Differentially expressed Dendritic cell surface molecules

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Dendritic cells are a very rare type of white blood cell which play a critical role in the initiation of the immune response. They are of particular interest to scientists interested in vaccination, as for a vaccine to work effectively, the vaccine must be presented to the rest of the immune system by the dendritic cell. It has only recently become apparent that there are several types of dendritic cell, and these different types of dendritic cell vary in their ability to present a vaccine to the immune system. We have already identified some proteins that are expressed on the surface of only one type of dendritic cell. We will explore the possible use of these proteins as a means of delivering a vaccine to only one type of dendritic cell. This project will also identify new genes that are expressed in some types of dendritic cells but not others. These new genes whose expression does differ amongst the dendritic cells are potential targets for manipulating the immune system and ensuring more efficient vaccination.