Investigation Of Key Inflammatory Cells & Mediators In Zebrafish Larval Tailfin & Heart Repair/regeneration Following Resolution Of Inflammation

Severe infections can develop into a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks itself, leading to organ failure. However, paradoxically, this condition is also associated with a failure of the immune system to kill invading bugs. The mechanisms which lead to this maladaptive state remain unclear, which hampers the development of effective treatments. One group of immune cells, called 'dendritic cells', act as a vital link between the body's first line of defence (the 'innate immune system') and the slower but more specific 'adaptive immune system'. We have recently identified an apparently novel subset of dendritic cells that are expanded in both patients with infection and, especially so, those with life-threatening sepsis. The aim of this project is to gain a fuller understanding of this subset of dendritic cells, to establish their functional role and their relationship to more established subsets. We also want to determine how their function is altered in infection and sepsis, and explore whether their function can be improved. This project will provide new insights into the processes that lead to sepsis, and thus help develop novel therapies to reduce the mortality from this serious condition.