Microbiota induced tonic type I interferons in the control of CTL responses to cancer, chronic and acute virus infections
Dendritic Cells (DC) are the crucial antigen presenting cells for the induction of cytotoxic T cell responses, but are also essential for the induction of peripheral CD8+ T cell tolerance. The activation state of the DC is the critical determinant that decides between these opposing functions. We have identified tonic levels of type I interferons which are induced by the commensal microbiota as important drivers of DC activation, which are indispensable for the induction of CTL responses. Going forward, we want to investigate how perturbations of the commensal flora affect tonic type I interferons and the capacity of DCs to prime and sustain efficient CTL responses to cancer and virus infections.
Dr. Hans Christian Probst & Prof. Dr. Hansjörg Schild
(Bilder: Universitätsmedizin Mainz)