially dangerous infections or malignancies. Effective immunity against diverse pathogens requires that responses be tailored to the type of infectious agent. The immune system achieves diversity, in part, by the differential activation/polarization of dendritic cells (DCs) in response to various pathogens. Differentially polarized DCs direct the differentiation of CD4 T helper cells in to distinct lineages, which is essential for pathogen control. Indeed, proper differentiation of Th cells is essential as overactive or misdirected immune responses can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, and non-productive immune responses limit the ability of the host to protect itself against pathogens and cancer. The generation and plasticity of CD4 T cell responses in vivo and the nature by which DC polarization influences these responses will be discussed, as well as novel molecular mechanisms which regulate DC activation and function.