This course of is regulated by a receptor, known as CCR2, which binds molecules known as chemokines made by different cells within the contaminated tissue. The various ranges of CCR2-binding chemokines within the lung acts as a map, guiding the brand new dendritic cells to the precise location of the virus.
Caetano Reis e Sousa, senior writer and group chief of the Crick’s Immunobiology lab says: “Dendritic cells are like lookouts, strategically located in low numbers around the body. These low numbers are adequate for their role monitoring for an invader, but when infection strikes, they need to be reinforced. Our study shows that backup is rapid and comes from the potential reservoir of dendritic cell precursors in the bone marrow, in a process we’ve dubbed an ’emergency’ dendritic cell response.”
‘Backup’ is required as dendritic cells transport pathogenic materials from the contaminated lungs to lymph nodes the place the corresponding T cell that recognises the invader might be alerted to launch a focused assault. The extra dendritic cells, the extra materials that may be transported, that means a higher likelihood of discovering all the precise T cells.
The significance of this course of is demonstrated as, when the researchers blocked new dendritic cells travelling to the location of an infection, the mice initiated a weaker immune response to the virus. And when these mice had been contaminated for a second time, they weren’t as protected against re-infection.
“Understanding more about how the immune system works could help inform future treatments and vaccine design for a range of different infectious diseases,” provides Caetano. “For example knowing about this immune boost means we can now start to think about ways to harness the process.”
The researchers will proceed their work finding out the position and response of dendritic cells to an infection, in addition to in response to tumour formation.
Source: Eurekalert
