Grants Awarded

Date of Award
December 2016

Amount of Award
$50,000

Layperson Summary
This project studies the role of ‘innate-like T cells’ in Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis. Innate like T cells are specialized white blood cells that regulate the immune system to ensure immune responses against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are effective, while preventing unhelpful immunity such as autoimmune disease and allergies. In Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, patients often experience symptoms that suggest the immune system may be poorly regulated. We have conducted preliminary studies that have identified defects in several groups of innate like T cells in patients with LCH that may impede their ability to properly regulate immunity and may therefore be a contributing factor to their condition. We propose studying these (and related) immune cells in greater detail to establish the nature of the defect, the likely impact on LCH and the potential for these cells to be targeted in novel immune based therapies.