Characterization, molecular bases and pathological relevance of the reciprocal interactions between human neutrophils and immunoregulatory/effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune system

Starting date
October 1, 2008
Duration (months)
12
Managers or local contacts
Cassatella Marco Antonio
Keyword
Neutrophils, NK cells, Dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, Cytokines

Our current research proposal will address the following main objectives:
  1. To characterize the biological and functional effects of autologous neutrophils and NK cells in co-cultures.
  2. To characterize the biological and functional effects of neutrophils and different subsets of circulating dendritic cells (DC) in co-cultures.
  3. To characterize the cross-talk among neutrophils, DC and NK cells, as well as to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms.
  4. To evaluate the existence of a cross-talk among neutrophils, DC and NK cells in selected chronic inflammatory, autoimmune or infectious diseases (already identified).
  5. To evaluate the existence of, and characterize, the biological and functional effects of neutrophils and CD4+/CD8+ T cells in co-cultures, in particular the antiapoptotic effects of T cells on neutrophils.
  6. To evaluate the existence and characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the “cross-talk” between:
    • neutrophils and Th17 cells;
    • neutrophils and Th1 cells.

Sponsors:

Funds: assigned and managed by the department

Project participants

Federica Calzetti
Technical-administrative staff
Marco Antonio Cassatella
Full Professor
Claudio Costantini
Martin Pelletier

Activities

Research facilities

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